Creating Data Fields in Bulk

Updated May 16, 2023 12:04

Although the data library makes it very easy for you to create and update data fields inside the SundaySky platform, there may be times when you will prefer using a spreadsheet (CSV file) to create all your data fields and values, using a bulk operation. And there may be times when you'll want to import a file only when you want to make additions to existing data fields or values.

However you decide to work, remember that the data library and the files you import work in perfect harmony. Depending on the number of data fields and values that you need for personalizing your video, you can decide how and when to use the tools that SundaySky provides you with.

It is important to remember that the file you use to bulk create fields only defines the library structure. The data that is used for personalizing each video is passed according to the data connector that you have selected.

CSV File Requirements

The CSV file you use—to create and update data fields and values—needs to meet the following guidelines:

1.	Each column must have a column header. The column header should be the name of the data field.
2.	The column header must be unique and differ from the other column headers.
3.	There is a maximum limit of 2,000 values per data field. If there are more than 2,000, only the first 2,000 will be created. In regards to narration: a value that is not included in the value list will trigger the default narration sentence.
4.	When you add values to an existing data field: a) the column header in the CSV file must match the data field name in the data library and b) the new values in the CSV file do not currently exist in the data library
5.	You can use the same CSV file to add values to existing data fields and create new data fields.
6.	The file needs to be saved in CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) format. ▶ If you encounter a problem in saving the file in Excel, we recommend saving the file in a basic text editor (such as Notepad) using UTF-8 encoding.

Below is an example of a valid CSV file:
Department Name, First Name, and Hobby are data fields.
The Department Name data field includes the following values: Product, Finance, IT, Human Resources
The Hobby data field includes the following values: Cooking, Reading, Extreme sports, Hiking

Creating New Data Fields

1.	Open the relevant video in the Studio.
2.	Select Data in the sidebar.

3.	Click the arrow by Create Data Field and then select Bulk Create Fields.

4.	Drag and drop the CSV file to the area bordered by the dotted lines or click browse and then upload the file from your local or cloud storage. Click to see the CSV file

	The content of the CSV file is displayed, with each row specifying the name of a data field. Note that the status of the data fields in the example below is New field as these are fields that do not yet exist in the data library.

5.	Review each data field to make sure that you want to add the data field to the data library. ▶ If you do not want to add a data field, uncheck the box at the beginning of the row.

6.	(Optional) For every data field: check the PII checkbox if you would like to designate the data field as pertaining to personally identifiable information (e.g. social security number, home address).

7.	When you are ready to add the data fields, click the Create button.

	The data fields, with the relevant values, are added to the data library.

Updating Existing Data Fields

1.	Open the relevant video in the Studio.
2.	Select Data in the sidebar.

	The current data library is displayed.

3.	Click the arrow by Create Data Field and then select Bulk Create Fields.

4.	Drag and drop the CSV file to the area bordered by the dotted lines or click browse and then upload the file from your local or cloud storage. Click to see the CSV file

	The content of the CSV file is displayed, with each row specifying the name of a data field. Note that the status of each data field is either Update field or New Field depending on whether you are adding values to an existing data field or creating a new data field. In the example below: a) new values have been added to the Department Name and Hobby data fields b) Manager Name is a completely new data field

5.	Review each row to make sure that you want to add the new data (fields or values) to the data library. ▶ If you do not want to add the data field or value, uncheck the box at the beginning of the row.

6.	(Optional) For every data field: check the PII checkbox if you would like to designate the data field as pertaining to personally identifiable information (e.g. social security number, home address).

7.	When you are ready to add the content of the CSV file, click the button in the lower right corner.

	The data library is updated accordingly.