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3.9. How do I import my contacts from Outlook and other programs?

Q:  How do I import my contacts from Outlook and other programs?

 

A:  To import your contact from a program other then QuickBooks you'll need to be able to export your contacts as a delimited text file or a .csv (comma separated values) file.  If your program will do that then follow the directions below to bring them into EstiMate 2.

 

Delimited text files are just text files containing database information such as contact information, separated ("delimited") by a character uncommon in the text file, such as a tab or a comma. These fields are often also further demarked by a "separator" such as a quote (") character.

 

To begin importing your contacts from a text "delimited" or comma separated value file:

 

• NOTE:  You must first export you contacts as a text or comma separated value file from your other program (i.e. Outlook, ACT, etc.).  While instructions on creating your delimited file are beyond the scope of this discussion, a recommended program for this is Microsoft Excel.

• Click the Configure And Mange tab, and the "Import Contacts" button.

• If you've exported your contacts already click the "Select File" button to locate and open the file for importing.

• On the next screen you'll need to select the delimiter your file uses, comma, tab, or other.  If you use an "other" delimiter a box will appear for you to enter your one-character delimiter.

• Next, enter your separator (if you have one). Usually this will be blank or a quote character ("). 

• Play around with these settings until it looks good in the grid.

• If you want to use the first row as your "header" row, check the box. Often the first row will be a list of field names (Company | Customer | Phone, etc.), and you won't want to import it, but it's also very helpful if you do have a row of headers/columns).

• When everything looks right in the list of contacts below place a check mark in the box next to each customer you want to import, or just click the Select All link, and click the Next button.

• Now you will need to select which fields (from your customer file) you want to map to each of the fields present in an EstiMate customer record (left column).

• To select one of your fields click the box to the right of the EstiMate field and select it from the drop-down list.  When you are finished click the Next button.

• Click the drop-down box under "Import these contacts as", and you'll have the choice of either Customers or Vendors.  (Make sure you select the right one for what you have in your export file).

• When you're ready click the "Import Now" button.

• When it's finished EstiMate will tell you how many contacts have been Added, Merged, or Skipped.

• Click the OK button to close the window.