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Data Import

Import Family Letters, Visits, Etc.

You are not required to import any family data before running this process. You will have the opportunity to match existing families when you import the information. But, make sure your file contains a value that connects the letter/visit/etc to a family.

How this process works: Once you identify the .csv file, you will match the values in that file with your PDS Office program fields. The Date field is required to post the information, 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 final tab. Your selections are automatically saved on each tab, so you can come back to this process at another time if needed.

You can use the Import Family Letters, Visits, Etc. process to import interactions with families that are tracked in a .csv file into your PDS Office program.

  1. On the File menu in your PDS program, click Import Data > Import Family Letters, Visits, Etc..
  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 import. If you understand and want to proceed, click I Agree.
  4. The Import Family Letters, Visits, Etc. 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 Import Values tab, select the appropriate values from the drop-down lists. For more information about fields on these tabs, refer to the related topic "Letters, Visits, Etc. Import Field Information".
  6. 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.
    • To manually match a family, click Match to Family and select the appropriate record.
  7. When you're ready to import the data into your PDS Office program, click Finish.
  8. Once the import is complete, click Yes if you want to print the information that was imported.
  9. To close the import window, click OK.

Letters, Visits, Etc. Import Field Information

Import Values

This information is used to match the family record in PDS before you import the information from your file. The program must match families based on their Family ID. If no match is found, you can manually match an existing family. You cannot add new families during this process.

Family ID
Required. Select the column in your file that corresponds to the ID of the family who received the letter/visit/etc. This information is required in order to match the family with the information in your file.
Letter Date
Required. Select the column in your file that corresponds to the date that the letter/visit/etc was received. This information is required in order to create the Letter/Visit/Etc record.
Description
Select the column in your file that corresponds to the description of the letter/visit/etc, if applicable.
Type
Select the column in your file that corresponds to the type of letter/visit/etc, if applicable.
Note
Select the column in your file that corresponds to any notes on the letter/visit/etc, if applicable.
Church Office
Formation Office

Last updated: March 3, 2026

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