EffectConnect always connects to your web shop or your ERP system to retrieve product information, which is used in EffectConnect.
You can also add extra (additional) information in EffectConnect, by using additional data sources. We facilitate CSV or XML file data imports in which new data can be linked to your existing products.
After importing the additional data source, you can use your (new) data as attributes in the products module, in the mapping groups to fill in product information, configure your channel, create product selections or use it in custom attributes.
Go to:
- Where do I find the module for additional data sources?
- What should you know about adding an additional data source?
- How do I add an additional data source to EffectConnect?
- CSV files
- Valid CSV files (general requirements)
- Create a CSV file via URL from a Google Spreadsheet
- XML files
Where do I find the module for additional data sources?
You can find the 'additional data sources' module by choosing 'catalogue> additional data sources' in EffectConnect, on the left side of the main menu.
What should you know about adding an additional data source
Within this module, you can upload a CSV or XML file as an additional data source. Not sure what a CSV file is? Read this article. For XML file guidance, read this one.
The CSV or XML file must include at least one identifier also used in EffectConnect to properly link the new data to the products — for example, Product ID, EAN, or SKU
How do I add additional data to EffectConnect?
To set up an additional data source, go to the module, and click on the button marked 'Add data source'. In this screen, you indicate whether you want to upload a CSV or XML file once or use a file hosted online for regular updates of the data in your additional source.
Select data source type:
- CSV Upload
One-time upload with no automatic updates. - CSV Import via URL
Automatically retrieves updates from the URL if the CSV changes. - XML Upload
One-time upload with no automatic updates. - XML Import via URL
Automatically retrieves updates from the URL if the XML changes.
Recommendation: We advise choosing import via URL, as this allows automatic updates of the data source. Unlike a one-time upload, which doesn’t allow updates or additions, a URL import ensures your data remains current.
CSV Files
Step 1 – Upload CSV File
- CSV Upload
Give this additional data source a name (for your reference) and upload the CSV file you wish to use.
- CSV Import via URL
Provide a name (for your reference) and enter the URL of the CSV file > Click on 'File reading'.
From step 2 onwards, the process is identical for both CSV import options.
Step 2 – Check Upload and Define Delimiter
Indicate whether the CSV file contains headers and which delimiter is used. These settings are crucial for EffectConnect to interpret the file correctly. EffectConnect will attempt to detect the delimiter automatically, but always verify this yourself.
You can also reveal advanced settings to define or adjust encapsulation and escape characters.
Step 3 – Select Identifier, Columns, and Catalogue Language
- Select Identifier
Choose an existing attribute in EffectConnect and a column from the CSV that contains identical values, to match them correctly.
We recommend using EAN or SKU here.
- Select Columns
Select the columns you want to import — these will be created as new attributes in EffectConnect.
The column title in the CSV will automatically be used as the attribute name, but you may rename it under 'New attribute name'.
- Select Language for Import Template
Choose the language in which to save the attributes from the additional data source in your catalogue.
Step 4 – Summary
Review all your settings before starting the import. Click 'Import Data' when everything is correct.
Valid CSV (General Requirements)
- CSV = Comma-Separated Values
- Each row must contain the same number of columns
- The delimiter must be consistent across all rows and columns
- No empty rows allowed
- Multi-line text fields must be properly encapsulated
- Unusual characters (like emojis) may cause issues
- New columns must always be added at the end — never at the start or between existing columns
- Always save the CSV as UTF-8
Create a CSV via URL from a Google Spreadsheet
To import a CSV file from Google Drive, the file must first be published as a CSV on Google Drive.
Read here how to do this: How to create a CSV link from a Google Spreadsheet, or follow this step-by-step guide:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open the spreadsheet and go to File in the menu.
- Choose Share and select Publish to the web.
- Select the file you want to convert to CSV and click Publish. This will generate a shareable URL.
- Ensure no access restrictions are in place — the file must be publicly accessible.
- Go to EffectConnect and add the file as an additional source using the CSV Import via URL option.
XML Files
Step 1 – Upload XML File
- XML Upload
Give this additional data source a name (for your reference) and upload the XML file you want to use.
- XML Import via URL
Provide a name and enter the XML file’s URL > Click on 'Read File'.
Step 2 – Select Elements for Import and Product Identifier
Tick the elements from the XML file you wish to import and optionally rename them in the 'New Attribute Name' column — this name will be used within EffectConnect.
- Select Identifier
Choose a product identifier from the XML file and link it to an existing EffectConnect attribute with matching values.
We recommend using EAN or SKU.
- Select Language for Import Template
Choose the language in which to store the attributes in your catalogue, then click 'Next Step'.
In case you are uploading an XML file via URL, you can also choose an interval for updating the data.
Step 3 – Summary
Review all your settings before starting the import. Click 'Import Data' when everything is correct.
Select the choice that is relevant to you, give a title to your data source (for your own reference) and depending on the choice, import the CSV file into EffectConnect.
