Bulk Updating Locations

Discovery allows you to update multiple locations at once using a CSV file. This is helpful when you need to correct or update location information in bulk instead of editing locations one at a time.

For more information on bulk updates, please refer to our bulk updates overview.

Overview

Bulk updating locations is a two-part process:

  1. Export existing location data from Discovery.
  2. Edit the file and upload it using the Bulk Imports tool.

Step 1: Export Locations

Before you can update locations, you must export them from Discovery.

How to Export

  1. Go to Locations
  2. Use filters if you only want to export certain locations.
  3. Click Export to CSV
  4. Save the file to your computer.

Step 2: Edit the File

Open the exported file in Excel.

You can update certain fields. Some fields are required. Some fields are helper columns and will not update data.

Important:

All column headings must remain in the file.

Required Fields

These fields must remain in the file and must contain valid values.

  • id** | the location id generated by Discovery upon creation. This field cannot be edited.
  • name | the location name.
  • client_company_id | the client company id this location should be attached to
  • address
  • property_type | must be one of the following:
    • Commercial
    • Multi-family

    Optional Fields

    These fields can be updated if needed.

    • client_account_id** | the id for the client account the location should be attached to
    • external_reference_id

    Helper Columns (Read-Only)

    These columns are included for reference only. Changes made to these columns will NOT be applied during bulk update.

    • client_company_name | An update client company should be performed using the client_company_id field
    • billing_group_name | A change in billing group should be performed using the client_account_id field.

    Step 3: Save the File

    When you finish making updates:

    1. Save the file as:

      locations.csv

    2. Make sure the file format is CSV.

    Step 4: Upload the File

    1. Go to Settings

    2. Select Bulk Imports

      Click New

      Choose:

      • Replace Existing as the type.
    3. Upload your locations.csv file.
    4. Start the bulk update.

    Tips for Success

    ✅ Do not edit the id column

    ✅ Keep all column headings in the file

    ✅ Update client company assignments using client_company_id

    ✅ Update billing groups using client_account_id

    ✅ Make sure property_type values match accepted options exactly

    ✅ Save the file as CSV format

    *Import file name and its column headers cannot be edited.


    **When any ID field is required (_id), this indicates an ID that is generated and assigned by Discovery to a unique entity. You'll need to retrieve these ID's from Discovery. The general method to retrieve ID's in bulk is through a Custom Report. Please see the Export ID's with Custom Reports article covering how to generate a Custom Report to retrieve specific entity ID's.

    If you have additional questions or need more in depth information, please feel free to send us a message using the help beacon in the lower right-hand corner.

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