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Importing from Excel or CSV

Last updated: July 3, 2026

If you already track your collection in a spreadsheet, use the Asset Management import workflow instead of retyping every item.

Open Import/Export

  1. Sign in and confirm the correct organization.
  2. Open /app/asset-management/import-export.
  3. Select the Import tab.

The current importer accepts CSV and Excel files: .csv, .xlsx, and .xls.

Prepare Your File

One row should represent one inventory item. Common columns include:

  • Name.
  • Manufacturer.
  • Model number.
  • Road name.
  • Reporting mark.
  • Road number.
  • Type.
  • Scale.
  • Condition.
  • Purchase price.
  • Current value.
  • Location.
  • Era.
  • Notes.

Keep the first row as headers when possible. The import page has a File has header row option.

Choose Duplicate Handling

Before previewing the import, choose how RailScanPro should handle possible duplicates:

  • Skip duplicates.
  • Update existing records.
  • Create new records anyway.
  • Stop on duplicate.

If you are not sure, use preview first and start with a small file.

Preview Before Importing

  1. Upload the file.
  2. Choose duplicate handling.
  3. Confirm whether the file has a header row.
  4. Select Preview Import.
  5. Review valid rows and errors.
  6. Correct the source file if needed.
  7. Import only when the preview looks right.

Other Import Entry Points

  • JMRI roster import starts at /app/settings/integrations/jmri.
  • TrainController .yrrg import starts at /app/asset-management/import.

Use those dedicated flows when the source file is a railroad-control or roster format rather than a general inventory spreadsheet.

After Import

  1. Open /app/asset-management/list.
  2. Spot-check several imported records.
  3. Add photos or run photo-first entry for key items.
  4. Generate QR labels for storage or layout-room lookup.
  5. Add decoder, maintenance, valuation, and RailCommand details where relevant.

Next Steps

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