To import data from another database or text file, you can use the import definition window.
Fields in Amateur Invest are used in certain specific ways, and Amateur Invest has to be told, how to match the fields from the external source.
Many bank programs (home banking programs) use a paradox or dbase database to store the transactions in.
Or you can save transaction information to a text file from internet based banking programs. You can do this by eg. "copy-pasting" the information from the screen into a notepad file, and then saving the file to the disk. Or if the program has an export facility, you can export the transactions to a file directly.
By using this import definition, you can set up Amateur Invest to be able to read the transactions from such PC Bank programs, and thus avoid having to enter all the transactions on your own.
How:
First you choose the file, that you wish to import data from.
Then you set up the required fields from the import database or text.
Fields:
The fields can be selected from drop down lists, by pushing the arrow next to each field name. The fields that needs to be selected, have the following meanings:
Skip older than (days):
If you import data on a regular basis, you can just look back for new transactions, for a small period of time. This can be set to 100 days, or if you update more often, to eg. 30 days (that is, you update at least once a month).
Account number:
Here you enter, from where Amateur Invest can read the account number.
Value Date:
Here you define the field, that Amateur Invest should read the bank value date from. Has to be a "string" field with the format YYYYMMDD
Amount:
Here you enter, from where Amateur Invest should read the amount.
Text:
Here you define the field that describes the transaction.
Bank Label:
Here you say which field, Amateur Invest can read the bank unique label id from. Each transaction usually is given a unique serial number.
Buttons:
Save
By using the save button, you can save the import definition you have made. Amateur Invest will then automatically remember the definition, the next time you wish to import data. You'll then avoid having to start the definition over each time.
In general:
Please note, that the above rules must be observed. Otherwise Amateur Invest will not be able to read the transactions from your bank program.
Alternatively, you may be able to export data from you bank program, in a format, that can be specified to suit the above import definition. A little way around, will then make it possible to import data into Amateur Invest anyway.
