Can I Update Existing Records Using Import?
Yes, for data types that support it. AccuArk uses an upsert mechanism — when you import a row, the system checks whether a matching record already exists. If a match is found, the existing record is updated with the values from your file. If no match is found, a new record is created.
How It Works
Each data type that supports upsert has one or more match key fields. During import, AccuArk compares the match key values in your CSV against existing records in the database. If the key matches an existing record, the import updates that record rather than inserting a duplicate.
Data Types That Support Upsert
The following data types can update existing records during import:
- Inventory Items — matched by SKU
- Customers — matched by email address or phone number
- Vendors — matched by account number or vendor name
- Employees — matched by username
- Chart of Accounts — matched by account code
- Outstanding Bills — matched by vendor name and reference number
- Inventory Stock Levels — matched by SKU and location
- Categories — matched by category name
- Price Tiers — matched by SKU and tier name
Data Types That Do Not Support Upsert
The following data types always create new records. Importing the same file twice will result in duplicates:
- Opening Balances
- Bank Transactions
- Account Transactions
- Outstanding Invoices
- Serial Numbers
For these data types, be careful to import each file only once.
How to Tell What Will Happen
In Step 3 of the import wizard (the validation preview), each row displays a status:
- New — No matching record was found. A new record will be created.
- Update — A matching record was found. The existing record will be updated.
- Error — The row has a validation problem and will be skipped.
Review the status column carefully before clicking Import to confirm which records will be created and which will be updated.