Data Import Wizard
The Data Import Wizard allows you to bulk import data into Pestle from Excel or CSV files. This guide will help you prepare your data and successfully import it.
Overview
The Data Import Wizard supports importing the following types of data:
- Assets - IT assets, systems, and components
- Users - User accounts for the platform
- Applied Controls - Security controls and measures
- Perimeters - Organizational boundaries and scopes
- Compliance Assessments - Framework compliance data
- Findings Assessments - Audit findings and issues
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Data
Download the appropriate template for your data type and fill it with your information:
Assets Template
For IT assets and systems
Users Template
For user accounts
Applied Controls Template
For security controls
Perimeters Template
For organizational scopes
Compliance Assessment Template
For framework compliance
Findings Assessment Template
For audit findings
2. Format Your File
Ensure your file follows these formatting guidelines:
- Save as
.xlsxor.xlsformat - Include headers in the first row
- Fill in all required fields (marked with * in templates)
- Use exact values for dropdown fields (see reference below)
- Leave optional fields empty if not needed
3. Access the Import Wizard
Navigate to Experimental → Data Import Wizard
4. Upload Your File
- Click "Choose File" and select your prepared Excel file
- Select the corresponding data type (must match your file format)
- Choose the target domain/perimeter/framework as needed
- Click "Upload" to start the import
5. Review Results
After upload, you'll see:
- Number of successful imports
- Number of failed imports with error details
- Specific error messages for each failed record
Field Reference
Status Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
to_do | Not started |
in_progress | Work in progress |
done | Completed |
Compliance Results
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
not_assessed | Not yet assessed |
compliant | Fully compliant |
partially_compliant | Partially compliant |
non_compliant | Not compliant |
not_applicable | Not applicable |
Severity Levels
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
low | Low severity |
medium | Medium severity |
high | High severity |
critical | Critical severity |
CSF Functions
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
govern | Governance activities |
identify | Identify risks and assets |
protect | Protective measures |
detect | Detection capabilities |
respond | Response procedures |
recover | Recovery planning |
Important Notes
⚠️ Batch Operations Warning
All imports are processed in batch mode and cannot be undone. Always backup your data before performing large imports.
Domain Handling
If no domain is specified in your file, the selected fallback domain will be used for all records.
Special Requirements
- Compliance Assessments require both a Perimeter and Framework selection
- Findings Assessments require a Perimeter selection and will create a new assessment with timestamp
- Applied Controls and Assets will use the fallback domain if not specified per row
Troubleshooting
Common Errors
File format error
Ensure your file is saved in Excel format (.xlsx or .xls), not CSV or other formats.
Missing required fields
Check that all mandatory fields are filled. Required fields are marked with * in the templates.
Domain not found
The domain name must match exactly with existing domains in Pestle. Check spelling and case.
Invalid enum values
Use only the exact values listed in the field reference above (e.g., "to_do" not "todo").
Duplicate records
Check for duplicate email addresses (for users) or ref_ids (for other types).
Best Practices
- Start with a small test import to verify your format
- Use the ref_id field to maintain traceability with external systems
- Keep a backup of your original data
- Review error messages carefully - they indicate exactly what needs correction
- For large imports, consider breaking into smaller batches