Data Import Workflows

What is this?

Margin Master supports several ways to bring data into the system from your POS (Point of Sale) system, vendor files, FTP servers, and Excel spreadsheets. This guide covers each import method and when to use it.

Walk through it in the app: guide 1003 — Getting your point of sale data. Margin Master can walk you through these steps live: turn on Training / Guide Mode from the Help menu, then type 1003 into the Lessons & Guides box — or ask Margin Master support to run it with you.

Import Methods at a Glance

File Import (POS Mapped Files)

Menu: Data > Import POS Data

This is the most common import method. It reads files from your configured import directory that have been exported from your POS system.

The Import Window

The window title displays "Import Data" (e.g., "Import Procom Data").

At the top, the "Import Path" label shows the directory being scanned. An info button displays path details.

File List

The main area shows a grid of available files:

File Filters

Three radio buttons control which files are displayed:

• POS Mapped Files -- Shows files that match your configured POS file mappings (default)
• Backup Files -- Shows .bak backup files from previous imports
• All Files -- Shows all files in the import directory

Import Steps

1. Open the Import window (Data > Import POS Data)
2. The file list loads automatically from your configured import path
3. Use the All/None checkbox to select or deselect all files
4. Check the boxes next to the files you want to import
5. Click "Import" to begin

A progress overlay appears showing:

• "Processing" title
• Progress bar (0-100%)
• Current operation (e.g., "Importing [2 of 5]")
• Elapsed time
• Cancel button (X) to abort

Other Buttons

Progress Messages

During import, you will see status messages like:

• "Reading FileHelper Files"
• "Reading Mapping File 2 of 5"
• "Importing [3 of 5]"
• "Finalizing Import of "
• "5 Files Imported Successfully"
• "Operation Cancelled!" (if you cancel)

Tip: Double-clicking a file in the list will either back up the active file or restore a backup file, depending on the current filter mode.

FTP Import (Download from POS)

Menu: Data > FTP Import From POS

Use this to download POS data files from an FTP server before importing them.

FTP Import Window

Connection fields (left column):

Tip: FTP settings are saved between sessions. You only need to enter them once.

File list (right column): Displays files available on the FTP server (column: "File Name").

FTP Import Steps

1. Open the FTP Import window (Data > FTP Import From POS)
2. Enter or verify FTP connection details
3. Click "List Files" to connect and retrieve the file list
4. Select the file you want to download
5. Click "Download File" to download it to your local import path

After downloading, use the File Import workflow (above) to import the downloaded files.

FTP Export (Upload to POS)

Menu: Data > FTP Export To POS

Use this to upload price change files or other export data to your POS system's FTP server.

FTP Export Window

Connection fields (left column): Same as FTP Import (Server IP, Port, Path, Username, Password).

File selection (right column):

• File path field showing the selected local file
• Browse button to choose a file from your computer

FTP Export Steps

1. Open the FTP Export window (Data > FTP Export To POS)
2. Enter or verify FTP connection details
3. Click "Browse" to select the file you want to upload (file dialog opens to C:\MarginMaster by default)
4. Click "Upload File" to send the file to the FTP server

Success/failure messages:

• "File was uploaded successfully!"
• "File failed to upload!"

Excel Import (Column Mapper)

Menu: Data > Import Excel File. The Excel SQL Mapper has its own page: Importing from Excel.

Epicor/MySQL Import Manager

Menu: Data > Get POS Data

For stores using Epicor Eagle or Epicor Compass, this tool pulls data directly from the MySQL database.

The Store Manager Window

Menu bar:

• File > Export to Excel File -- Export store data to Excel
• File > Import from Excel File -- Import store data from Excel
• File > Close Window -- Close
• Options > Refresh Ace Zones -- Refresh Ace Hardware zone assignments (Ace only)
• Options > Refresh from MySql -- Reload data from MySQL
• Options > Show Deleted Stores -- Toggle deleted store visibility
• Options > Use Store Grouping -- Enable multi-store grouping display

Store Grid

Overriding Zone Assignments (Ace Hardware Only)

Ace Hardware assigns each store a zone number that determines zone-specific pricing. In some cases, you may need to override this assignment -- for example, when a defunct store has no official Ace zone and defaults to national pricing (zone 99999).

To override a zone:

1. Click the Store Zone# cell for the store you want to change
2. Type the desired zone number (e.g., the same zone as your other stores)
3. The change saves automatically

Visual indicator: Overridden zones display in blue bold text with a tooltip showing the original Ace-assigned zone number. Stores using their Ace-assigned zone display in the default text color.

To clear an override: Enter the store's original Ace-assigned zone number. The override is removed automatically and the text returns to the default color.

Important: After changing a zone assignment, you must run a sync or rebuild for the updated zone pricing to take effect on the store's main table.

Zone 99999 is the national/default pricing zone. All SKUs have zone 99999 pricing; store-specific zones contain only pricing differences from national.

Loading Indicator

While data is loading, a wait indicator displays:

• "Reading from Eagle/MySQL"
• "Please Wait" with a dynamic status message

Status Bar

Shows selection status:

• "Nothing Selected"
• "None of the 5 Stores Selected"
• "3 Stores Selected of 5"

Excel Export/Import

Exported columns: EpicorStoreNumber, VendorStoreNumber, StoreName, RSC, ZoneNumber (Ace only), GroupName (if grouping enabled), Excluded, Deleted

The export file includes a guide section explaining each column:

• "EpicorStoreNumbers are a single CHAR"
• "VendorStoreNumber is {Member#/Store#}"
• "RSC must be a valid code"
• "New Group Names will be added"
• "Zone Number is assigned by Ace (may include user overrides)"
• "Zone 99999 is National Price"

Tip: If you see the message "MySql/Compass Import is Disabled in Tools/Options," you need to enable it in Tools > Options on the Epicor tab by checking Connect via MySQL / Compass.

Common Questions

Q: My import path is not found -- what do I do? A: The default import path is configured in Options. Go to Tools > Options and verify the import directory path. Create the directory on disk if it doesn't exist.

Q: Some files in my import folder are not showing up. A: The "POS Mapped Files" filter only shows files that match your configured mapping. Switch to "All Files" to see everything. Certain system files (like newretails.txt, -ps.xml, .mm, dibconversion) are always filtered out.

Q: Can I import the same file twice? A: Yes, but the previous data will be overwritten. Margin Master automatically backs up the active file before importing a new one.

Q: FTP connection fails -- what should I check? A: Verify the server IP, port, path, username, and password. Ensure your firewall allows outbound FTP connections. Try connecting with a standalone FTP client to verify credentials.

Q: The Epicor import says "NO Skus Found in IN Table" -- what does this mean? A: The Eagle/MySQL database has no data in the IN table. Verify that your Epicor system is running and has exported data. Check the MySQL connection details in Options.