SAP Knowledge Base Article - Public

2815327 - MDF import template header is confusing

Symptom

The Department Foundation Object import template and some fields are related to picklist. The field's second headers are "Picklist Value.External Code". What is the meaning of such headers it's confusing.

Environment

SuccessFactors

Employee Central v2

Metadata Framework

Foundation Objects

Reproducing the Issue

  • Go to Department Object Definition (or any other custom or Foundation object definition)
  • Add a custom string field and associate it with a picklist.

cust_HeaderFieldTest in DepartmentFO.PNG

Picklist config externalCode.png

cust_HeaderFieldTest Field Details.PNG

  • Save object definition.
  • Export Department object template from "Import and Export Data".

Import and Export Data tool.png

  • Open the template and observe second header row for the custom picklist field that you have created, it will appear as "Picklist Value.External Code".

Department_Template_ImportExportData.png

Cause

First header row of import file will show the field IDs stored in database

Second head row of import file will show either the Label which we have provided or a hint. For example: "Picklist Value.External Code" if it's of picklist type.

Resolution

"Picklist Value.External Code" is a hint which indicates to use associated field's picklist's externalCode in import file instead of picklist values.

Workaround Only Applicable for Foundation Objects

Use "Import Foundation Data" tool to export Department Template.

Here the label of the custom picklist filed shows instead of the hint "Picklist Value.External Code"

Import Foundation Data tool.png

Department_Template_ImportFOData.png

Keywords

"Picklist Value.External Code", import template headers, foundation object import template, generic object import template, SuccessFactors , KBA , picklist value.external code , foundation object import template , successfactors , LOD-SF-EC-FOO , Foundation Objects (Organisation, Pay and Job Structures) , LOD-SF-MDF , Metadata Framework , Problem

Product

SAP SuccessFactors HCM Core 1905