Overview
dBot automates the tedious parts of data preparation. Whether you have a messy spreadsheet or a list where names and addresses are jammed into one column, dBot can clean and reformat your data into a structured CSV file, ready for thedatabank’s self-import tool.
Prerequisites
You must have Import Contacts - Upload permissions on your user account to complete this process. If you do not see this option, please contact your databank administrator or thedatabank's support team to request access.
How it Works: Step-by-Step
- Launch dBot: Open dBot by clicking on the robot icon located in the top right corner.
- Input Data: Click on paper clip icon to upload your file or paste your raw data directly into the tool.
- Provide Context: Optionally, use plain English to describe your data (e.g., “These are event guests please split the names and remove the ticket number column”).
- Review and Download: dBot will generate a cleaned CSV file. Review the summary of changes provided by dBot to ensure accuracy.
- Proceed to Import: Click Continue to Field Mapping button to send your cleaned file to the import tool.
- Finalize: You will land on the standard databank import mapping screen. Review your field mapping and finalize the import as you would with any self-service upload.
What dBot Cleans
- Name Parsing: Splits full names into distinct Title, First, Middle, Last, and Suffix columns.
- Address Parsing: Separates addresses into Street, Address 2, City, State, Zip, and Country.
- Standardized Headers: Maps columns to the field names the databank’s import tool expects.
- CSV Formatting: Ensures proper handling of commas, quotes, and special characters.
- Summary Reporting: Provides a plain English summary of changes and flags rows that could not be parsed.
Data Fields & Safety Limitations
dBot maps to standard fields, including:
Title, First, Middle, Last, Suffix, Company, Address, Address2, City, State, Zip, Country, Email, Home Phone, Work Phone, Mobile Phone, Website, Note
Note on Record ID's
For safety, dBot will not create, guess, or map record ID columns. Importing against internal IDs carries a risk of overwriting existing records. If you need to perform an update using existing record IDs, please use the standard self-service import tool directly located from the Contact dropdown menu.
Tips for Success
- Include Header Rows: If possible, include a header row in your source file to help dBot identify columns.
- Context Matters: Use descriptive prompts like, "This column is for employer information" to get better results.
- Batch Size: Keep imports to a reasonable size to ensure optimal processing. If you have a massive list, split it into smaller batches.
- Verification: Treat dBot’s output as a "smart first pass." Always read the summary report and check any rows dBot flags as unparsable.
- The Safety Net: Remember, no data is added to your database until you complete the final step on the import mapping/review screen. Always preview your records there before finalizing.
Need Help?
If you experience any difficulties while attempting to import your data or if you are unable to find the import-prep option, please know that our dedicated support team is available to help you resolve these issues promptly. We understand that technical challenges can be frustrating, and we are committed to providing you with the assistance you need to ensure a smooth import process.
To reach out for support, please navigate to the Help dropdown menu and select the Support Request option. From there, you can contact the databank support team directly, who will guide you through the necessary steps or troubleshoot any problems you might be facing.
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