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Dynamics 365 Community / Forums / Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Archived) / XML and Excel spreadsh...
Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Archived)

XML and Excel spreadsheets

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Posted on by Community Member

Hi,

I have a business requirement to have client fill out an Excel Spreadsheet form with nice graphics and colors that will be used to push information into CRM 2011.  The problem is that the files that can be imported are CSV, XML, and a few other types, none of which are XLS format.  Is there a way I could overlay a nice cover over the XML template that CRM produces that maps to the cells underneath?  In this way, the client will see a nice interface, and not the simple xml spreadsheet that CRM exports.

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  • Verified answer
    MDoddio73 Profile Picture
    MDoddio73 1,910 on at

    Problem is that XML and CSV formats will not allow you to save the graphical content.

    Can I ask why the users are entering data in Excel and not directly into Dynamics CRM?

    My guess is it's either a training/user adoption issue, or a licensing issue.

    Either way, it's not going to be the easiest way. In my previous life I was an Excel nut. If this were 2002 I'd say "Do everything in Excel!"

    I'd recommend using VLOOKUP formulas to pass the data into a hidden worksheet (so it was formatted exactly the way the CRM Import tool will consume it), then when they save, use some VBA code to copy the data to a new worksheet, save as a CSV file with the name of the Entity you're importing it to, so CRM will auto map the file.

    But these days, we can't rely on Excel for data capture. It's too prone for error, hard to maintain (various copies going around the office) and limited data validations options. Don't get me wrong, I still think Excel is a great analysis tool, but we've moved beyond it in terms of data entry.

    Have you considered InfoPath or a .NET Web Portal? These are 2 options that allow external users or I-don't-like-using-CRM users an option for a more colorful, custom UI without the headaches of manually importing csv files. They also allow for more sophisticated data validation and the ability to utilize .NET/XML to submit the data via the CRM API in real time.

    Yes, these require some dev work, so if you're looking for a quick and cheap solution, this ain't gonna fly...

  • Verified answer
    Gustaf Westerlund Profile Picture
    Gustaf Westerlund on at

    Hi,

    I Think that the concept of an overlap is probably a bit hard, but it is really a matter of excel logic. What you probably could do is to create some kind of excel macro that copies the data from the XLS file to an XML-Excel-file which can then easily be imported to CRM.

    Another option if you have more developer Resources is to create a VSTO addon in Excel that automatically from Excel exports the data from the excel sheets to CRM by using a button. It can validate the data Before this as well. It will require some development but would be very useful for the users as they would fill in the data and press the button, which would upload the data, nothing more need to be done.

    I hope I have given you some ideas anyway.

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