Custom Imports

The Custom Import app with Orion allows you to mass update various fields by using the provided templates. Below is a guide on how to navigate this app along with some tips and tricks.


The first step of using the Custom Import tool is to go to the Import Template section on the left sidebar and find the template that you would like to use. All available templates will show in the All Import Template section but you can also click on the star next to the template name to favorite it. Once an import is favorited you can find it within the Favorite Import Template section on the top of the Custom Import app screen.


Once you have downloaded the template you can start filling out the information. Each template will have different required fields but the one field that is required across all templates is the ID column. This column is asking for the Household/Registration/Account/Asset ID that can be found within Orion. Once the ID column is populated you can fill out the columns that correspond with the changes you would like to make. You will only need to fill out the columns that you are updating and can leave the rest blank.

After your template is filled out select the New Import option from the Import Template screen, give your import a name and upload the template. Once the template is uploaded it will take you into the import validation screen where you can see all of the rows that will be imported.

From here you will want to review any rows with Errors since these will prevent you from being able to apply the template. There is a column called Error Message that will provide further insight on what is causing the error message. Make any edits that are needed and select the Validate button at the top right corner of the screen to refresh and apply your changes.

The next column you will want to review is the Warning Message. Rows with a warning message will still be applied but may have an issue that needs to be resolved. For example, the transaction date is not a business day on the transaction update or import templates or Field Value is already set to XXX. Once you have edited and resolved the warnings you can select the Validate button and Apply if you are ready.


Editing the Templates

There are two different ways to edit the templates once they are uploaded.

  • One row at a time:

This option allow you to click into the various cells within the row an update the information.

  • Multiple rows at once:

Click on the top row and then select the bottom row of your group while holding down the shift key. This will highlight multiple rows that can be edited all at once. Once you have your rows highlighted, right click and select the Edit Rows option. From here, make your edits on the right sidebar and select Apply Changes at the bottom once you are done.


Undoing an Applied Import

If you make a mistake and need to undo an import go to the Import History tab on the left sidebar of the Custom Import app and find the import that needs to be reverted. Double Click on the row which will take you back into the import screen. Go to Actions - Undo Import.



Tips and Tricks

  • You can rename the template file name but you MUST keep the firm abbreviation that was at the end of the original file name in order for the file to upload properly. If you need your firm abbreviation you can find it in the Firm Profile app in the Contact Information tab.

  • If you need to import commas within your import update the tab name within the spreadsheet to sheet1 and save the file as an Excel 97-2004 Workbook.

  • Keep your import names consistent and easy to remember in case you need to go back and review a past import. For example, if you use the Transaction Add template every month to manually update an account we recommend that you include the date imported and client name within the import name.

  • Decide that you don't actually need that row after you already uploaded the template? Use the Right Click - Exclude Row option to remove it from the import. You can also go to Actions - Exclude Errors to automatically exclude all of the rows with err messages.

  • Not sure what information the template is asking for? Orion has an article within their Support app called How - To and Overview: Custom Import were you can find a list of the custom imports and instructions.


Need help? Please email us at orion@xyinvestmentsolutions.com or give us a call at (360) 301-7579.