How to Import Excel CSV with Leading Zeros

When importing or exporting files to and from Restaurant365, the required excel file format is CSV (Comma Delimited). In this file type, Excel will automatically delete leading zeros (a string of numbers that starts with at least one zero, i.e., 00123) causing inconsistency between R365 and the data in Excel.

The above Vendor Item Number contains leading zeros.

CSV files opened in Excel will have any leading zeros automatically removed.

If this file is imported as a New AP invoice transaction, the Vendor Item number will not be recognized, and a ‘Missing Item’ tab will appear and require that the Item number be assigned to an item before the transaction can be approved. If this approach is taken, a new Vendor Item will be created resulting in redundancy issues.

To avoid this issue, change the column data type to ‘Text’. By doing this, Excel will allow the leading zeros to remain as part of the number.

After setting the data type to text in the 'Vendor Item Number' column, save the file as a CSV and then perform the import.

If the plan is to save the file and enter more data in later before performing the import, save the Excel file as a text file (txt) so that when the file is reopened, the leading zeros will remain.

This same concept applies to other types of imports, including creating new items and new balances. Be sure to use the correct template for the import type you are performing.