Advanced Import and Export

Import and export are more than file operations. They transport or change project structure, dates, resources, calendars, costs, and interface information. Advanced users therefore check the planning effect before and after every data exchange.

Project import for advanced users

Typical Scenarios

  • import a project from Microsoft Project

  • import simple planning data from CSV

  • import external ERP or project structures through Integration Server

  • export a project to Microsoft Project XML

  • export view data to Excel

  • provide calendar data through iCalendar

  • exchange project or resource information with external systems

  • publish selected project data as XML for web use

Prepare Import

Clarify before importing:

Prepare CSV import

  • Which data source is used?

  • Should the import create a new project or extend an existing plan?

  • Which calendar logic does the source use?

  • How should resources be interpreted: roles, teams, employees, machine types, or machine park?

  • Do project structure, links, costs, or user-defined fields need cleanup after import?

  • Does the import affect the central resource pool?

Prepare Export

Clarify before exporting:

Export project data to Excel

  • Who is the recipient?

  • Which format is required?

  • Which data may be shared?

  • Does the recipient work with roles, named employees, or resources?

  • Is a current baseline or cutoff date relevant?

  • Must the result be opened and checked in Excel, Microsoft Project, or another target system?

Quality Assurance

After import or export, verify:

Check Microsoft Project export

  1. The project opens.

  2. The activity and subproject structure is complete.

  3. Dates, durations, and links are plausible.

  4. Resource types were interpreted correctly.

  5. Calendars and non-working days are correct.

  6. Capacity balancing does not show unexpected effects.

  7. Costs and user-defined fields are present if required.

  8. The exported file was opened in the target system.

Server And Permission Aspects

When using Rillsoft Integration Server or Rillsoft Cloud, also check:

  • user rights for import, export, and project directories

  • project locks and parallel editing

  • central storage location

  • DMS storage when documents are involved

  • iCalendar access and API keys

  • whether imported projects use the correct tenant and resource pool

Typical Mistakes

  • Import is accepted without resource classification.

  • CSV data contains wrong date formats or incomplete structure.

  • Export is not tested in the target system.

  • Excel output is misunderstood as backup.

  • Server permissions are checked only after the export fails.

  • Local files and server projects are mixed during migration.