Help, how to topics > Add Data, Import > How to import inventory data from text and spreadsheet files?





You can import records from a text file where fields are delimited/separated by special characters (tab, comma, or another character). This topic explains how to import data from an excel table.

Importing from an excel table:

  1. Add a new row at the top of your table and enter field names that are used in Handy Equipment/Tool Manager. The row with field names will simplify the importing procedure. You will not have to define the import mapping.
  2. Save your excel table as a text tab delimited file (using tab as a delimiter is safe option, you don't have tab characters in the table content).
  3. In Handy Equipment/Tool Manager open Add Inventory Items window.
  4. Start import from text file procedure.
  5. Select the text tab delimited file (created in 2.)
  6. Select import options.
  7. Start import.
  8. Verify new items.
  9. Move new items to the inventory main catalog.


  1. On the top of your excel table add one row and enter data field names that are used by Handy Equipment/Tool Manager.
  2. In this case the following names were entered into the corresponding columns: ITEM_NAME, BARCODE, CATEGORY, MANUFACTURER, MODEL, MODELNR, STATUS, PURCHASED, COST

  1. Save your excel table as a text tab delimited file.
  2. Click Save As, select Other Formats.

  1. In the Save As type box select Text (Tab delimited). Your file will be saved as a text file and data will be delimited by tab character.

  1. Enter your name into the File Name box. Click Save.

  1. Start Handy Equipment/Tool Manager, on the Add Items/Patron tab click Add Inventory Items.

  1. On the Add Items tab click Add Items From Text File.

  1. Click Select.
  2. Select the text file that you created in Excel.
  3. Content of the selected file is displayed in the Text File Contents box.
  4. Click Next.

  1. Under Fields Separated By select TABs.
  2. Under Fields Delimited By select Nothing.
  3. In the Import Fields section check First Line Contains Field Names.
  4. Click Preview On Screen, verify 3 imported records.
  5. Click Next.

  1. Click Start Import.
  2. Verify the number of records.
  3. Click Close.

  1. New items are added into the Inventory New table.
  2. Verify your items, add missing data.

When your items are ready for circulations move them to your main inventory catalog.

If you want the program to generate unique barcode numbers for you, do not enter barcode values into the barcode field.


Data field names used in the Inventory New table (use the same names in the first row in your spreadsheet table):

ID - don't use it
DATE_ADDED
ITEM_NAME
TYPE
CATEGORY
STORAGE
MANUFACTURER
MODEL
MODELNR
DESCRIPTION
SUPPLIER
CONTACT
NOTES
IMAGE
USER1
USER2
USER3
USER4
USER5
USER6
USER7
BARCODE
ITEM_NOTES
LOCATION
SERIAL
COST
PURCHASED
STATUS
CONDITION
PRINT - don't use it

Don't use BARCODE field if you want the program to create unique barcode numbers for your items

You need at least one data field to create your inventory: ITEM_NAME





We offer Handy Library Manager application for libraries that includes the same import functionality. In addition, you can find more how-to and sample topics in the Handy Library-Import-Auto-Cataloging help section.

 library software packages (included with handy e-t software):

school library
church library
non-profit org. library
business library
community library
small public library

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