Streamline Supplier Data Import to Shopify with Google Sheets
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Setting up a Regular Import from Your Supplier
- Mapping the Supplier Data to the Excel File
- 3.1 Creating a Supplier Mapping File
- 3.2 Importing Data from the Supplier
- 3.3 Preparing the Excel File Template
- Importing and Updating Data
- 4.1 Importing the Data from the Supplier
- 4.2 Updating the Data with a New Supplier File
- 4.3 Automating the Import Process
- Enhancing Automation with Google Sheets Link
- Additional Tips and Tricks
- 6.1 Dealing with Duplicated Images
- 6.2 Using the Image Commit Command
- Conclusion
Setting up a Regular Import from your Supplier File
Importing data from your supplier on a regular basis can be a time-consuming task. However, with the right setup, you can easily repeat the import process again and again. This article will guide you through the steps of how to set up a regular import from your supplier file and automate the process for maximum efficiency.
Mapping the Supplier Data to the Excel File
Before you can import the data from your supplier file, you need to map it to the Excel file format. This involves creating a supplier mapping file and mapping the supplier data to the appropriate fields in the Excel file. By doing this mapping once, you can easily repeat the process each time a new supplier file is received.
To create the supplier mapping file, start by creating a new sheet in Google Sheets. Name it something like "Supplier Mapping." This sheet will contain two main sheets: the data sheet and the product sheet.
The data sheet is where you will import the data from the supplier file. You can do this by using the file import function in Google Sheets. Simply upload the CSV file provided by your supplier, choose the option to replace the data, and let Google Sheets detect and import the data automatically.
Once you have the source data imported, it's time to prepare the Excel file template. Download the template file from the Excel file app and copy all the titles from the template to the supplier mapping sheet. Freeze the first row so that you can scroll through the data easily.
Now, you can start using formulas to grab the data from the data sheet and map it to the Excel file template. For example, if the SKU is saved in a variant SKU column in the Excel file format, you can use the formula "=data!A2" to fetch the SKU values from the data sheet. Similarly, you can use formulas to map other fields like name, price, quantity, and images.
Importing and Updating Data
After mapping the supplier data to the Excel file, you can now import the data and update it as needed. To import the data from the supplier, upload the new file using the file import function in Google Sheets. Choose the option to replace the data and let Google Sheets import the updated data.
To automate the import process, you can schedule repeated imports from the supplier file. Set the frequency of the imports, such as every day, and let Google Sheets automatically import the data from the supplier file. This way, you don't have to manually upload the file each time.
Enhancing Automation with Google Sheets Link
If your supplier provides a link to their data file instead of sending the file itself, you can further automate the import process. In Google Sheets, use the "=importdata()" formula to import the data directly from the link. This allows you to automate the import process entirely, without the need for manual file uploads.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Dealing with Duplicated Images: Sometimes, your supplier may provide multiple images for a single product in different columns. To import all the images, use the "join" formula in Google Sheets to combine the image links in the same cell, separated by a semicolon. This ensures that all the images are imported correctly.
- Using the Image Commit Command: If you encounter duplicated images, you can use the "image commit" command in the image SRC column. This command replaces the existing images with the new ones, avoiding duplication and ensuring accuracy in the import process.
Conclusion
Setting up a regular import from your supplier file and automating the process can greatly improve efficiency and save time. By mapping the supplier data to the Excel file, importing and updating the data, and enhancing automation with Google Sheets, you can streamline the import process and focus on other important tasks. Use the additional tips and tricks to overcome any challenges and make the import process seamless and effective. With this setup, you can easily repeat the import process and stay updated with the latest data from your supplier.
Highlights:
- Learn how to set up a regular import from your supplier file in a repeatable manner.
- Map the supplier data to the Excel file format for easy import and updating.
- Automate the import process and schedule repeated imports from the supplier file.
- Enhance automation by using Google Sheets links to import data directly.
- Overcome challenges like dealing with duplicated images and image updates in the import process.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use this method with suppliers who provide a link to their data file?
A: Yes, you can use the "=importdata()" formula in Google Sheets to directly import data from a link provided by your supplier.
Q: What happens if my supplier sends an updated file with new data?
A: You can simply upload the new file using the file import function in Google Sheets, choose to replace the data, and the updated data will be imported automatically.
Q: How can I avoid duplicating images during the import process?
A: Use the "image commit" command in the image SRC column to replace existing images with new ones, ensuring no duplication occurs.
Q: Can I automate the import process to run on a regular schedule?
A: Yes, you can schedule repeated imports from the supplier file in Google Sheets, eliminating the need for manual file uploads.
Q: What if I need to make manual changes to the imported data in Shopify?
A: By deleting the columns you don't want to change or import in the supplier mapping file, you can ensure that only the specified columns are updated during the import process.
