# Data Import Tool

#### **Installing Data Import Tool**

* **I want to Install the Data Import Tool** 

 The installation guide is available at this link: [Installing Data Import Tool](https://docs.mifos.org/mifosx/user-manual/data-import-tool/installing-data-import-tool)    

**Getting started with Data Import Tool** 

* **I want to Start using Data Import Tool, I have installed it already** The installation guide is available here: [Getting started with - Data Import Tool ](https://docs.mifos.org/mifosx/user-manual/data-import-tool/getting-started-with-data-import-tool)

### **Introduction to Data Import Tool** 

**What is Data Import Tool?**

* Data Import Tool is a Microsoft Excel-based tool created to import data into the Mifos X platform.
* Using this tool, one can download Excel sheets, enter all the required information in the Excel sheet itself and upload it.
* One can enter multiple clients, groups and centers information in the Excel sheets downloaded as a separate sheet for each category.
* Similarly, one can enter information about multiple loan accounts and savings accounts given to the customers.
*  If the Excel sheet is uploaded successfully, the updated information will be shown instantly on Mifos X.

### **Data Import Tool vs. Data Migration Tool**

* Data Import Tool allows you to transfer data and perform load operations between a database and external files (*like Microsoft Excel sheets*).
* Importing data can be done in different file formats.
* Data Migration Tool allows users to transfer data from Mifos 2.x to Mifos X.
* Data Migration Tool uses ETL (*Extract Transfer Load*) for database operations.

### **What You Can’t Do Using Data Import Tool**

* You can’t create offices and employees.
* You can’t define currencies and funds.
* You can’t create loan products, savings products, and their respective charges.
* You can’t create users and set them definite roles and permissions.
* Data table inputs cannot be captured.
* You cannot update client details.
* You cannot enter loans in partial state.

**HOWEVER, the Data Import Tool allows you to perform all the operations listed above.**

### **Then, why do we need the Data Import Tool?**

* You can enter information about thousands of clients in a Microsoft Excel sheet, and once you upload it successfully, It is as good as creating thousands of clients in one-shot (*saves time and improves efficiency*).
* Similarly, you can assign loan accounts and saving accounts to thousands of clients at once.
* You can do repayments for loans and deposits, withdrawals for savings as bulk using Data Import Tool.
* You can approve loans and disburse with dates for a number of loans given to the clients.

### **Security aspects:**

* Your Mifos X username and password mentioned in dataimport.properties file can be seen by unauthorized users.
* You need to keep the file either hidden or password protected so that only authorized users can access the file.

Related articles

* Page:[Installing Data Import Tool](https://docs.mifos.org/mifosx/user-manual/data-import-tool/installing-data-import-tool)
* Page:[Data Import Tool](https://docs.mifos.org/mifosx/user-manual/data-import-tool)