Dynamics 365 F&O Fundamental: How to Import data using DMF Part 2

In today’s dynamic business landscape, efficient data management is crucial for ensuring data accuracy, operational consistency, and informed decision-making. Whether you're migrating data from legacy systems, integrating with external platforms, or managing routine business processes, the Data Management Framework (DMF) in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O) offers a powerful and scalable solution. 

This blog is a continuation of our previous post, “A Practical Guide to DMF,” and focuses on a core use case: how to import data into D365 F&O using Excel files. 

Step-1: To reach data management framework, either of these two menu paths can be followed: 

• Modules - System administration > workspaces > Data management 

• Workspaces > Data management 

Overview of Data Management Framework (DMF)  

In the Import/Export tab, you can: 

• Create new projects to import master data (e.g., customers, vendors, chart of accounts) via Excel, CSV, XML, and other formats. 

• Export current data in the same formats. 

• Copy master data from an existing legal entity to a newly created one. 

In the Data Projects tab, view and filter previous data migration projects (import/export). 

In the Job History tab, access historical data migration job records. 

Import project 

Step-2: Click on import to start a new data import project.  

• Name of the project (e.g., Vendor Master Import) 

• Optionally, add a description for clarity 

Step-3: Add a Data Entity and Upload Excel File 

Click Add file: 

• Select the Entity name you want to import (e.g., Vendors V2) 

• Choose the source data format (typically Excel) 

• Upload the prepared Excel file 

Make sure your Excel file: 

• Matches the field names or column headers expected by the entity 

• Contains no blank rows 

• Is clean and correctly formatted 

After uploading the Excel file, a new entry will be created in the Selected Entities tab for the import project. This entry represents the data that has been uploaded and is ready for processing. It will include details such as the entity name, import status, and any mapping or transformation settings associated with the project. This line serves as a reference for tracking the progress of the import operation and allows users to review or adjust mappings and configurations before executing the import. 

 Step 4: Map Source Data to Target Fields 

Clicking the mapping icon allows you to match Excel columns with entity fields. For automatic mapping, ensure the first row of the Excel file (headers) matches the entity field names. To create the correct template for the entity, create an export project in DMF and export the same entity used in the import operation, then use it as a template to rearrange your master data. 

The Refresh Type field offers two options: Full Push (stops the import if any data row is incorrect) or Incremental Push (imports only valid data). 

Step 5: Validate & Import the Data 

Once validation is successful, you're ready to import the data. You’ll have a few options to proceed with the final operation: 

• Import now – Executes the import immediately in the foreground. This is suitable for small files, but for large datasets, it might take time and keep the user session busy until completion. 

• Import in batch – Creates a background batch job, allowing you to continue other tasks while the data is imported. 

• Import – This is a general import option that behaves like "Import in batch" when batch processing is enabled. 

Conclusion 

Importing data using Excel in D365 F&O through the Data Management Framework is a straightforward yet powerful process. Once you're familiar with entities, mappings, and validations, it becomes an efficient tool for both initial data loads and ongoing business needs. 

This blog has guided you through a real-world, step-by-step process to ensure a smooth import experience. In future posts, we’ll explore exporting data and setting up recurring data projects using DMF.