Encountering errors during a bulk update can be frustrating. This guide helps you identify and resolve common issues.
Step 1: Review the Error Message
If your bulk upload fails, an error message will be displayed. If a reason for failure is provided, review your update process and ensure you have provided the right file / right information in the file.
Step 2: Common Data Formatting Errors
Incorrect Data Type: Ensure numbers are numbers, dates are dates, and text strings conform to expected formats. For example, a 'Head Count' field expecting a number should not contain 'N/A'.
Mandatory Field Missing: If a field is marked as 'Required' in the template's instructions but left blank for a business unit, the upload will fail. Double-check all required cells.
Invalid Dropdown Value: For fields like 'Level_X_Type', ensure you use values exactly as provided in the dropdown options. Typographical errors or custom values will cause failure.
Step 3: Hierarchy and Naming Errors
Non-Unique Names: Business unit names must be unique throughout the org chart. (e.g., if 'Child_X' already exists, creating another 'Child_X' on the same org chart will result in an error).
Orphaned Children: A child unit (e.g., in Level 3) must have its direct parent (in Level 2) defined in the same spreadsheet. If a parent is missing or misspelled, the hierarchy cannot be established.
References: If you are simply changing the position of a business unit, ensure the BU ID is moved as well, otherwise a new business unit would be created. This would be important for multi-year comparisons.
Circular References: Ensure you haven't created a loop where a unit is indirectly its own parent. The system should prevent this.
Step 4: Deletion Issues
Dependencies: Deleting a parent unit might automatically delete all its children if they are not re-assigned. Confirm this behavior in your instructions.
Step 5: File Encoding and Format Issues
Saving in Incorrect Format: Always save your file as an XLSX (.xlsx) document. Other spreadsheet formats (like CSV or older XLS) might not be supported or could cause data corruption.
Hidden Characters: Copy-pasting from other sources can introduce hidden characters. If individual cell entries are causing issues, try manually re-typing them.
Step 6: Using the Exported Template as a Guide
When in doubt, export the current organisation structure first. This provides a template that perfectly matches the system's expected format, often pre-filled with existing valid data. Use this as your base for modifications rather than starting from scratch.
Step 7: Contact Support
If you've reviewed these common issues and are still unable to resolve the error, gather the exact error message, a screenshot of the message, and your prepared XLSX file, and contact support for assistance.