Note: The below video shows the import process in a Building LCA tool, however, the import process works in the same way for EPD tools.
How can I provide my feedback? Simply reach out to [email protected]. If some of your requests are more important than others, please highlight them as important. If you’d like to discuss the new import in person or if you would be interested in helping us in the development of the product through user interviews and prototype testing, please mention it in your email. Our development team will be happy to talk to you. You can also provide your feedback using this form.
What is New?
AI-Powered Mapping
Intelligently matches your imported data to existing resources using the name (and project country). Supports multiple languages (English, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, German, French, Italian, and Spanish), understands synonyms and typos, and learns from your corrections. (see AI Mapping)
Improved Resource Search
Finds resources faster with a typo-tolerant search, additional suggestions, and an easier-to-navigate interface
Blocked data is excluded from import
AI excludes expired data
Enhanced Excel Support
Map your Excel columns to the software's columns for seamless import
Save column mappings for future use by you and your colleagues
Automatic column recognition for pre-defined Excel templates
Edit quantities and add comments before importing
Import from multiple Excel sheets in a single step
Streamlined Import Process
A redesigned interface with clear steps and easy navigation
Ability to move back and forth between steps to review and adjust data
Private data and constructions are remembered and automatically mapped in future imports
Make new designs directly within the import process
More data rows
If you import data into a tool, which allows the use of the new UI, you can import up to 5500 rows.
More flexible Workflow
Toggle between steps with the "Next" and "Previous" buttons.
Multi-selection
Apply bulk changes for multiple rows in the combine and mapping steps
Merge rows with different thicknesses using a weighted average thickness, or choose to keep them separate
Fine-tune automatically mapped data
Use data type (private, generic etc.) and EPD Program (e.g. EPD Hub, INIES)
Important Information
You can import your own Excel files or use pre-defined templates for a smoother experience.
It is recommended to use the templates, as they contain all necessary information for creating an EPD.
This version has a temporary limitation regarding ecoinvent. Before you can map to ecoinvent resources, you must first add them in your organisation's data list. You can do this via your Company Account, as described in point 2 here.
How to Access the New Import
The rollout of new import will be gradual, so not all eligible users will have access immediately.
Go to the project page
Click "Input Data" on a design
Click on "Import from Excel"
Steps in the New Import Process
File Upload: Upload your Excel file. The file size limit is currently 16 MB.
Import Settings: Review and adjust import settings (target project, design, tool, Excel sheet, data handling, saved settings).
Column Mapping: Map your Excel columns to the software's columns. Mandatory columns are "Name," "Quantity," "Unit". You can save column mappings for future use.
Note: This step is not necessary if you are using a template import form
Review & Filter: Review and fix units and classifications. Filter out unwanted data rows.
Combine Data: Review and adjust how data is automatically merged based on selected criteria.
Tip! It is usually recommended in Product LCA to ungroup any combined data, so that each row in your import form will be imported separately.
Data Mapping: Review the automatically mapped resources. Replace or add resources as needed.
Import: Import your data into the software.
File upload
Upload your Excel file and click 'next'.
Import settings
These settings determine where your data goes and how it's handled. You can usually click "Next" to accept the defaults, but here's a quick overview:
Choose where to import data: Specifies the project, design, and tool where your data will be imported. You can change the defaults if needed.
Choose how to import data:
Choose whether to add data (default in new import) or replace existing data (default in old import).
Choose which sheet to import - only one sheet can be imported at a time, and it defaults to "DATA" or the first sheet.
Choose your import settings:
Save settings: If you're using a pre-defined Excel template, keep the "Don't use saved settings" option selected. If you're using your own Excel file, you can reuse saved column mappings.
AI-powered data mapping: This helps identify more data using AI. It is currently only available on some licenses but will rolled out in the coming weeks.
Column mapping
This step links your Excel columns to the software's data fields.
If you're using a pre-defined template, this happens automatically.
If you're using your own file, or have saved settings, you might need to map some columns manually.
Mandatory columns ("Name", "Quantity", "Unit") must be mapped.
It is recommended to map columns "Class" and "Comment". Class affects the automatic mapping of imported data and determines into which section of the tool the data is imported. Comments help you identify your data.
Any unmapped columns will be ignored.
You can include extra columns for reference, even if they don't have a corresponding field in the software.
Rows with no quantity or a quantity of 0 will be removed.
You can use your own values in the "Class" column; they can be updated in the next step.
Company Default Mapping (for main users only)
If you are the main user, you’ll see an extra column called “Set as company default” during mapping. This lets you define rules that apply across your company.
