Import items format changed again

[spmuseumtn]

Square changed the Item format again!#^%$*#)

Is there some way of getting notified when you're going to do that? That is not OK.

This would have been a huge problem if I hadn't caught it - it totally messed up my tax structure.

[Helen]

@spmuseumtn Very sorry for the disruption! Dashboard improvements/changes shouldn't alter your existing set up. Can you describe what happened so we can take a closer look?

[spmuseumtn]

Hello Helen, thank you for your reply.

We stock more than 2000 items. Obviously, there's no way to manage that manually.
So, we routinely export the items to a csv file, update it, and import it back up to square.

I have spent more than 20 years doing EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). One of the basic tenets of exchanging data is that you never, ever change the format. And if you really have to, you tell people about it and give them plenty of time to modify their process.

Unfortunately, Square changes the formats once or twice a year, and never tells anyone. My question is - is there some way to get notified of changes? This is very very important!!! Maybe there is, and I haven't found it.

When you change things, our process usually breaks and we have to fix it. In this last case, rather than breaking, it went through but changed all of the tax amounts, which would have been a disaster if I hadn't caught it.

Additionally, (and I had already reported this to Square, with no resolution), up to about a year ago the Import Items would tell you how many items would be added or changed, and asked you to confirm the changes. This serves as a good check, because if you see too many records being changed, you know there is a problem. Unfortunately, after you updated to the new interface, it no longer tells you anything, so we are left in the dark.

The Import does show you which fields it's matching to what, but it does not show the tax fields, which are what was affected this last time.

So the basic questions/requests are:

. Can we be notified of changes in format, or is there somewhere we can check to see what has changed? This is for all 3 formats: Items, Transactions, Item Sales Detail

. Can you add back the import status screen of what changes will be made to the database, and ask for confirmation? (ie. # of records added, # of records changed)

. Can you fix the field matching screen of the Import process to make sure all fields are shown?

This is not the first time I am complaining about this, but nothing ever seems to change. I am hoping that if I keep complaining enough, you may at some point be more mindful of your customers 🙂

We have been loyal customers since you first started years ago.

Thanks!
Alex

[Helen]

Thanks for your detailed post @spmuseumtn. I've shared your feedback with the Item Library team, I'm really sorry that we didn't give you a heads up. 😞

Specifically I let the team know that you'd like to see the import status screen again - you're right that did exist but it's a few years ago.

As for your request to fix the field matching screen it might be worth calling our CS team so we can make sure we understand exactly what you're referring to, and to see if we can bring it back!

In terms of updates when a new feature is launched we'll announce it via email, add it to the What's New site (new!) and/or you might see a notification in your Dashboard. Here in the Community we usually have a Product Update post. Unfortunately, there wasn't a post for this update and I'm sorry about that. We'll look to include updates when changes are made to the Item Library, Transactions, and Dashboard in future. Do you have a preference - email, notification or Community post? 

Thanks again for posting here and holding us accountable. We definitely want to make improvements and keep you informed about changes! 

[spmuseumtn]

Hello Helen,

Thank you for your reply, and all you are doing.

For me, email would be the best notification. In addition, some notification on the screens that deal with import/export would be also great.

How do I reach CS? I know I have to get a code, but it is not easy to find.

Thanks!

Alex

[Helen]

Of course and thanks again for sharing your feedback about how you'd like to be informed, it really helps.

The steps to locate your code are in this Support Center article http://squ.re/howtocontact. I've also asked a member of the team to email your customer code to you (they'll send it the email address associated with your account). Keep an eye out for a message from Square Support. 😊