Collecting and Recording Data

Before importing new configuration data into the system database, ensure that you have gathered sufficient information.

Collecting Data

Most forms have mandatory fields that require data. For example, the User and Device Configuration form requires a Directory Number and a Device Type for each user or device record. The following additional data is not necessary to complete the import, but is highly recommended:

You can collect this information and enter it in the Import Spreadsheet, or in your own spreadsheet file. However, for verification and formatting purposes, entering data in the Import Spreadsheet is easiest.

If you are not using the Import Spreadsheet to collect user and device data, proceed to saving an existing spreadsheet for import.

Recording Import Data Using the Import Spreadsheet

The Import Spreadsheet consists of a series of worksheets, each corresponding to a configurable form. Four worksheets are displayed by default: three for formsUser and Device Configuration, Key assignment, and Telephone Directory—and the fourth for creating additional worksheets for other forms.

The User and Device Configuration and Telephone Directory worksheets allow you to enter programming data for as many users as your system supports; however, by default, the worksheets display 50 rows. If you wish to add more than 50 users, click Add 50 Records. The spreadsheet adds 50 more rows with the same default column values.

To record data for import:

  1. Obtain a copy of the Import Spreadsheet form.

  2. Ensure that the Platform type is set correctly and that the synchronization mode is set to RDN Synchronization via SDS (required for all MCD Release 4.1 and later systems).

  3. Open the Import Spreadsheet and click Enable Macros if prompted.

  4. Follow the instructions on the All Forms worksheet to create the required worksheets.

  5. Enter data into the worksheet(s).

  6. Click Save for Import to save the worksheet.

  7. Proceed to Creating an Import File.

Recording Import Data in .CSV File Format

If you want to save an existing spreadsheet file in .CSV Comma Separated Values. A type of spreadsheet or database file that separates data fields with a comma. format, ensure that you have collected sufficient data (see above), then see Saving an Existing Spreadsheet for Import.