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# Import and update assets using excel (advanced)

## Overview: advanced Excel import and update

Advanced Excel import and bulk update in the Asset module let you create or update many assets from a spreadsheet (.xlsx) or CSV by mapping columns to CxPlanner fields, which is used for bulk import, mass upload, or loading equipment lists from ERP or BIM exports.

For the simpler create-only flow, see [Import assets from Excel into your project (easy)](https://help.cxplanner.com/en-us/article/import-assets-from-excel-into-your-project-easy-1thnyt0/). For CSV delimiter issues, see [Import and update assets from CSV](https://help.cxplanner.com/en-us/article/import-and-update-assets-from-csv-1qcz4yk/).

* Your role must be **Manager** or higher.
* You can find the menu at Asset Overview - **Options** - **Import** or **Bulk Update**.
* This changes asset records in the project.

|| Only users with the project role **Manager** or higher can perform this action.

Only **Asset ID** and **Asset Type** are required for import. The first row must contain column headers.

## What CxPlanner does during advanced Excel import

* Maps columns automatically when names match CxPlanner fields
* Lets you map custom column names by hand
* Validates data before writing
* Matches existing assets by internal IDs during bulk update
* Updates only the fields you change during bulk update

## Requirements for advanced Excel import

| Requirement | Description |
| ---- |
| Project role | Manager or higher |
| File type | Excel (.xlsx) or CSV |
| Required fields | Asset ID and Asset Type |
| First row | Column headers required |

## How to import and update assets with Excel

### Import new assets

1. Go to your **Project Dashboard**.
2. Open **Asset Overview**.
3. Click **Options**.
4. Select **Import**.
5. Click **Choose file** and upload your Excel or CSV file.
6. Map columns to CxPlanner fields.
7. Confirm **Asset ID** maps to **ID** and **Asset Type** maps to **Type**.
8. Map optional fields such as **Name**, **Description**, **Manufacturer**, and **Model**.
9. Review the preview and click **Add all**.

### Update existing assets with Bulk Update

1. Go to **Asset Overview**.
2. Click **Options**.
3. Select **Bulk Update**.
4. Download the Excel or CSV template.
5. Update the fields you need. Do not change system identifiers.
6. Upload the file with **Choose file**.
7. Verify mapping and preview, then click **Add all**.

### Alternative: update directly in the platform

1. Go to **Asset Overview**.
2. Select multiple assets.
3. Click **Edit**.
4. Apply changes to the selected assets.

${frame}[Import assets from Excel](https://www.loom.com/embed/00190b97295d4f878d0f48bd4e467a9e)

## Results: import and bulk update behavior

| Field | Required | Description |
| ---- |
| Asset ID | Yes | Unique identifier for the asset |
| Asset Type | Yes | Asset category or type |
| Name | No | Display name |
| Manufacturer | No | Supplier or brand |
| Model | No | Product model |
| Description | No | Additional details |

* Unrecognized columns need manual mapping.
* Unmapped columns are not imported.
* Bulk update changes only the updated fields on matched assets.

## Troubleshooting: advanced Excel import

| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| ---- |
| File cannot be imported | Required columns are missing | Include **Asset ID** and **Asset Type**, then re-upload |
| Columns not mapped automatically | Column names differ from CxPlanner fields | Map the fields manually during import |
| Data not updated | IDs in the file do not match existing assets | Keep original system identifiers and verify Asset ID values |
| Import takes a long time | Large file | Wait for processing, or split the spreadsheet into smaller batches |
| Changes not visible | Upload or preview was not confirmed | Re-upload, check the preview, then click **Add all** |