Importing Issues

Use Import Issues to create multiple issues from a spreadsheet or update issues that already exist. The current import experience opens as a wizard-style modal from the Manage Issues page.

Important: Start with a small test file. A create-new import can produce duplicate issues if it is run more than once, while an update import can change many existing records.

Before you begin

• Confirm that your role can import issues and access the destination audit.
• Use a supported file: .xls, .xlsx, or .csv.
• Put field names in the first row and keep one issue per row.
• Remove merged cells, extra title rows, and completely blank rows.
• Decide whether you are creating new issues or updating existing issues. Update imports ignore the audit selector and use matching issue records instead.
• Download the current template from the Helpful Resources for Importing panel if you are building a file from scratch.

1. Open Import Issues

1. Sign in to AuditFindings.
2. Select Issues in the main navigation.
3. Select Import above the issue list. AuditFindings opens the Import Issues modal.

2. Choose the import mode and destination

In the Configure Import section, choose an Import Mode:

• Create New Issues creates issue records from the spreadsheet.
• Update Existing Issues changes records that the importer can match to existing issues. Test this option with a small file before using it for a large update.

When creating issues, select the audit that should receive them in Assign to Audit. You can also choose -- Create Audit -- to enter a new audit name or Not Assigned when either option is appropriate for your workflow.

3. Select the spreadsheet

1. Select the destination audit.
2. Select Select File and choose the .xls, .xlsx, or .csv file.
3. If owners or assignees are included, choose whether AuditFindings should send assignment emails. In create mode the checkbox says Send assignment emails to new owners and assignees included in this import; in update mode it sends emails when owner or assignee fields are updated.
4. Check the date format in the spreadsheet:
   • U.S.: MM/DD/YYYY
   • International: DD/MM/YYYY

Other date formats may not import correctly.

4. Map and review the fields

After AuditFindings reads the file, the modal moves to the mapping step. Match each spreadsheet column to the corresponding AuditFindings field.

• Map the required fields identified by the importer.
• Leave columns unmapped when they should not be imported.
• Review date, status, priority, owner, assignee, department, and custom-field values carefully.
• Resolve validation messages before continuing.

The Import button remains unavailable until the required selections and file information are complete. To choose a different spreadsheet before importing, use Choose another file.

5. Complete and verify the import

1. Review the mapping and import summary.
2. Select Import only when the destination and settings are correct.
3. Wait for the progress and success message. Large imports may continue in the background, and AuditFindings emails the final results.
4. Return to Issues and confirm the expected number of records.
5. Open several imported issues and verify their audit, dates, status, priority, owners, assignees, and custom fields.

Troubleshooting

The Import button is unavailable

Confirm that you selected an import mode, selected a destination audit when required, selected a supported file, and resolved any mapping or validation messages.

Dates are missing or incorrect

Use a single date format throughout the file: MM/DD/YYYY for U.S. dates or DD/MM/YYYY for international dates.

I see warnings or errors

Do not immediately run the complete file again. First determine whether any rows were created or updated, correct the affected rows, and retry only the records that still require attention.

The import created duplicates

Avoid running the same create-new file more than once. Review the imported records and contact your AuditFindings administrator or support team before making bulk corrections.

Assignment emails were sent unexpectedly

Before importing, review the checkbox labeled Send assignment emails to new owners and assignees included in this import.

Related articles

• Adding An Audit
• Adding Issues

Last verified: August 6, 2026 | AuditFindings area: Issues > Import