Organize Your Strategy – Using Import/Export for Bulk Updates

This article explains how to use the Import/Export feature in ClearPoint Next to make bulk updates to your strategic elements.

Fernando Montenegro
11 steps
22 seconds

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Import/Export allows you to download your list view into Excel, update multiple records quickly, and upload the changes back into ClearPoint—saving time and reducing manual data entry. You can use Import/Export from the **list view** of any element type, including Objectives, Measures, Initiatives, Milestones, and Action Items.

What You Can Do With Import/Export

Import/Export is designed for fast, large-scale edits. You can: - Update values across many elements at once - Edit descriptive fields (name, owner, description, etc.) - Add new elements in bulk - Align scorecard structures more efficiently - Make changes offline and upload when ready Your exported Excel file mirrors your **current list view**, meaning: - The **columns** you have displayed - The **filters** you have applied - The **sort order** you are using Are exactly what you’ll see in the export.

How to Export Your Element List

1. Select **Elements** from the left navigation. 2. Select the element type you want to work with (e.g., Measures). 3. Click the **Download View** icon at the top of the list view. 4. An Excel file will download containing the elements visible in your table. 💡 Your export will include special locked rows and columns used for mapping during re-import.

Understanding the Excel Template

When you open the exported file, you’ll notice: ## **Locked Columns (Left Side)** - Column 1: **Scorecard ID** - Column 2: **Element ID** These ensure any edits you make map correctly back to the right scorecard and element.\ Do **not** modify these locked cells unless you're adding new rows (more on that below). ## **Locked Rows (Top Two Rows)** - Row 1: Internal field mapping - Row 2: Displayed field names These rows tell ClearPoint which field each column represents.\ ⚠️ Do **not** change or delete these rows. ## **Editable Columns** Any column **without a gray background** is editable.\ Examples include: - Name - Owner - Description - Start and End Dates - Custom fields 💡 You may update as many of these values as needed.

Making Bulk Updates

You can modify any editable cell to update information for multiple elements at once. Examples: - Change the owner of 20 initiatives - Update measure definitions - Rewrite multiple analysis fields - Adjust due dates or statuses 💡 After making your edits, save your file and upload it back into ClearPoint.

Adding New Elements in Bulk

Import/Export is one of the fastest ways to add many new elements at once. To add new rows: 1. Copy the **Scorecard ID** and **Element ID** from an existing row. - Scorecard ID should stay the same. - Element ID should be **blank** for new elements—ClearPoint will assign one automatically. 2. Paste into as many new rows as needed. 3. Fill in the **Name** column (required). 4. Complete any additional fields you want to set on creation. Example of when this is useful: - Adding a list of 50 new measures for a new reporting framework - Creating next year’s projects in bulk - Uploading draft elements from a planning retreat

Uploading Your Updated File

- Return to the element list view in ClearPoint. - Click **Import**. - Select your updated Excel file. - Review the preview table to confirm your changes. - Click **Upload**.

ClearPoint will validate: - Required fields - Valid scorecard and element IDs - Field types (dates, numbers, etc.) 💡 If errors exist, ClearPoint highlights them so you can correct and retry.

Other Bulk Change Options (When You Don’t Need Import/Export)

While Import/Export is powerful, ClearPoint Next also supports other bulk-edit tools: ## **Inline Editing** Edit values directly in the list view—perfect for quick, small updates. ## **Bulk Actions via Checkboxes** Select multiple elements and perform actions such as: - Delete - Change owner - Adjust status - Mark complete ## **Copy Forward** Quickly copy update information from one reporting period to another. Import/Export is ideal for heavy-duty edits, but many smaller updates are faster directly in the app.

When to Use Import/Export vs. In-App Editing

**Task Type** Update 2–3 elements use Inline edit Update 20–200 elements use Import/Export Add multiple new elements use Import/Export Change owners or statuses for selected items use Bulk actions with checkboxes Update reporting period data use Copy Forward

## **Tips for Success** - Always **filter your list view** before exporting to reduce noise. - Only edit columns that are **not grayed out**. - Do not change locked rows/columns—they ensure correct mapping. - For new elements, leave **Element ID blank**. - Save your file in `.xlsx` format before uploading.