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How to import production operations
How to import production operations

If you have your Product operations stored in a spreadsheet, you can easily import it into Katana

Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke
Updated over a month ago

Importing production operations into Katana is an effective way to manage large volumes of data efficiently. This guide provides insights into the process of uploading operation details using a predefined template, simplifying the setup for extensive production environments.

If you have Production operations already available on a spreadsheet and/or if you have a large number of products in Katana, it is typically more efficient to upload operations using our import XLS template rather than adding operations manually.

You can also use the bulk data import functionality to update existing default production operations in Katana in bulk.

Importing production operations

  1. Download the template from Settings screen > Data Import > Add new product operations > Download template.
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    Shows where the template for adding new product operations is at

  2. Fill in the download template. - we included an instructions sheet with comments to column headers on the operations datasheet to should help you better understand the template structure. If you have questions about this, reach out to us in chat or via e-mail [email protected].
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  3. After filling in the template, save it in either .xls or .xlsx format.

    On Mac: Open the spreadsheet in Numbers and choose File > Export to > Excel... from the menu at the top of your screen.

    In Google Sheets: Open the spreadsheet in Google Sheets and choose File > Download as > Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
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  4. In Katana, navigate to Settings screen > Data Import, click Upload data under Add new product operations, and select the template file you want to upload.

    Shows where to upload product operations

  5. Choose whether to replace the existing production operations in Katana or add the operation steps from the file to existing operations for products. If you haven't entered any operations to Katana yet and this is a first-time import either option gives the same result.
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    Pop-up window when importing product operations
  6. Before uploading data, Katana will analyze the imported file and tell you whether there are any errors. If rows are skipped, re-check the imported file for issues and upload it again.

    Error screen when importing

  7. If everything is okay with the file, click OK, go ahead, and the operations will be imported into Katana. When the import completes, you will receive a message indicating the total number of operation steps imported.

    You can access your production operations by navigating to a product card from the Items screen and selecting the Production operations tab.

Additional info about importing

  • When assigning operations to products in the template, only use products that already exist in Katana as new items will not be created by uploading operations. Use our product import template for adding new items.

  • If a product (variant) has multiple operation steps, create multiple rows for that product (variant) and enter each operation step into a new row in the spreadsheet. Make sure that you also duplicate the product Variant Code / SKU for the product on each line.

  • Product variant code / SKU and Product operation name columns are required. Make sure that the column name in the uploaded file is exactly the same as our template (including the (required) text).

  • Product variant name, Resource, Cost parameter, Hours, Minutes and Seconds columns are optional.

  • Product variant code / SKU (required) is the matching criteria for products in Katana. Therefore, using Variant code / SKU is required for products for importing operations.

  • The Product variant name column is only included for ease of use if entering the item name makes it easier for you to prepare the template. The data in this field isn't imported. The match to an item is only made based on the Variant code / SKU, not the product variant name.

  • A new operation will be created if the Operations entered in the Product operation name (required) field doesn't match existing Operations in Katana.

  • If a Resource doesn't match any existing Resources in Katana, a new Resource is created.

  • Cost parameter only accepts numeric input (comma or dot as decimal separator are allowed). The base currency set in Katana is used for the cost after import.

  • Hours, Minutes, and Seconds must be entered as a number. "Minutes" and "Seconds" also accept larger values than 60 and will be automatically converted during import (e.g. 90 minutes equals 1h 30 minutes).

  • If you have the Advanced Manufacturing add-on, there will also be a column for Operation type on the import template.

Updating existing Production operations

Find instructions here for updating Production operations in bulk.


Your feedback is always appreciated. Let us know your thoughts on this article or anything else in Katana that you'd like to see improved: [email protected]

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