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Import as values

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Comments

5 comments

  • Juaque Swanepoel

    If you use Excel you can use the Workiva Sync add-in.
    Workiva Sync for Spreadsheets – Support Center

    Just note fonts, colors, lines, or other formatting found in the original document are not imported.

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  • Chuck

    Personally, not a huge fan of the Wdesk sync add-on and find it interesting that people still use it. Some time ago it was mentioned to me that Import would be replacing the sync add-on altogether. It would be valuable If there was a way to select an option using the import to paste values similar to the sync add-on. I prefer to maintain format of my excel files but as mentioned above, when there are various excel spreadsheets interconnected to the file you are looking to import it creates null values. I also find that the "import" functionality is a lot less clunky and more user friendly when explaining how to get external data, documents, spreadsheets into the tool. Similar to a lot of users, we aren't using wDesk spreadsheets as a replacement to excel and nor do I believe that's what Workiva's intention is. Having the ability to Import "values" would be a huge upgrade.

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  • Andrew McKenzie

    Anna Blake Lively, it's definitely a workaround and probably something you already thought of, but can you select all cells in the original Excel sheet, copy, then paste values only into a new sheet, and then import the new sheet into Workiva? I think you could use an Excel macro to automate the copy/paste and then each time you import you would just need to choose the "values only" sheet instead of the original.

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  • Juaque Swanepoel

    Workiva mentioned they were going to remove sync but seemed to have revamped it. I can see a couple of use cases for the company I work for. Each of the methods (Importing, Syncing, Copying and Pasting) have their advantages and disadvantages. Everyone just needs to find what works for them.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

    I asked Microsoft Copilot the following question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Workiva Sync vs Importing vs Copying and pasting to Wdesk Spreadsheets?

    1. Workiva Sync for Spreadsheets:

      • Advantages:
        • Efficiency: Workiva Sync allows you to sync information from an Excel workbook to Workiva. It efficiently updates existing spreadsheets with data from your computer.
        • Preserves Formatting: While importing an Excel file initially, use the import feature to preserve formatting. After that, Workiva Sync can handle updates without compromising formatting.
        • Selective Sync: Workiva Sync offers a “Use selected cells” feature, allowing you to sync only specific data ranges currently selected in the Excel workbook.
        • Supported Excel Versions: It works with various Excel versions, including Excel on Windows, Mac, iPad, and the web.
      • Disadvantages:
        • Dependency on Excel API: The selective sync feature depends on Excel API 1.9, which is available only in certain versions of Excel.
        • Installation Complexity: Installing Workiva Sync involves IT coordination and manifest file management.
        • Browser Limitations: Some Excel versions use IE11 as the integrated browser, which may impact the user experience.
      • Source1
    2. Importing Data:

      • Advantages:
        • Initial Import: Importing data directly into Wdesk ensures accurate formatting and structure.
        • Ease of Use: Importing is straightforward and doesn’t require additional tools.
      • Disadvantages:
        • Manual Process: Importing data can be time-consuming if done frequently.
        • Formatting Challenges: Ensuring consistent formatting during imports can be tricky.
        • Limited Automation: Importing doesn’t automatically update data; you need to repeat the process.
      • Source1
    3. Copying and Pasting:

      • Advantages:
        • Quick and Simple: Copying and pasting is easy and immediate.
        • No Additional Tools: No need for external add-ins or installations.
      • Disadvantages:
        • Formatting Risks: Pasting data may disrupt formatting or introduce errors.
        • Manual Effort: Frequent copying and pasting can become tedious.
        • Lack of Automation: Like importing, it doesn’t automatically update data.
      • Source1

    In summary, choose the method that aligns with your workflow and data management needs. Workiva Sync is efficient for ongoing updates, importing ensures initial accuracy, and copying and pasting is quick but manual. Consider your specific use case and preferences when deciding which approach to use.

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  • Chuck

    Thank you Juaque Swanepoel, this is very helpful information to share and explain the pros/cons to each functionality. 

    Cheers!

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