Imports and exports
Import and export overview
Choose the right import or export, understand the access required, and follow each step from file checks through completion or recovery.
Updated August 9, 2026
Overview
Use imports to create or update many records from CSV files. Available types include employees, positions, assignments, job codes, Schedules for position FTE options, departments, pay rate adjustments, GL codes, department GL assignments, and invitations.
Use exports when you need report results, current values for an update, or data from an eligible list.
- PrepareChoose the type and mode, download the current template, and complete the file.
- ValidateUpload the complete file so FTE Tree can check it without changing records.
- ReviewCorrect every issue and review creates, updates, unchanged rows, and warnings.
- ApplyConfirm the reviewed import, monitor it, and verify the affected records.
Choose import or regular editing
Imports are intended for organization-wide work managed by people responsible for the affected data.
Use an import when:
- Many records need the same coordinated load or update.
- You need a current-values template for spreadsheet review.
- The person applying it has the required organization-wide access.
Use regular record pages when:
- Only a few records need changes.
- A manager is limited to selected departments.
- Position changes should follow normal approval requests.
- You need to discuss and review one record at a time.
Access needed
| Import or download | Access needed |
|---|---|
| Positions | Manage positions for All departments |
| Employees or assignments | Manage employees for All departments |
| Job codes or Schedules | Manage position setup |
| Departments or GL setup | Manage organization settings |
| Pay rate adjustments | Manage position setup and View sensitive workforce data for All departments |
| Invitations | Manage user access |
| Reverse changes | Reverse imports plus the management and View sensitive workforce data required for the affected information |
Downloading or previewing an import never expands data access. A current-values download or uploaded file that includes a Position Base pay rate column or any custom Currency column requires View sensitive workforce data for All departments. Employee imports do not have a standard pay column. If your otherwise permitted Position or Employee import omits every protected column, it does not require View sensitive workforce data merely because that record type could have included one. Pay rate adjustment imports are always protected because their definitions contain calculation values and limits.
Find imports
Select Import workforce data in the organization setup guide or open Batch imports. The list shows the import types and activity allowed by your access.
Use All or choose a type, then open an import number. The import pages organize information into Overview, Preview, Issues, Details, and Activity history.
Understand import outcomes
| Outcome | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Waiting or preparing | FTE Tree is checking or preparing the file. No completed result should be assumed yet. |
| Ready to confirm | Validation passed; no changes have been applied. |
| Applying | Confirmed changes are in progress. |
| Completed | Every planned change finished. |
| Partially completed | Earlier groups of changes finished, but later work stopped or failed. |
| Stopped | The import was stopped before completion. |
After applying an import, open affected records and run the relevant report. Import history shows who uploaded, validated, confirmed, stopped, reversed, or downloaded files.
Invitation imports can create invitations or update pending invitations. Create rows include the person’s name and email, an optional Job title, invitation dates, and the access to stage for acceptance. Update rows can change the pending invitation’s details and planned access without cancelling and recreating it. The Job title becomes part of the organization membership; it does not grant access.
Important position behavior
Position imports apply approved values directly and do not create approval requests. A position create row must contain all required information. A position update can target approved active positions, not activate a draft.
The preview identifies changes that would normally require an approval stage. Remove those rows or values and use position requests when review is required.
Data safety
- Validation checks the complete file before any row is applied.
- A validation error means no rows have been applied.
- A confirmed import can finish in groups; earlier completed changes remain if later work stops.
- Reversal protects newer work by reversing only values that still match the imported result.
- Imports, files, results, and history are kept for review.
Common questions
Does a successful validation mean the data changed?
No. Review and confirm the import before changes are applied.
Can a department-limited manager apply a workforce import?
No. Employee, position, and assignment imports require the applicable access for All departments.
Do position imports create approval requests?
No. They apply approved values directly after confirmation.