To import Vendor data from a .CSV file into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you'll need to use Data Exchange Framework, Configuration Packages, or Data Integration tools like RapidStart Services. Since the Vendor screen does not provide a direct CSV import button, you'll need to set up the import process manually or use a pre-built method to bring the data into Business Central.
Option 1: Using Configuration Packages (RapidStart Services)
This is the easiest and most common approach to import Vendor Data from a .CSV file.
Step 1: Prepare the CSV File
Step 2: Create a Configuration Package
-
Go to RapidStart Services in Business Central:
- Navigate to Tell Me (search bar) and search for Configuration Packages.
-
Create a New Configuration Package:
- Click + New.
- Provide a name for the package (e.g.,
VendorImport).
- In the Table ID field, add the table for vendors:
23 (Vendor Table).
-
Prepare the Fields for Import:
- Select the configuration package and click Fields.
- Enable the fields you want to import from your
.CSV file. For example:
No.NameVendor Posting GroupPayment Terms CodePhone No.
- Ensure that the fields in the package match the columns in your CSV file.
Step 3: Import the CSV File
-
In the Configuration Package, click Import from Excel.
- Convert your
.CSV file to Excel (.xlsx) format using Excel or another tool (Business Central requires .xlsx for this method).
-
Map the Fields:
- Import the Excel file into the configuration package.
- Map the columns in your file to the corresponding fields in the vendor table.
-
Validate the Data:
- Click Validate Package to ensure there are no errors in the imported data.
Step 4: Apply the Data
- Once validated, click Apply Package.
- The system will import the vendor data from your file into Business Central.
Option 2: Using the Data Exchange Framework (Custom Import Process)
If you need to import a CSV file directly (without converting to Excel), you can use the Data Exchange Framework to define the mapping and process.
Step 1: Set Up a Data Exchange Definition
-
Navigate to Data Exchange Definitions:
- Go to Tell Me and search for Data Exchange Definitions.
-
Create a New Data Exchange Definition:
- Define a Code and Description for the import process (e.g.,
VendorImportCSV).
- Set the file type to CSV.
-
Configure the Mapping:
- Define the mapping between the fields in your CSV file and the Vendor Table (23).
- Specify the delimiter (e.g.,
, for CSV).
Step 2: Create an Import Job
- Set up a Job Queue Entry or trigger the process manually for importing the file.
- Link the Data Exchange Definition to this job.
Step 3: Test the Import
- Upload the
.CSV file and verify the data is correctly imported.
Option 3: Using a Third-Party Data Import Tool or Extensions
If you’re looking for more advanced control or frequent imports:
- Use a third-party tool like Jet Reports, SmartConnect, or RapidStart Configuration Wizard.
- These tools allow advanced CSV/Excel import functionality with better field mapping, transformations, and automation.
Option 4: Manual Entry via Assisted Setup (For Small Data)
If your vendor data volume is small, use the Assisted Setup Wizard to create vendors manually:
- Navigate to Assisted Setup > Set Up Vendors.
- Follow the wizard to input vendor information step-by-step.
This method is not efficient for large data but works well for quick setups with only a few vendors.
Tips for Successful Import
-
Field Matching:
- Ensure your CSV file headers match the field names in the Vendor Table (23).
- Use consistent formatting (e.g., date formats, field lengths).
-
Validation:
- Always validate the data after import to catch errors or inconsistencies.
-
Backup:
- Backup your data in Business Central before applying the configuration package, as importing invalid data could cause issues.
-
Dependencies:
- Ensure that dependent data (e.g., Vendor Posting Groups, Payment Terms, etc.) already exists in the system before importing vendors.
Summary
The easiest and most efficient way to import vendor data into Business Central is through Configuration Packages (RapidStart Services). This method allows you to map fields, validate data, and handle imports with minimal manual intervention. For direct .CSV imports, the Data Exchange Framework provides flexibility.
