The Bulk Updater Automation provides users with an efficient way to manage considerable amounts of information into sections across multiple projects in Filevine. This shortens the time when editing the same information type on various projects.
To achieve this, it uses CSV files with supported field data. These files follow a specific data format. For every Bulk Updater Automation function, there is a format to follow. This automation receives a function first, then receives data via CSV files, interprets the CSV files' format, and edits the information as a result. It follows this order:
- Update form fields and project details.
- Manage collection items.
- Reduce repetitive data entry.
- Reduce time consumption and increase consistency.
How It Works
The Bulk Updater Automation executes one of the available functions. While those functions define the bulk operation type, the CSV file must follow a specific layout and formatting depending on the selected function.
These different automation functions are shortened to either add or create data. They depend as well on section elements where changes are to occur. The CSV formats must specify the projects, fields, and data to work on. As a result, Bulk Updater Automation interprets and applies information changes.
How to Trigger the Bulk Update Import Section
The Bulk Updater Automation execution occurs in the Bulk Update Import section. Before activating this automation, the section must be triggered. Follow these steps to activate the Bulk Update Import section:
1. Log in to Filevine.
2. Click Project Hub, then select a project.
3. Click Manage Sections.
4. Turn on the Bulk Update Import toggle.
5. Click Save.
When triggering the Bulk Update Import section, a new section will be shown on the project dashboard.
Here's an interactive tutorial
How to Access the Bulk Updater Automation
Follow these steps to access the Bulk Updater Automation:
1. Log in to Filevine.
2. Click Project Hub.
3. Select a project.
4. Click on the Bulk Update Import section.
The Bulk Update Import dashboard is shown after entering the automation section.
Here's an interactive tutorial
Bulk Updater Import Section Dashboard
Once in the Bulk Updater Import section, click on the + Add an Item button to open this tool. You will find the following options:
| 1. CSV Import button. 2. Functions dropdown menu. 3. Bulk Update Import section. 4. List Append button. |
5. File to Load field. 6. Section Selector field. 7. Generate CSV button. 8. CSV Template field. |
Bulk Updater Automation Functions
The following table contains the available functions the Bulk Updater Automation could execute:
| Function | Explanation |
| update_form | Updates existing form data within a project, such as modifying field values in standard or custom forms. |
| update_project | Edits project data, including project name, tags, dates, or assigned users. |
| create_project | Creates a new project with specified attributes like team, section, project type, and initial form values. |
| create_collection_item | Adds a new item to a collection section within a specified project. |
|
update_collection_item |
Modifies existing collection items inside a project, such as updating text, status, or date fields. |
| delete_collection_item | Removes an existing collection item from a project. |
| update_contact | Updates fields for an existing standard contact in the system. |
| update_custom_contact | Updates fields on a custom contact within a specific project. |
| create_custom_contact | Creates a custom contact and links it to a specific project. |
| create_note | Adds an entry note to a project’s Notes section. |
| create_task | Creates a new task within a project, including assignee, due date, and description. |
How to Trigger the Bulk Updater Automation
Below are the steps to trigger the Bulk Updater Automation:
Step 1. Select a Function for the Bulk Updater Automation.
Step 2. Add an Item to the List Append (optional).
Step 3. Upload a CSV file.
Step 4. Enter the Section Selector.
Step 5. Create the Trigger for the Bulk Updater Automation.
Step 1. Select a Function of Bulk Updater Automation
Follow these steps to select a function of the Bulk Updater Automation:
1. Log in to Filevine.
2. Click Project Hub, then select a project.
3. Click on the Bulk Update Import section.
4. Click + Add an Item.
5. Click the Functions field.
6. Select a function from the dropdown.
Here's an interactive tutorial
Step 2. Add an Item to the List Append Field (Optional)
Follow these steps to add an item to the List Append:
1. Click on the Bulk Update Import section.
2. Click + Add an Item.
3. Click on the +Add Item button.
4. Enter the Field Selector.
Repeat these steps until the desired number of items is appended.
Here's an interactive tutorial
Step 3. Upload a CSV File
You can upload a CSV file in two different ways, depending on its source. You may either upload a new CSV file from your computer or select an existing CSV file directly from Filevine.
Upload a CSV File from the Computer
Follow these steps to upload a new CSV file:
1. Click on the Bulk Update Import section.
2. Click + Add an Item.
3. Click on the upload icon.
4. Upload a new CSV file.
Here's an interactive tutorial
Upload a Selected CSV from Filevine
Follow these steps to upload a CSV file from Filevine:
1. Click on the Bulk Update Import section.
2. Click + Add an Item.
3. Click on the Attach a Project Doc field.
4. Select a CSV file.
Here's an interactive tutorial
The selected file will be shown on File to Load with a chevron down icon . Some important options include:
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Step 4. Enter a Section Selector
In this step, enter the corresponding Section Selector to the section with the data that requires editing. The Section Selector must be associated with the Project Type where the import is performed. If the automation function update_project is selected, the section selector is not required. These are the steps:
1. Click on the Bulk Update Import section.
2. Click + Add an Item.
3. Click on the Section Selector field.
4. Enter a Section Selector.
Here's an interactive tutorial
Find further information about the Section Selectors in the article: How to Get Selectors and Field Codes.
Step 5. Activate and Trigger the Bulk Updater Automation
After completing the previous 4 steps, it is time to create and trigger the Bulk Updater Automation:
1. Click Create.
2. From the Bulk Update Import menu, select the created Bulk Update.
3. Click on the Csv Import button.
4. Click Start Taskflow.
5. Refresh the window.
Here's an interactive tutorial
The created Bulk Update shows the message Activated by [User Name], on [Date] at [Time] confirming the action was successful. The Activity section also displays a message if an error occurs during the process.