Importing from Files and Feeds

At times, you might have data related to Shopify stored locally in tabular file formats like CSV, XLSX (Excel), JSON, Statistical file, and HTML files. The data in such formats could also be available as a URL or Web feed or even some application generated.

Zoho Advanced Analytics app offers easy to import and copy-paste options of such data to jump-start your cross-functional analytics.

This section explains how to import such data into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app. 

File Types

  1. What are the file formats that can be imported into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  2. What are the sources from which I can import data into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app using the files and feeds option?
  3. How do I import data from a CSV file into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  4. How do I import data from Excel into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  5. How do I import data from an HTML file into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  6. How do I import data from JSON into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  7. How do I import data from XML into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  8. How do I import data from Statistical File into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  9. How do I import data from Microsoft Access Database files into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  10. How can I import data using an OData feed?

Import Data​​

  1. Can I import data into an existing table?
  2. Can I import data from Feeds/URLs in batches (Pagination) into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app? 
  3. Can I import files stored in my local drive or FTP server?

Import Data from Feeds/URLs with Parameters

  1. What are the URL methods supported in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  2. How can I pass parameters while importing data from feed/URL in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  3. How can I pass headers while importing data from feed/URL in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?
  4. Can I import data from a dynamic URL?
  5. Can I pass multiple parameters while importing data from feeds/URLs in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Import Data from a Secured Feeds/URL

  1. Can I import data from secured/authenticated URLs?
  2. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via Basic HTTP Authentication?
  3. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via OAuth 1 Authentication?
  4. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via OAuth 2 Authentication?
  5. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via AWS Signature?
  6. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via Digest Authentication?
  7. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via Hawk Authentication?

Import Settings

  1. How do I set a custom date format?
  2. Can I map a column from my file into a column in the Zoho Advanced Analytics table while importing data into an existing table?
  3. Can I re-fetch/schedule data import?
  4. Why do I see Warning Details in Import Summary?
  5. How do I set On Import Error options?
  6. Can I retain the relational data modeling from my source?
  7. Can I schedule importing data?
  8. How to delete a table in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

File Types

1. What are the file formats that can be imported into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

The Zoho Advanced Analytics app supports importing data from the following sources.

2. What are the sources from which I can import data into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app using the Files and Feeds option?

The Zoho Advanced Analytics app allows you to import data from the following sources using the Files and Feeds option:

3. How do I import data from CSV file into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well. 

4. How do I import data from Excel into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well. 

5. How do I import data from an HTML file into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well.

6. How do I import data from JSON into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well.

7. How do I import data from XML into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well.

8. How do I import data from Statistical File into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well.

9. How do I import data from MS Access Database files into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well.

10. How can I import data using an OData feed?

Note: The procedure remains the same for importing from files as well.

Import Data

1. Can I import data into an existing table?

You cannot import data into a data table connected from Shopify. However, you can import data into an existing table that you have imported using the Files, Feeds into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app. Follow the given steps to import data into an existing table.

  1. Open the table into which you want to import data.
  2. Click Import Data > Import Data into this Table. Import wizard to import data into that table will open. 

2. Can I import data from Feeds/URLs in batches (Pagination) into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Yes, the Zoho Advanced Analytics app provides the following Pagination options to import data in batches. 

  • Page Number: You can use this option when your data is stored in multiple pages and you want to import them in the same sequence into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app. You need to provide the following details in the Parameters section of the Import page when using this option:
    • Parameter Name: Enter the page parameter name. You can get this name from your API/URL provider.
    • Initial Value: Provide the initial page number from which you want to start importing. 
    • No. of Requests: Provide the number of requests you want to execute in sequence.


      In the above screenshot, we are fetching 10 pages. The URL will be executed 10 times as follows:

      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=1
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=2
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=3
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=4
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=5
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=6
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=7
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=8
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=9
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?Page=10

      Here, the Parameter Name is Page and the No. of Requests is 10. 
       
  • Next Page URL: You can use this option when your data is delivered in pages with each page providing the URL for the next page to import. You need to provide the following details in the Parameters section of the Import page when using this option:
    • URL Property Path: Provide the property name that will fetch the URL of the next page.


      In the above screenshot, the next page URL Property is /next_page_URL. The next page will be fetched from the JSON property /next_page_URL. This execution will continue until the /next_page_URL property is empty or null. 

      Note: The Next Page URL pagination is applicable only for JSON and XML files.
       
  • Offset and Limit: You can use this option when you have a huge dataset and want to import them in batches, by providing the start position and batch size of each batch, into the Zoho Advanced Analytics app. You need to provide the following details in the Parameters section of the Import page when using this option:
    • ​Offset Parameter: Enter the Offset Parameter Name given by your API provider.
    • Initial Value: Provide the initial value of offset.
    • Limit Parameter: Enter the Limit Parameter Name given by your API provider.
    • Limit Value: Provide the total number of records to be fetched from the offset.
    • No. of Requests: Provide the number of sequential requests to be made.


      To fetch 1000 records from the URL http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData which supports Offset and Limit parameters (100 records per API call), we have to invoke it 10 times as follows: 
       
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=0 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=100 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=200 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=300 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=400 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=500 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=600 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=700 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=800 
      http://reports-ubuntu2.csez.zylker.com/Pagination_Data/JSONData?limit=100&offset=900 
       
      From the 2nd request, the Offset Parameter value is the previous offset value + limit.
       
