Data Migration in OrangeHRM

Data migration is a widely discussed topic today in the software world due to its extensive use.The word “data migration” in itself describes the true functionality it performs, which is transferring bulk data from one system to another, eliminating the need for entering them manually. This can be done through a Comma Separated Value file, which can be processed by all text editors.

This feature plays a major role in Management Information Systems and Payroll Systems, because it eliminates the possibility of data redundancy and loss.

In OrangeHRM we have implemented this feature due to the huge demand and request from our community. This was firstly implemented in the version 2.2.3 and looking forward for some more changes. The technical functionality of this feature within the OrangeHRM system can be described as follows.

• Custom Import Definitions

In order to import CSV data into OrangeHRM, you need to create an Import definition. This defines the format of the CSV file:

1. The fields (columns) in the CSV file
2. Order of the columns in the CSV file
3. Whether the CSV file contains a header.

• CSV File format

The CSV file can have an optional header row. The header row will contain the names of the columns in the file. This row is optional, and OrangeHRM simply ignores this and doesn't attempt to read or validate this row.

The rest of the rows in the CSV file contain data. Each of these rows should contain details on one new employee. If the name of the employee matches an existing employee in the system, that row will not be imported.

• Importing CSV Data

To import data you need to go to the menu 'Data Import/Export' -> 'Import' and select from the available import definitions. Then browse and select a CSV file and click Import. Once the import is complete, the status of the import with any errors will be shown.

In the same way the data can be exported from OrangeHRM to the other systems using the same technical functionality