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The Broadstripes Automated Import system allows you to automatically import data into your projects via HTTP POST requests, supporting both CSV and JSON formats.

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Target Audience

Broadstripes users with Project Admin permissions.

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What is Automated Import?

Automated Import enables you to set up recurring or programmatic data imports for a particular Broadstripes project or set of projects. A Broadstripes “project” is typically matched with one union local or organizing campaign, and each project can have multiple automated import configurations.

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Process Overview

Setting up automated imports involves four main steps:

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1. Create an Automated Import Configuration

A Broadstripes user with admin permissions creates a new “automated import configuration” in the system. This generates an authorization token, which is essential for securely delivering data to be imported.

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2. Choose Your Data Format

Data can be delivered via HTTPS POST in either format:
  • Comma-separated values (CSV)
  • JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)

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3. Test the Automation

Your data will be processed using the same rules as a manual import with the settings you specify. It’s crucial to test the data format before production use to ensure everything works as expected.

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4. Release to Production

Once you’re satisfied with test results, the automated process can go live.

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Supported Data Formats

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CSV Format Options

When delivering CSV data, you have two approaches: Option 1: Single CSV File
  • Provide one CSV file with headers on the first line
  • Can contain any data valid for import
  • Simplest approach for most use cases
Option 2: ZIP File with Multiple CSV Files
  • Useful when extracting from structured databases
  • Must contain specifically named files processed in order:
    1. people_modifications.csv
    2. address_modifications.csv
    3. phone_modifications.csv
    4. employment_modifications.csv

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JSON Format

  • Send data as JSON-encoded text
  • Each record represented as a hash/object in an array
  • More flexible for programmatic integrations

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Key Differences from Manual Imports

Automated imports have some important differences from manual imports:
  1. Automatic Field Mapping: Header names must automatically map to Broadstripes fields - you cannot customize mappings
  2. Default Match Settings: The system uses current default match checkbox settings
  3. Auto-Create Organizations: The “Automatically create shops and departments and link employments” setting is always enabled
  4. No Preprocessing: Data preprocessing steps don’t occur in automated imports

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Next Steps