      Here the Offset Parameter name is Offset, Limit Parameter name is Limit. The Limit Value is 100 and the No. of Requests is 10. 
Note:
  • These pagination options can be used in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app only if your API provider permits you to do so. 
  • As of now, you can only paginate files in CSV, JSON, XML.

3. Can I import files stored in my local drive or FTP server?

Yes, you can import files stores in local drive. The Zoho Advanced Analytics app allows you to import data from CSV, Excel (XLS and XLSX), JSON, HTML, Microsoft Access Database file stores in local drive or in FTP server. You can also import data by pasting data. 

Import Data from Feeds/URLs with Parameters

1. What are the URL methods supported in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

The following URL methods are supported in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app:

  • Get: Your parameters will be passed as request URLs.
  • Post: Your parameters will be passed in the body of the request URLs.

2. How can I pass parameters while importing data from a feed/URL in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

You can pass parameters under the Parameters section of the Import dialog in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app. To pass parameters, provide the following:

  • Provide a Method type
  • Parameter Name
  • Value
  • Choose Parameter in the Send request as drop-down
  • If applicable, you can provide Pagination and Authentication Type

3. How can I pass headers while importing data from a feed/URL in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

You can pass headers under the Parameters section of the Import dialog in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app. To pass headers, provide the following:

4. Can I import data from a dynamic URL?

Yes, you can import data from a dynamic URL using the parameter. In case the URL from which you import contains the current date and time, then you can fill this using the Current Date, Current Time and Current Date & Time parameter value.  This will import data from URL which changes dynamically based on date. 

5. Can I pass multiple parameters while importing data from feeds/URLs in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

Yes, you can pass multiple parameters/headers while importing data from a feed/URL in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app. Click the Add Parameter link available in the Import dialog under the Parameters section to add multiple parameters/headers.

Import Data from a Secured Feeds/URL

1. Can I import data from secured/authenticated URLs?

Yes, the Zoho Advanced Analytics app supports importing data from secured URLs. You can import data from the authenticated URL supporting the following authentication methods.

2. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via Basic HTTP Authentication?

3. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via OAuth 1 Authentication?

4. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via OAuth 2 Authentication?

5. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via AWS Signature?

6. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via Digest Authentication?

7. How do I import data from URL feeds authenticated via Hawk Authentication?

Import Settings

1. How do I set a custom date format?

By default, the Zoho Advanced Analytics app tries to identify the date format of the given date column from the data provided, and display the same. If you find that to be incorrect or if the Zoho Advanced Analytics app had failed to recognize any date column, then you can set the date format in the Format of Date Column(s) option. This date format will be applied to all date columns in the data being imported.

You can also set different date formats for each date column. Click the Settings icon in the preview column header and select the Change Date Format option.

Now set the date format of the column.

To know more on how to construct a custom date format, refer to this link.

2. Can I map a column from my file with a column in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app table while importing data into an existing table?

Yes, you can map columns while importing data into an existing table. In the Data Preview of the Import Setting, a drop-down will list all the columns in the Zoho Advanced Analytics table. You can choose whether this is a new column or the data need to be mapped to an existing column in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app table in this drop-down.  

Note: The Import Data > Import into this Table (importing data into an existing table) option is available only for custom tables imported into the Zoho Advanced Analytics App. You cannot import data into a Shopify data table. 

3. Can I Re-fetch/Schedule data import?

The Zoho Advanced Analytics app allows you to re-fetch data or schedule import only if,

  • You have imported your data from the Web or FTP server and from Shopify.
  • Your data has a column header. If your data does not have a column header you will not be able to re-fetch or schedule an import.

Learn more.

4. Why do I see Warning Details in Import Summary?

Specifying a wrong data type for your column will generate errors on import. The Zoho Advanced Analytics app will handle the errors condition as you have set in On Import Errors option. 

In case of such errors, the details of the same would be shown in the Import Summary dialog.

5. How do I set On Import Error option?

You can specify how the Zoho Advanced Analytics app should handle errors (in case an error occurs during the import of data) in the Import settings dialog of the Import Wizard.

The following are the possible options:

  • Set Empty Value for the Column (default) - Select this option to set empty value to the corresponding column value which had problems while importing.
  • Skip Corresponding Rows - Select this option to skip the corresponding rows in which an error occurs while importing.
  • Don't Import the data - Select this option to abort the import process, if any error occurs during importing.

In case any error occurs during import, the details of the same would be shown in the Import Summary dialog (refer to the below question) which would be shown on Import process completion.

6. Can I retain the relational data modeling from my source?

You cannot retain the relational data modeling from your source. However, the Zoho Advanced Analytics app allows you to auto-join tables.

While importing a new table using Files and Feeds/URL option, the Zoho Advanced Analytics app auto-identifies columns with the same column name and datatype and provides suggestions for lookup. You can create this lookup by following the steps in the below slide. 

Note: The modules imported from Shopify will be auto-joined during the initial setup process. You can choose to change the defined lookup relationships.

7. Can I schedule data import?

Yes, you can schedule your import. The Zoho Advanced Analytics app supports scheduling import when you have stored your data in a web URL or FTP Server. It is mandatory that your data has a column header. 

Refer to this slide show to know how to import data.  

 

8. How to delete a table in the Zoho Advanced Analytics app?

You can delete a table from the homepage of the Zoho Advanced Analytics app by following the below steps:

  1. Click the More icon that appears on mouse over the table name.
  2. In the displayed drop-down menu, click Delete.