Looking to import data from Excel/csv file to a board initally, then update the same data repeatedly

Question

Before committing to using a Trello Baord, in our internal communications and workflow, I’d like to understand the following:

We are trying to use our Trello “Production” board as an internal communication tool, based on imported data from an Excel/csv file, combined with manually entered comments and notes to each card.

Initially we will create the cards in the “Production” Board from an Excel/csv file, this is our production data, including things like, name/date/quantity etc

Then we would like to update this same board with extra cards, and also change the production data, like dates, quantity in each of the existing cards from a later updated file import.

However to use this a board for internal communications we would like to make comments or add notes to the cards in the board during each week for example.

The question is, will another later import of our Production data (dates, quantities etc) overwrite the comments and notes we added separately, or can we import very defined data to a card without losing the comments and notes within the that card?

Appreciate any comments or suggestions from the community

james_folk · Answer

Importing repeatedly is the hard part, because a second import normally duplicates everything.

Kanban Importer handles this by stamping each card with the id of the row that created it. On the next sync, changed rows update the card they created, new rows are added, and rows that disappeared are archived rather than deleted. Cards you edited in Trello are left alone unless their source row actually changed.

You point it at a file URL, so a file in a repo or on your own server works. Google Sheets published links do not, because Google sends no CORS header and the browser refuses to read them.

https://njligames.com/help/kanban-importer/live-sync

Hannah Humbert - Simpla Workflows · Answer

@Alan Metcalfe in that case, it sounds like you need more of an ongoing integration between the two tools rather than an import solution. You have tools like Zapier where you can create "if this then that" automation. I believe there is also an option in Zapier to update existing cards by using their lookup function (i.e. when a row is updated, lookup related card, and update field". It might get a bit tricky depending on how many fields you'd like to "map" to Trello.

Another alternative is to use Unito which will create a true sync between your spreadsheet and Trello. They don't integrate with Microsoft Excel, but they do support Google Sheets and Airtable if you're open to using a cloud-based app for your database.

Alan Metcalfe · Answer

Hannah Hi,

We have not selected an import tool to use as yet.

The later import’s need to be able o perform two actions

1. Import new rows, in the spreadsheet, to create new cards in the board.

2. Update existing rows in the spreadsheet and syncing (updating) the information in the cards already created.

The intention is that the spreadsheet will be the only source of data to create cards and the only source to update specific fields within the cards.

We need the facility to then add comments, notes and communicate within the team on these cards.

Hope that helps clarify what we are trying to achieve.

Appreciate any suggestions about the available tools

Many thanks for the reply