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Data Import

Import Attendance Information

Your import file should identify each student you want to track attendance for. You will be able to choose the classes/sessions either from your file or from PDS, and you will be able to choose the year/period from your existing list in PDS.

To use this process, all students must have existing records in PDS, and all classes/sessions must be defined on the Class Schedules window. If the student or class/session isn't set up, the information won't be imported.

You can run this process independent of the family and member import processes. The information will be matched by name, gender, and birth date.

How this process works: Once you identify the .csv file, you will match the values in that file with your PDS Office program fields. There are a few required fields, but other than that, you only have to enter information for the data you want to import into your program. No data is imported until you click Finish on the Process tab. Your selections are automatically saved on each tab, so you can come back to this process at another time if needed.

Use the Import Attendance Information process to import existing attendance data from a .csv file into your PDS Office program. You can import attendance information for more than one .csv file.

  1. On the File menu in your PDS program, click Import Data > Import Attendance Information.
  2. The backup dialog box displays if you haven't performed a daily backup.
    CAUTION: This process alters data. We recommend backing up your data before proceeding.
  3. Read the information about this process. If you understand and want to proceed, select the checkbox and click I Agree.
  4. The Import Attendance Information dialog box displays. On the File Information tab, click Browse to locate the .csv file. After you select a file and click Open, your data displays.
    Note: We strongly recommend that you include field names/headers so it's easier to select the corresponding value from the drop-down lists on other tabs.
  5. On the Matching tab, select the appropriate values from the drop-down lists. For example, if the first column of your table is labeled "Last" and you want that value to be the last name, then in the Last Name drop-down list, select Last.
  6. On the Attendance tab, select the appropriate values from the drop-down lists. For Class/Session and Attendance Type, you can select a value from either your import file or your existing list in PDS. Make sure to select the Year/Period you want to import the attendance information for.
  7. On the final tab, review the information from your file and the matching records in PDS. Scroll through the items you're going to import to see if you need to make any adjustments.
    Note: If the student does not already have the existing class in their class list, it will be added to their class list.
  8. When you're ready to import the data into your PDS Office program, click Finish.
  9. Once the import is complete, click Yes if you want to print the information that was imported.
  10. To close the import window, click OK.
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Last updated: February 14, 2025

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