This document provides a step-by-step guide on how to import/export data between Excel and NetPoint using a detailed process that includes setting up the spreadsheet, importing fields, and finalizing reports. It outlines the necessary supported fields, formats, and key instructions for both importing schedules into NetPoint and exporting customizable Excel reports. Additionally, it includes specific tips for data entry, formatting, and troubleshooting common issues related to date and object identification.

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A Step‐by‐step Guide
HOW TO IMPORT/EXPORT
BETWEEN &

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O V E R V I E W
1. Set up your Excel spreadsheet for import.
2. Launch NetPoint.
3. From the file menu select File > Import/Export >
Import from Excel.
4. Locate your file and select Open.
A. Make sure the right Tab is selected
B. Select the row that fields are based on, usually row 1
C. Select all the fields you want to import, usually select all
5. Select Finalize Report.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR
SCHEDULE FROM EXCEL
TO NETPOINT

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Set up your Excel
spreadsheet for
import.
Start with generic
spreadsheets or
download the quick‐
import excel template.
Make sure that you
have the NetPoint
supported fields in
the Excel columns.
Start with generic spreadsheets
STEP 1

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STEP 2
Launch NetPoint.

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STEP 3
Select File > Import/Export >
Import From Excel and Open.

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B
C
STEP 3
Import your excel sheet.
A. Make sure the right tab is
selected
B. Select the row that fields are
based on, usually row 1
C. Select all the fields you want
to import, usually select all

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STEP 5
Lastly, select
Finalize Report.

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STEP 6
Imported
schedule
Select
Automated
Layout to
improve
your
network.

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UPDATED LAYOUT

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EXPORT CUSTOMIZABLE EXCEL REPORTS
Customize the Linked Excel Report for communication with your team
 Descriptions
 Abbreviated
descriptions
 Object IDS
 Code definition
 Resource
definition
 Code assignment
 Resource
assignment
 Estimated %
Complete
Fields / ColumnsFields / Columns

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In NetPoint, save
your schedule
before exporting.
STEP 1

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Select File > Import/Export >
Export to Linked Excel File and Export.
STEP 2

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THE RESULT

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SUPPORTED FIELDS & REQUIRED FORMAT
14
Object Type For activity, enter as "activity," "task," "task dependent,“ "fixed units," "fixed duration," or "fixed work". For
milestone, enter as "milestone," "start milestone," "sm," "finish milestone," or "fm". For benchmark, enter as
"benchmark," "start benchmark," "sb," "finish benchmark," and "fb". For delay, enter as "delay“. If missing or
invalid, it imports as an activity.
ID Any combination of letters & numbers (case sensitive). Characters such as "‐" are supported but others like "#"
are dropped.
Description Can be any combination of letters, numbers, and characters.
Calendar Must be defined in the file you are importing into. For example "United States" or "Calendar Days". Case
sensitive. If missing or invalid, it will be set to the default calendar for the schedule you're importing into.
Duration Must be greater than 0 for activities and equal to 0 for milestones and benchmarks. If missing or invalid, it
will be set as 1 for activities and 0 for milestones, benchmarks, and delays.
Start Date Can be entered in any date format recognized by Excel, including but not limited to: 3/14/2012; 3/14/12;
03/14/12; 14‐Mar‐12; 14‐Mar‐2012; March 14, 2012; Wednesday, March 14, 2012. If a date is entered that is
not in that object's calendar's work days, the object goes to the next work day for that calendar. If missing or
invalid, it may be set to its early date.

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SUPPORTED FIELDS & REQUIRED FORMAT
15
Finish Date Can be entered in any date format that is recognized by Excel, including but not limited to: 3/14/2012; 3/14/12;
03/14/12; 14‐Mar‐12; 14‐Mar‐2012; March 14, 2012; Wednesday, March 14, 2012. If a date is entered that is not in
that object's calendar's work days, the object goes to the next work day for that calendar. If missing or invalid, it may
be set to its early date.
Predecessor Enter as EITHER [Row #][Relationship][Lag] OR if ID's are being defined, [ID][Relationship][Lag], e.g. "12FS1" or
"ABFS1". In either case "[Lag]" is optional, e.g. "12FS" or "ABFS". If ID's are being defined, row numbers can NOT be
used. Possible relationships include SS, FS, FF, or SF. If the relationship or row #/ID is not recognized, the link will not
be imported.
Successor Enter as EITHER [Row #][Relationship][Lag] OR if ID's are being defined, [ID][Relationship][Lag], e.g. "12FS1" or
"ABFS1". In either case "[Lag]" is optional, e.g. "12FS" or "ABFS". If ID's are being defined, row numbers can NOT be
used. Possible relationships include SS, FS, FF, or SF. If the relationship or row #/ID is not recognized, the link will not
be imported.
Color Enter as either R,G,B (for example, 255, 50, 50) OR by name. A list of supported colors is available at
www.rapidtables.com/web/color/RGB_Color.htm. If invalid or not recognized, it is set as the default color for that object.
Grid Number Enter the rid number for object placement at import from Excel. This can help control where object land on the
canvas at import vs the random placement default to NetPoint.

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Download a free trail of
NetPoint; Pre‐Set Excel
Spreadsheets, and field
descriptions
pmatechnologies.com/excel/
Learn more about NetPoint
and GPM Planning
http://pmatechnologies.com/
Contact us for more
information
info@pmatechnologies.com