How do I create an account import file?

Your administrator can import your account data into DNBi. The first step is to determine what account data you want to import into DNBi (see “What account data can I import into DNBi?”). Then you need to extract this data from your A/R system into a file. File requirements are as follows:

  • The file must be in Excel or text format. Fields in text files must be separated with a single delimiter (e.g., comma (,), asterisk (*), or pipe (I)).
  • Each account record in the file must be on one line.
  • Fields can be in any order, but field order must be consistent across all records in the file.
  • Field names in the first record (header record) are not required but are STRONGLY recommended so DNBi can auto-map fields in the import file.
  • Non-blank fields must contain ASCII text characters.
  • Account Number and Business Name are required fields.
  • Account Number should be unique in the file.

A few examples of valid account files are shown in the table below:

Delimiter

Record Number

Fields

Pipe (I)

1 (header)

Account Number|Business Name|Street|City|State|Zip Code

2

123|BMG Enterprises|333 Main St.|Boston|MA|02130

Asterisk (*)

1 (header)

Account Number*Business Name*Street*City*State*Zip Code

2

123*BMG Enterprises*333 Main St.*Boston*MA*02130

Comma (,)

1 (header)

Account Number,Business Name,Street,City,State,Zip Code

2

123,BMG Enterprises,333 Main St.,Boston,MA,02130

Once you’ve created your import file, simply select the A/R Data File option in DNBi administration, upload your account file, and follow the on-screen directions.