Set a company default: Tick the “Set as default” checkbox, then click Save mapping or Import.
Remove a company default: Re-import the same file. The “Set as default” checkbox will already be ticked. Untick it, then click Save mapping or Import.
Save multiple defaults: You can store more than one company default for the same imported name and class by updating a mapping, ticking “Set as default” again, and saving.
Once your columns are mapped correctly, click "Next".
Saving Column Mappings (Optional)
If you're using a custom Excel file and want to reuse your column mappings for future imports, click "Save settings." This saves time and ensures consistency. You and your colleagues can then apply these saved settings in the "Import settings" step for later imports.
Review and filter
This step lets you:
Review: Check how the system has categorized your data by "Unit", "Class" or 'Classifications'.
Fix: Correct any misidentified units or classifications.
Filter: Remove unwanted rows. This is helpful for large datasets (depending on the tool, max 500 or 5500 rows after combining - see important information section above).
Unit Tab
If the system isn't sure about a unit, you can choose the correct one here. Any rows with missing units will be deleted.
Class Tab
Class affects the automatic mapping of imported data and determines into which section of the tool the data is imported.
Unrecognized class: The system will assign a default class if it can't identify one. You can change this if needed.
Choose a class: Select the correct class from the dropdown menu under "Applied class."
Please note that Accurate "Class" values are important for the next step (Data mapping), as they help the system identify your data based on previous mappings.
Click "Next" when you finished reviewing your data.
Combine Data
This step automatically merges rows with the same values in the "Applied combine criteria" columns. Quantities are added together, and other values are either averaged or combined.
Review Merged Data: This step shows you which rows have been merged.
Ungroup (Optional): If you don't want some rows to be merged, you can ungroup them (up to 500 rows).
Multiselection: Select multiple check boxes on the side to ungroup several groups at once.
Click "Next" to continue.
Data Mapping
This is the final step before importing. Here's what you do:
Review: Check the automatically assigned resources.
Replace: Click a resource to change it (use the search or suggestions). You can also use the multiselection feature here.
Edit: Double-click to change quantities or add comments.
Click "Import" when you're done.
Identified Data
The "Map resource" column shows the resources automatically matched to your data. You can click on a resource to replace it. To edit quantities or add comments, double-click the corresponding field.
The system matches your data using these rules (shown under "Mapping basis"):
Exact matches of resource names copied from data card, OCLIDs, or EPD numbers.
Your previous mapping choices.
Mappings from your colleagues.
AI-powered suggestions (learn more in the "AI Mapping" section).
If you want to replace a resource, simply click on it and you can use one of two options for replacing it:
Our suggestions: Choose from a list of suggestions.
Search tab: Use the "Search" tab for more options, filters, and comparisons.
Mapping rule order
Company defaults have a higher priority than your own or colleagues’ mappings, but lower than strict matches. The order is:
Strict match with OCLID, EPD number, or full resource name
Company default mapping
Your own saved mappings
Colleagues’ saved mappings
AI-generated mapping
Name search (simple fallback)
Multiple defaults for the same input
If several defaults exist, the one saved with the same project country is prioritised.
If several exist for the same country (or no country match), the most recently saved default is applied.
Unidentified Data
For any data the system couldn't match, you need to:
Click under "Map resource" and use the search to find the correct resource.
Important: If you don't assign a resource, the data will be deleted when you import. Alternatively, you can import unmatched data as "undefined" and choose a data point later on the data input page.
For mapping data, please note:
The available resources depend on the tool you've chosen for the import.
If you can't find the exact resource, you can select any resource for now and leave yourself a comment to change it later on the data input page.
Save your data mapping for future imports:
Mapping will be automatically saved when clicking "Import", so imported data (with same Name and Class*) will be mapped based on your previous mapping in the next import (or colleagues mapping for other users of your organisation).
All rows with checkbox ticked under the "Save new mapping" column are saved. By default:
Manual mapping selections are saved. Uncheck if you don't want to reuse.
AI mappings are not saved. Check to reuse in future import.
Other automatic mappings are saved (or already saved).
*Different units or tools selected for import can affect the data filters, and prevent automatic mapping of the data.
If you want to save the mappings without completing the import, it is possible by clicking the "Save mapping" button.
Import Complete
After you click "Import," your resources will be imported, and you'll be taken to the results page.
You might need to add more information on other data input pages for complete results.
To see your imported data, go to any query page, such as Materials A1-A3. Imported information for each row is marked with a green file icon (old UI only).
