Simplify your time entry process by importing time entries in bulk using Productive's CSV importer.
Whether you're updating time entries for multiple projects or managing team timesheets, CSV import is a convenient solution.
How to Import Time Entries
To get started, download and fill out the "Time entries" CSV template with your data:
Navigate to Settings > Data import.
Select "Download .csv templates" and download the "Time entries" CSV template.
Prerequisites for a Successful Import
Before importing, make sure the following conditions are met:
Add the users to the budget or deal via the budget or deal sharing options.
If no time tracking policies are in place, the maximum time that can be tracked per day is 24 hours (1440 minutes).
If a maximum number of hours has been defined by a time tracking policy, the import will still be successful. However, if you import more hours than the policy limit, Productive will cap the entry at that limit.
The file you download will contain several columns:
Project (optional) | Enter the project's exact name. |
Budget | Specify the exact budget name (if the time entry is on a budget). |
Deal | Specify the exact deal name (if the time entry is on a deal). |
Client (optional) | Specify the client company. |
Service | Input the service name. |
Service Type | Add the service type name. |
Person | Provide the user's email associated with the time entry. |
Date | Enter the time entry date in the format: YYYY-MM-DD (or YYYY-M-D). |
Note (optional) | Optionally, include a note describing the time entry. |
Time (minutes) | Input the duration of the time entry in minutes. |
Uploading the Template and Fixing Errors
After completing the template, upload it:
1. Drag and drop the filled template into the upload box or manually upload it.
2. Productive will automatically check for errors. Any identified errors will be marked with a warning symbol (⚠️), which you can hover over to pinpoint specific problem areas.
3. You can edit data directly within the import popup to fix errors without saving and re-uploading the CSV file.
After making edits, select "Check for errors" to ensure a smooth import process.
Completing the Import
Once all errors have been resolved, proceed with the import by clicking "Proceed to import" and then "Import" on the subsequent screen.
After successful upload, review the imported data directly in the budget (Time tab), in the Time tab under Company time, or in any of the Time entry reports.
Useful tips
Do not delete or remove any columns from the CSV file template. If certain fields are not applicable, simply leave those columns empty without deleting them. Maintaining the integrity of the template structure ensures smooth data import processes!
Ensure that the date format in the CSV file is YYYY-MM-DD (or YYYY-M-D) to avoid parsing errors during the import.
Take advantage of the inline editing feature to fix any errors in the imported file efficiently.
