Data Import

Human resource management systems should provide functionality to allow a user to import data into the systems database. Systems may provide multiple ways for data to be imported.

Data imports are used when migrating between systems, allowing the new system to be automatically populated with the information held by the previous system. They are also used in day-to-day activities where bulk data has been prepared externally. In some cases, this data may have been exported from another system (e.g. a payroll system) and updates the data in the system it is imported into.

Data imports require a knowledge of the structure and data types used within a systems database. Users should be able to perform simple data imports although a consultant may be required where a complex structure must be understood.

A system may treat the data within an import with a higher level of trust than that entered by a user manually. This means that if the data has been poorly prepared it may not comply with the business logic of the system which may cause errors. A systems vendor will be able to provide guidance on importing data.