The master data information worksheet in Business Central lets you import data into virtually any table in the system. That flexibility is powerful, but it also means you can do real damage if you point it at the wrong table. This article explains how the tool works using bank accounts as an example, and why you need to be careful about who gets access to it.
To set up an import, you find the table number for the table you want to import into. For bank accounts, that is table 270. Inspect the page to find the table number, then create your own template in the master data import worksheet by adding the table number. The system automatically prepares the import template with the primary key, and you select the remaining fields directly from the table.
The risk is that the same tool can also import into sensitive tables like the item ledger entries or finance entries. Importing into those tables can corrupt your data structure completely. Limit access to the tool and make sure anyone using it knows exactly which table they are working with.
How the master data information worksheet works in Business Central
The master data information worksheet can be used for all kinds of tables in Business Central. That is what makes it useful, but it also means you have to be aware of what you are doing so you do not mess anything up.
Say you want to import bank accounts. Go into the bank account page and inspect the page to see the table number. For bank accounts, the table number is 270.
Creating an import template for bank accounts
Once you know the table number, you can create your own template. Go into the master data import worksheet, open the full list, and add a new entry if you do not already have bank accounts in there. Give it a name, for example “Bank accounts”, and add the table number.
After you add the table number, the import template card is already prepared with the primary key for bank accounts. The first field number is grayed out because it is the primary key. From there, you select the fields you want directly from the bank account table and build your template.
Why access to the tool needs to be controlled
Because the worksheet works against any table, you have to be careful. You could just as easily build a template that imports into item ledger entries, finance entries, or anything else. Importing into tables like these will destroy your Business Central data structure completely.
For that reason, you need to be aware of what you are doing, who you give access to this tool, and how it is used. In short, you can import everything with the master data import worksheet, and that is exactly why it deserves respect.
Q&A
What can you import with the master data import worksheet in Business Central?
You can import data into all kinds of tables in Business Central, including master data tables like bank accounts. The tool works against any table by referencing the table number.
How do you find the table number for bank accounts in Business Central?
Go into the bank account page and use the inspect page function to see the table number. For bank accounts, the table number is 270.
How do you create an import template for a new table?
Open the full list in the master data import worksheet, add a new entry, give it a name, and enter the table number. The import template card is then prepared automatically with the primary key, and you select the fields you want directly from the table.
Why is the first field number grayed out in the import template?
The first field is grayed out because it is the primary key for the table. The system fills this in automatically when you add the table number.
What are the risks of using the master data import worksheet?
Because the tool can import into any table, including item ledger entries and finance entries, importing into the wrong table can corrupt your Business Central data structure completely. Limit access and make sure users know which table they are working with.