Import Errors - Fix CSV Import Problems

Overview

This guide helps you troubleshoot and fix common CSV import errors in UniAsset. Following the proper format and using the Preview feature will help ensure successful imports.

File Requirements

Before importing, ensure your CSV file meets these requirements:

Required Columns

Every import file must include these columns:

Categories are automatically created if they don't exist.

Optional Columns

Common Import Errors

"Unauthorized - only OWNER and ADMIN can import assets"

Cause: Your user role doesn't have import permissions.

Solution: Contact your organization's Owner or an Admin to perform the import.

"File size exceeds maximum of 1024KB"

Cause: Your file is larger than 1 MB.

Solution:

1. Split your data into multiple smaller files
2. Remove unnecessary columns
3. Compress very long text fields

"File must be a CSV"

Cause: The file isn't in CSV format.

Solution:

1. If using Excel, use "Save As" and select "CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)"
2. If using Google Sheets, use File → Download → Comma Separated Values
3. Don't rename other file types to .csv

"CSV file is empty or has no data rows"

Cause: The file only has headers or is completely empty.

Solution:

1. Add at least one row of data below the header row
2. Verify your data is on the first sheet if using Excel

"Asset name is required"

Cause: One or more rows have an empty name field.

Solution:

1. Fill in the name column for all rows
2. Remove any completely blank rows

"Category is required"

Cause: One or more rows have an empty category field.

Solution:

1. Fill in the category column for all rows
2. Don't leave category blank even if you want a default

"Serial number already exists"

Cause: A serial number in your import already exists in your organization.

Solution:

1. Check for duplicate serial numbers in your file
2. Verify the asset doesn't already exist in UniAsset
3. Use unique serial numbers or leave the column empty

"User with email not found in organization"

Cause: The assignedUserEmail doesn't match any user in your organization.

Solution:

1. Verify the email address is spelled correctly
2. Ensure the user has been invited and accepted their invite
3. Leave the field empty to not assign the asset

"Location not found"

Cause: The assignedLocationName doesn't exactly match an existing location.

Solution:

1. Create the location in UniAsset first
2. Use the exact location name (case-sensitive)
3. Leave the field empty to not assign a location

Best Practices for Successful Imports

1. Download and Use the Template

Click "Download Template" on the import page to get a properly formatted CSV file. This ensures your columns are correct.

2. Always Use Preview First

Before importing, use the Preview feature to:

• Catch errors before they happen
• See which assets will be created
• Identify categories that will be auto-created (marked as "new")
• Review the total count of assets

3. Format Your Data Correctly

• Dates: Use YYYY-MM-DD format (e.g., 2024-01-15)
• Numbers: Don't include currency symbols (use 1299.99 not $1,299.99)
• Text with commas: Wrap in quotes (e.g., "Dell Inc, USA")
• Empty values: Leave completely empty, don't use "N/A" or "null"

4. Handle Special Characters

• Column names are case-insensitive (name/Name/NAME all work)
• Values with commas must be quoted
• Remove smart quotes (" ") and use straight quotes (" ") only
• Avoid special characters in serial numbers

5. Check Your Source Data

Before exporting from another system:

• Verify all required fields have data
• Check for hidden rows or columns
• Ensure dates are in a consistent format
• Remove any formulas (convert to values)

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Use Preview - Always preview before importing to catch errors

2. Fix one row - If multiple errors appear, fix one row completely first to understand the pattern

3. Remove optional columns - If you're having trouble, start with just name and category

4. Check encoding - Save as "UTF-8" if special characters aren't importing correctly

5. Start small - Test with 5-10 rows first, then import the rest

Still Having Issues?

If imports continue to fail:

1. Download our template and copy your data into it
2. Try importing just 2-3 rows to isolate the problem
3. Contact support with your CSV file and the exact error message