Contract Management Software Features

Self Service Import & Export

CMx Contract Management Experience product supports self service import and export of your contracts into CMx system so that you can use your current employees to do the migration of existing contracts rather than using professional services. As a CMx customer, at any point of time you are the owner of your data and it can be exported out of the system by your administrator.

Troubleshooting Common Export/Import Issues

Issue: Encoding Errors

Encoding errors often occur when a file isn't in the UTF-8 format, which is essential for web compatibility. Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve these errors effectively.

Solution 1: Using Google Sheets

If you have a Google account, you can easily convert your file:

  1. Access Google Drive: Log in and create a new spreadsheet.
  2. Import Your Data: Open your CSV file within this new spreadsheet.
  3. Export Correctly: Navigate to File > Download > Comma-Separated Values to save the file in UTF-8 format.

This method ensures the file is in the correct encoding and ready for subsequent uploads.

Solution 2: Without Google Sheets

If you're not using Google Sheets, follow these steps:

  1. Edit in Excel: Open the file and make any necessary changes.
  2. Save as CSV: Save the file in CSV format.
  3. Adjust Encoding with Notepad:
    • Open the CSV file in Notepad.
    • Use 'Save As' and select UTF-8 as the encoding type.
  4. Rename the File: Change the file extension from .txt back to .csv and confirm any warnings.

Finally, import the newly encoded file to proceed without issues.

Additional Resources

For an in-depth understanding of handling files and data models, always refer to relevant knowledge base articles or support documentation from trusted online resources.

Understanding and Configuring Persistent Filters for Data Export

What are Persistent Filters?

Persistent Filters are a powerful tool used to refine and manage data by applying specific criteria that ensure only desired records are included in your data export. They help streamline the dataset, focusing on what's truly relevant to you and your objectives.

How to Set Up Persistent Filters:

  1. Access the Configuration Panel:
    • Look for the configuration icon, often found in the top corner of your interface. This is typically represented by a recognizable symbol like a funnel or filter.
  2. Choose Your Filters:
    • Select from a variety of filtering options according to your needs. Options may include date ranges, categories, status selections, or custom conditions. This is your chance to specify exactly what data should be included or excluded.
  3. Save Your Configuration:
    • Once satisfied with your filter settings, ensure that you save your changes. This step solidifies the configuration so that the system consistently applies these preferences whenever you export data.

Benefits of Using Persistent Filters:

  • Time Efficiency: By automating data refinement, you reduce the manual labor associated with sorting through excess information.
  • Consistency: Provides uniformity in data exports, ensuring that you analyze or report on the same dataset parameters every time.
  • Focus on Relevance: Keeps the spotlight on the critical information necessary for your analysis or business needs, eliminating distractions from irrelevant data.

By configuring Persistent Filters, you take control of your data export process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency tailored to your specific requirements.

Resolving Encoding Errors When Importing CSV Files

Encoding errors often occur when a CSV file is not saved in UTF-8 format, which is the predominant character encoding used online. Here’s how to ensure your files are correctly encoded:

Using Google Sheets

If you have access to Google Sheets, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open Google Drive: Navigate to your Google Drive account.
  2. Create and Import: Start a new Google Sheets document. Import your problematic CSV file into this new sheet.
  3. Download Correctly: Go to the menu, choose File > Download > Comma-Separated Values (.csv, current sheet). This saves the file on your computer in UTF-8 encoding.

Once downloaded, your file should upload without any encoding issues.

For Users Without Google Services

If you don't use Google Sheets, there's an alternative method using a text editor:

  1. Modify in Excel: Open your CSV file in Excel and, if needed, make necessary edits.
  2. Save as CSV: Save your edited version as a CSV file.
  3. Open in Notepad: Use Notepad to open the CSV file.
  4. Adjust the Encoding: Select 'Save As'. Ensure you remove the ".csv" from the filename (for a moment), and choose UTF-8 from the encoding options.
  5. Change the Extension: Manually alter the extension back to ".csv" after saving and confirm any warnings about changing file types.

Your file is now ready to be imported without any encoding complications, ensuring a smooth transition to your system.

How to Apply Filters and Configure Columns for Exporting Specific Data Sets

Exporting specific data sets efficiently requires understanding how to apply filters and configure columns in your data management tool. Here’s a concise guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Applying Filters

To export only the data you need, utilize filters to refine your view:

  • Custom Filters: Begin by accessing the filter settings in your data platform. Select the criteria that best suit your needs. This could include date ranges, specific categories, or other relevant metrics.
  • Persistent Filters: For repeated exports with the same criteria, consider setting up persistent filters. This ensures consistency in the data you export each time.

