Symptom
After downloading a template file of the foundation object the customer is importing data for, filling it in with data and importing it into the system, the below validation error is returned:
"The Identifier column is missing from the import file. Please download and use a fresh template."
Image/data in this KBA is from SAP internal systems, sample data, or demo systems. Any resemblance to real data is purely coincidental.
Environment
SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central
Reproducing the Issue
- Access the Import Foundation Data page;
- Download a template file of the foundation object in which data is being imported for (e.g. Pay Range);
- Fill in the columns with data;
- Upload the file and click on Import;
- The error "The Identifier column is missing from the import file. Please download and use a fresh template" returns.
Cause
- The externalCode column was removed from the file or,
- the file template did not included the externalCode field because the required parameter is set to "false" and the visibility parameter is set to "view" for the externalCode field of the related Foundation Object. If the second cause described is true, (i.e. field is not editable), such won't come along in the object's template file given that users can view - but not change - data for this field.
Resolution
- Export the Corporate Data Model of the affected company;
- Access the externalCode field of the concerned foundation object;
- Change the visibility parameter to "both" and change the required parameter to "true";
- Import the Corporate Data Model into the system;
- Download the template file of the concerned object again, and see that now the field externalCode column is also included in the file;
- Fill in data into the file and proceed with the import.
See Also
2080139 - How To Import Foundation Objects or Foundation Data - Employee Central
Keywords
Identifier column is missing, foundation, object, import, error, externalcode, , KBA , LOD-SF-EC-FOO , Foundation Objects (Organisation, Pay and Job Structures) , Problem