Moving existing inventory in
If you're switching from spreadsheets or another system, you don't have to key everything in by hand. IEMSuite imports products, customers, and stock in bulk from a CSV or Excel file using built-in column templates.
Before you start
- Create at least one location first (open Inventory and click Go to Locations) so imported stock has somewhere to live.
- Decide whether you're importing the product catalog, the on-hand stock, or both. Import products first, then stock.
Step 1 - Import your products
- Go to Inventory → Product Catalog and choose the import option.
- Download the template, fill in one row per product - SKU, Name, Type, Unit, and optional fields like minimum stock level - and upload it.
- Review the validation summary; fix any flagged rows and re-upload.
Step 2 - Import your on-hand stock
Bring in your current quantities as lots so everything is traceable from day one. Include the product SKU, quantity, location, and - where relevant - a lot number and expiry date.
Step 3 - Verify
Open Inventory Analytics and spot-check a few products against your old records. Totals, lot counts, and location values should match what you imported.
Tips
- Keep lot numbers meaningful (supplier batch, production date) - they're your traceability thread.
- For perishable goods, always import expiry dates so FEFO allocation works correctly. See FIFO vs FEFO allocation.
For the full column reference and troubleshooting, see Bulk importing via CSV / Excel.
FAQ
What if I import the same product twice?
Imports validate on SKU. Duplicate or conflicting rows are flagged in the summary so you can correct them before committing.
Can I import suppliers?
Set a Default Supplier on each product, and record supplier orders when you receive stock via Inventory → Inbound Log.