Importing Data

Use the Import view in the Forecast module to import Historical Interaction Volume or Historical AHT, Forecast Interaction Volume, Forecast AHT, and Forecast Staffing data.

Importing Data from a .CSV File

To import data:

1. In the Forecast module, click Import.
2. Expand the appropriate Site or Business Unit and choose the Activity for which you want to import data.
3. In the Import Forecast Data pane, click Select File.
4. Click Import from file to select a .CSV file that contains the data you want imported.
   Tip

   When data for deferred activities is imported or exported using the 24-hours period, the data is imported for each day using open hours like this:

   • The day start is the previous overnight day end or 00:00, whichever is later.
   • The day end is the overnight time end or 24:00 whichever is later.
5. From the Granularity drop-down list, select 15, 30, 60, or Daily.
   
   
   Tip

   WFM does not import data for the last timestep in the selected period if you select the 15-, 30-, or 60-minute timestep. For example, assume your .CSV file contains data for the dates 4/15/2005 through 6/28/2005 in 15-minute timesteps. To completely import the data from every timestep, you must set the End Date to 6/29/2005 and the End Time to 12:00 AM.
   
   

   When WFM imports Historical data with 24-hours granularity, it takes into account only activity or multi-site activity open hours, because the import file contains data for days only (one record per each day). Open hours acts as a filter. WFM does not use the Start Time and End Time in the Select Dates page of the Import Wizard.

   If the 15-, 30-, or 60-minute timestep is selected, data from the import file is filtered using the Start Date and Time and End Date and Time.
6. From the Locale for Import drop-down list, select the locale.
   Tip

   The Granularity parameter settings determines if the Time data type is offered in the Data Columns pane to follow. Locale settings enable the date and time types to be parsed and used in later in the import process.
7. At the top of the pane, click Next .
   You can select Back at any time is you need to return to the previous pane.
8. In the Select Data Columns pane, choose the column separator, either Character, Tab, or Space.
   If you choose Character, you must enter a character in this field. For example, a comma.
9. In the Comments character field, enter a character that will indicate any lines in the .CSV file that represent comments.
   For example, a hash tag character.
10. In the Column Mapping to Data section, map the columns to the type of data you have in your .CSV file.
    The available data type columns are:
    • Date
    • Time
    • Master Forecast IV
    • Master Forecast AHT
    • Historical Data IV
    • Historical Data AHT
    • Calculated Staffing, FTE
    • Calculated Staffing, Manhours
    • Required Staffing, FTE
    • Required Staffing, Manhours
    Tip

    Non-historical data statistics are imported to the Master Forecast. Specified statistics appear only if the user has appropriate security rights.

    Different columns appear in the Column Mapping to Data section, depending on the column separator and comments character you use. To view all applicable columns in this section, ensure that you select a separator that matches the one used in your .CSV file.

    If you chose an incorrect data type for any column, the Review Validation pane opens, with an error message.
11. At the top of the pane, click Next .
12. In the Select Dates pane, choose one of the following:
    • Import everything—To import all of the data in the .CSV file.
    • Import following date and time range—To specify the date and time ranges for the data you want to import.
13. After choosing either a or b in step 12, select the check boxes next to any days for which you want data to be ignored.
    For example, you might use setting to omit data from days when the activity is not open.
    
    If a date and time range is not selected in step 12, by default the start time and date is the current day and 12:00 am and the end time and date is the following day and 12:00 am.
14. At the top of the pane, click Import .
    The Information dialog opens, indicating the data is being uploaded and the progress.
15. Click Cancel to end the operation, if necessary.
16. When the Information dialog indicates the data upload is done, click OK.

Use the Reports module to export data and create reports. See Forecast Report.