8-Step Wizard Guide

Overview

PrimeLink's import wizard is designed to guide you through the entire import process in 8 clear steps. Each step builds upon the previous one, ensuring you configure everything correctly before executing the import.

This guide provides detailed instructions for each step, helping you understand what to do and why.

Purpose

This is the starting point where you choose what type of data you want to import into your WooCommerce store.

What You'll Do

1. You'll see a welcome screen with available import types
2. Select the type of data you want to import:
   • Products
   • Orders
   • Customers
   • Coupons
   • Categories
   • Tags
   • Attributes
   • Variations
   • Reviews
   • Downloads
3. Click Next to proceed

Tips

• Choose the correct entity type - this determines which fields will be available for mapping
• You can always go back and change the import type if needed

Purpose

Choose where your data is coming from - this could be a file, URL, cloud storage, FTP, or a platform connection.

What You'll Do

1. Select your data source type from the available options
2. Configure the source based on your selection:
   • Upload: Drag and drop or browse for a file
   • Existing File: Select from files already on your server
   • URL: Enter the URL to your data file
   • FTP/SFTP: Enter server credentials and file path
   • Cloud Storage: Connect to Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive
   • Platform: Connect to Shopify, Magento, or BigCommerce
3. PrimeLink will fetch and parse your data
4. You'll see a preview of your data
5. Click Next to continue

Tips

• Test connections (FTP, cloud storage, platforms) before proceeding
• Verify the data preview looks correct
• Check that all expected columns/fields are detected

Purpose

Decide how PrimeLink should handle items that already exist in your store versus new items.

What You'll Do

1. Choose your import strategy:
   • Import new & Update existing: Creates new items and updates existing ones
   • Import new only: Only creates new items, skips existing ones
   • Update existing only: Only updates existing items, skips new ones
2. This choice affects how duplicates are handled in Step 6
3. Click Next to continue

Tips

• For first-time imports, choose "Import new & Update existing"
• For regular updates, "Update existing only" is often best
• You'll configure duplicate detection criteria in Step 6

Purpose

Filter your data and preview it before mapping to ensure you're importing the right records.

What You'll Do

1. Left Panel - Filters:
   • For XML files: Set XPath to target specific nodes
   • Build filter conditions to exclude/include specific rows
   • Save filter presets for reuse
2. Right Panel - Preview:
   • View your data in a table format
   • Navigate through pages of data
   • Verify data structure and content
3. Adjust filters and see live preview updates
4. Click Next when satisfied

Tips

• Use filters to exclude test data or invalid records
• Check the preview to ensure data looks correct
• Verify all expected columns are present

Purpose

Map your source data fields to WooCommerce fields. This is the core of the import process.

What You'll Do

1. Load Templates (optional):
   • Load a saved template if you have one
   • Or start fresh with manual mapping
2. Map Fields:
   • Drag source fields to target WooCommerce fields
   • Or use the auto-map feature
   • Configure field options (transforms, prefixes, etc.)
3. Configure Advanced Options:
   • Set up image mappings
   • Map taxonomies (categories, tags)
   • Add custom field mappings
4. Save as template (optional) for future use
5. Click Next when mapping is complete

Tips

• Start with required fields (title, price, SKU for products)
• Use field transformations to clean and format data
• Save your mapping as a template for future imports
• Test with a small sample first using Dry Run (Step 6)

Purpose

Configure advanced options, duplicate detection, scheduling, and test your import before running it.

What You'll Do

1. Duplicate Detection:
   • Choose how to match existing items (SKU, Title, etc.)
   • Set matching criteria (single field, multiple fields, fuzzy matching)
2. Update Options:
   • Choose what data to update on existing items
   • Enable incremental import (only update changed items)
3. Test Mode (Dry Run):
   • Enable test mode to validate without making changes
   • Set test record limit
   • Run test import to see results
4. Scheduling (optional):
   • Enable automatic scheduling
   • Set schedule interval (hourly, daily, weekly, etc.)
   • Configure timezone and other schedule options
5. Click Next to proceed to review

Tips

• Always run a test import first to catch any issues
• Use SKU for duplicate detection when possible (most reliable)
• Enable incremental import for faster updates
• Set up scheduling for regular automated imports

Purpose

Review all your settings and configuration before executing the import.

What You'll Do

1. Review the summary of your import configuration:
   • Source file information
   • Import strategy and options
   • Field mapping summary
2. Check for warnings or critical issues
3. Verify all settings are correct
4. Make any final adjustments if needed
5. Click Next to proceed to execution

Tips

• Read all warnings carefully
• Verify the mapping summary matches your expectations
• Go back to previous steps if you need to make changes

Purpose

Execute the import and monitor its progress in real-time.

What You'll Do

1. Choose how to run the import:
   • Start Import: Run immediately in foreground
   • Run in Background: Start and continue working
   • Schedule: Schedule for later execution
2. Monitor progress:
   • Watch the progress bar
   • View real-time statistics (created, updated, skipped, errors)
   • Read the live log for detailed information
3. After completion:
   • Review the final statistics
   • Check the complete log
   • Rollback if needed (if tracking was enabled)
   • Export results if needed

Tips

• For large imports, use "Run in Background" to avoid browser timeout
• Monitor the log for any errors or warnings
• Keep the page open if running in foreground
• Check statistics after completion to verify results

Quick Reference

Next Steps