Step 2: Configuring Filters

Streamline your data even further by selecting only the necessary columns:

  • Column Selection: Access the column configuration settings—usually found in the toolbar or settings menu. Choose the core fields essential for your data analysis or reporting.
  • Custom Fields: Leverage the option to add custom fields that are specific to your data needs, providing a tailored view of the information.

Export Options

Once filters and columns are set, proceed to export your data. If your filtered data might be re-imported, exporting in a format like CSV ensures compatibility and ease of use across various platforms. Always double-check your filters and column configurations to ensure data accuracy and relevance.

By applying these steps, you can expertly manage data exports, ensuring that you only retrieve the information most pertinent to your analyses or reports.

How to Customize Your Export File by Contract Status

When exporting contract data, you have the flexibility to filter the export based on the current status of the contracts. Here's how you can fine-tune the selection according to your needs:

Default Status Filter

By default, the export tool is set to include contracts that are both in the Pipeline and those that are currently Live. This ensures you capture the most actively managed contracts.

Adjusting the Status Filter

If you wish to include additional categories, such as those that are already Archived, you can easily adjust the filter:

  1. Access the Status Filter: Look towards the upper left section of your export page.
  2. Choose Your Desired Status: Select from the following options:
    • Pipeline & Live Contracts: Both types included.
    • Pipeline Contracts Only: Focus strictly on pending agreements.
    • Live Contracts Only: Get insights into currently active contracts.
    • Archived Contracts: Review past agreements that have been stored.
    • All Contracts: A comprehensive view including every status.

By modifying the filter to fit your criteria, you can ensure your exported data perfectly aligns with your analytical or strategic needs.

CSV Export Options for Contract Data

When handling contract data, there are several CSV export options available to cater to different needs. Here's a breakdown of what you can choose:

  1. Complete Export: All Pages
    • This option lets you download every piece of exportable data from all pages. It doesn't factor in any filters or column preferences you've set, ensuring you get everything available.
  2. Complete Export: Current Page
    • If you need data only from the page you're viewing, this is the right choice. Like the all-pages export, it ignores your filters and column settings.
  3. Filtered Export: All Pages
    • Want data across all pages but with specific configurations? This option applies your current filters and column settings to export the right set of information from every page.
  4. Filtered Export: Current Page
    • This is for when you need tailored data just from the page you're on. It considers your active filters and column configurations.

Important Tip

For those planning to bulk-update records in the future, ensure your exported file includes all metadata columns. Choosing one of the first two options will fulfill this requirement by providing comprehensive data output, essential for accurate bulk-imports later.

How Does the System Handle Errors During Bulk Import?

When handling bulk imports, effective error management is crucial. Our system is designed to guide users through correcting data issues with ease.

Step-by-Step Assistance

Upon detecting errors in your data, you'll encounter a user-friendly interface that provides detailed guidance on how to rectify them. This ensures you can navigate the error correction process efficiently.

Import Process Guidelines

  • Fix Errors First: Before attempting another import, ensure all mistakes in your spreadsheet are resolved. This proactive approach prevents repeated failures.
  • Zero Tolerance for Errors: The system's error management protocol is strict—no data will be imported if any errors are present. Even a single mistake in a dataset with hundreds of entries will halt the entire process.

Support and Assistance

Should you require additional help with data preparation or importation, please reach out to your dedicated support consultant for personalized guidance.

Immediate Re-Import Capability

Once corrections are made, you can immediately attempt re-importing your data. This efficient design negates the need to remove correctly processed rows, allowing for swift data management.

Handling Gatekeeper ID for Metadata Imports

When managing metadata records during bulk imports, understanding the role of the Gatekeeper ID is crucial for efficiently creating or updating records. Here's how you should approach it:

  • Creating New Records: If the Gatekeeper ID field is left empty for a row in your import file, the system will automatically recognize this row as representing a new contract. Consequently, it will generate a new record for this contract, ensuring your database expands seamlessly with fresh entries.
  • Updating Existing Records: In cases where the Gatekeeper ID is filled, the system identifies that row as corresponding to an already existing entry. The import process will then update the current record with the latest information from your file, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date data.

This setup allows for flexibility, enabling you to manage both new entries and updates through the same import process.

Below import and export functions are supported:

Import contract data directly into the system

Import single or batch records

Import contract data from external systems

Export data info multiple document formats

Export any data collected from the system.

If your organization does not have the bandwidth for contract migration, we have the best of the breed contract migration experts and ingestion processes in place using which we can support your organization