Data Import
Atlas supports bulk import of entities from CSV files — ideal for migrating from another system or onboarding a large portfolio.
Preparing Your CSV
Your CSV file should have columns matching entity fields. Supported columns:
| Column | Required | Example |
|---|---|---|
name | ✅ | TechStart (Pty) Ltd |
type | ✅ | pty_ltd, cc, trust, partnership, sole_prop, individual |
cipc_number | Conditional | 2020/123456/07 |
tax_number | Recommended | 9876543210 |
vat_number | Optional | 4567890123 |
year_end | Recommended | February |
email | Optional | info@techstart.co.za |
phone | Optional | 011 123 4567 |
address | Optional | 123 Main Street, Sandton |
trading_name | Optional | TechStart |
nature_of_business | Optional | Software development |
Example CSV
name,type,cipc_number,tax_number,vat_number,year_end,email
"TechStart (Pty) Ltd",pty_ltd,2020/123456/07,9876543210,4567890123,February,info@techstart.co.za
"Smith & Sons CC",cc,CK 2015/098765/23,1234567890,,March,admin@smithsons.co.za
"The Smith Family Trust",trust,,5555555555,,February,trust@smith.co.za
"Jane Doe",individual,,8888888888,,February,jane@example.com
Importing
- Navigate to Entities
- Click Import (or use the Data Import button)
- Select your CSV file
- Atlas will:
- Parse the file
- Map columns to entity fields
- Validate data (CIPC format, required fields)
- Show a preview of entities to be created
Validation
Atlas validates each row before import:
- ✅ Required fields present
- ✅ CIPC number format valid
- ✅ Entity type recognised
- ⚠️ Duplicate detection (existing CIPC/tax numbers)
Review & Confirm
After validation:
- Green rows — ready to import
- Yellow rows — warnings (e.g. duplicate detected)
- Red rows — errors (e.g. missing required fields)
Review the list, deselect any problematic rows, and click Import to create the entities.
After Import
Imported entities will:
- Appear in your Entity List
- Be ready for linking persons and compliance obligations
- Need manual assignment of Account Managers and engagements
Post-Import Checklist
After a bulk import, we recommend:
- Assign account managers to imported entities
- Set up compliance obligations using templates
- Link directors and key contacts
- Upload any existing documents