Create channels with a spreadsheet

This spreadsheet is used to configure channels for importing interval data.

Setup spreadsheets save time and let you create multiple items at once.

  • The menu displays spreadsheets matching your permissions.
  • Always download a new spreadsheet before you begin adding data because the spreadsheet is populated with information from your database. 
  • To avoid errors when creating different objects refer to the required upload order.
  • To save time when creating many objects, select from the drop-down menu and then copy and paste the value into the other rows.

Format rules

  • Enter all information as text or dates.
  • You can add sheets to the notebook,  only the sheet named DataEntry is processed.
  • Do not rename, remove, or rearrange columns.

Download the create channels spreadsheet

In the Create dialog, choose Setup Spreadsheets.

  1. From the Setup Spreadsheets Log, click Download.
  2. Under Create Spreadsheets, choose Channels.
  3. Download the spreadsheet.
  4. The name format is yyyymmdd-CREATE_Channels.xlsx.
  5. Add your information and save.
  6. Use Import to upload your spreadsheet.
  7. The Setup Spreadsheets Log reports the results and any errors. You can download the error (kickout) spreadsheet from the hyperlink, fix any errors, and upload the error sheet.

Permissions

The ability to create objects is determined by user role and any limits placed on the user's topmost place or topmost cost center.

Maximum length for codes and names

The column header lists the maximum length for each attribute. When entering data, a red cell indicates the name or code exceeding the specified length. If you upload the spreadsheet without fixing the cell, the row fails to process and an error spreadsheet is created.

Prerequisites

Before creating a channel, the meter must exist.

Create channels spreadsheet details

Column Rules
Meter Code Enter the meter code.
Channel Import ID Optional. When importing interval data, the processor first searches for a matching channel import ID, if one is not found, it then searches for a matching meter import ID. See the Channel Data diagram to review importing interval data terminology.
Interval Choose an item from the drop-down. If your interval isn't listed choose the closest option.
Channel Type Choose an item from the drop-down.
Channel Description Add an optional description.
Channel Version Effective Date This column is left blank when you are creating a new channel.
Channel Multiplier Is a multiplier needed for this data? If yes, enter it here. If blank the field defaults to 1.
Output Unit

Choose an item from the drop-down.

*To save time when creating multiple objects, after you choose an entry from a drop-down you can copy and paste it into subsequent rows rather than accessing the drop-down each time.
Odometer or Trip Choose from the drop-down.
Maximum Reading Only needed for odometer channels. Enter the rollover value. The highest value accepted is 9,999,999,999. Enter whole numbers only.

Example