---
title: "The Smart Import Object – Excel-Style Data Loading to Cubes & Entities"
slug: "the-smart-import-object"
description: "Learn how the Smart Import Object lets Board Developers and Planners load data via table entry or .xlsx upload; supports mapping, validation rules, suggested values, and execution of Procedures."
tags: ["Objects", "Developer", "Smart Import", "Planner"]
updated: 2025-10-07T14:19:49Z
published: 2025-10-07T14:19:49Z
canonical: "help.board.com/the-smart-import-object"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.board.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# The Smart Import Object

This topic covers the **Smart Import Object**, which allows both Developers and Planners to load data into Cubes or Entities.

With the Smart Import Object, data is loaded from a Screen of a Capsule in Play Mode from a familiar Excel-like interface, giving every Board user with Data Entry privileges and at least a User license the ability to load data with just a few clicks.

> [!WARNING]
> **The Smart Import Object can be used for:**
> 
> - the **initial data load** after a complete Data Model has been created,
> - **updating data** stored in Cubes,
> - and/or for **adding new members to existing Entities.**

The Smart Import Object has two possible methods for loading data:

1. Manually entering it into the table. Users can enter values just as they would in an Excel spreadsheet or they can copy and paste data using the CTRL+C and CTRL+V keyboard shortcuts.
2. Uploading an .xlsx file. This method is particularly useful when the amount of data is so large that manually entering data would be too difficult or when the user prefers to manage data on a local machine. An empty Excel template file can also be downloaded from the Object toolbar.

The Smart Import Object is easily configured in Design Mode with a simple two-step mapping process.

It also supports additional options in the Object Properties panel, such as custom validation rules, suggested values, and the execution of a Procedure when Data Entry is performed, as well as the usual formatting and graphic customization properties common to all Screen Objects.

> [!NOTE]
> *As of writing, none of the Data Entry actions made via the Smart Import Object are logged into the DataEntry log file.*