Import data from CSV files

You can import data into the history blocks, as long as the data is formatted according to a specific comma-separated values (CSV) format. The basic steps for importing data are:

1. Configure the data import folder, which is where you will put your formatted CSV files.

   For more information, see Predefined CSV file import folders.

2. Add tag definitions to the AVEVA Historian database for all data values you plan to import. Importing data for a tag that is not defined results in an error. If you are importing legacy InTouch data, you can use the Tag Importer to import a tagname database, which contains the tag definitions. Otherwise, you must manually add the tag definitions.

   For information on importing an InTouch tagname database, see Importing an InTouch data dictionary.

   For information on adding tag definitions manually, see Define tags.

3. Determine the type of import, either normal or "fast load."

   For more information, see About normal CSV file imports and About fast load CSV file imports.

4. Determine if you want to insert original data for I/O Server tags. By default, the system does not insert original data for I/O Server tags by a CSV file. However, you can change this setting by changing the value of the AllowOriginals system parameter to 1.

   For more information on editing system parameters, see Edit system parameters.

5. Format the CSV file according to the import type.

   For more information, see Format the CSV file for a normal import or Format the CSV file for a fast load import.

6. Place the file into the appropriate data import folder, where it is automatically processed by the system.

   For more information, see Copy a CSV file into an import folder.

For a comparison of the various import methods, see Guidelines for importing, inserting, and updating history data.