If you've ever tried to import data into a complex system and watched it go sideways, you know the feeling: confusion, frustration, a touch of rage. This guide is for anyone who needs to get data into Performio without losing their mind. No fluff—just practical steps, honest advice, and a few reality checks on what actually matters.
Step 1: Get Clear on What Actually Broke
First things first: don’t just rerun the import and hope for the best. Start by pinning down exactly what failed.
- Read the error message. Seriously, don’t skip this. Even if it’s cryptic, it’s your best starting clue.
- Take note of the import type. Are you uploading sales transactions, participants, quotas, or something else? Different imports have different quirks.
- Check the error location. Some errors flag a specific row or column. Others just say “something’s wrong” and leave you guessing. Write down what you see.
Pro tip: Save the error details somewhere. If you end up needing support, you’ll save yourself a ton of back-and-forth.
Step 2: Check Your File Format and Structure
Nine times out of ten, import errors boil down to the file you’re sending in. Performio expects data a certain way, and it’s not shy about rejecting anything off-script.
- File type: Is it actually a CSV? Excel files and Google Sheets exports can look like CSVs but throw hidden formatting wrenches.
- Headers: Make sure your column headers exactly match what Performio expects. Missing, extra, or out-of-order headers will break things.
- Encoding: UTF-8 is safest. Weird characters or “smart quotes” can cause silent failures.
- No extra columns or blank rows: Even one blank line at the end of a file can trip things up.
What doesn’t matter: Fancy formatting. Performio doesn’t care about bold text, colors, or filters—just the raw data.
Reality check: If you exported your data from another system, open it in a plain text editor (like Notepad or VS Code) to see what’s really there. Excel can hide a lot of mess.
Step 3: Validate Your Data Before Importing
Even if your file looks right, the data inside might not be.
- Required fields: Missing a required value? The import will fail or skip that row.
- Data types: Dates, numbers, and text need to be in the right format. A date like “31/02/2024” isn’t going to fly.
- Duplicates: Some imports reject duplicate rows or IDs.
- Reference data: If you’re importing sales for reps, make sure those reps already exist in the system.
Pro tip: Import a tiny test file (just a row or two) first. If that works, the problem’s probably with your actual data, not the template.
Step 4: Map Columns Carefully
When you upload your file, Performio will usually ask you to map your columns. This is where a lot of folks get tripped up.
- Watch for auto-mapping mistakes. The system might guess wrong, especially if your headers are close but not exact.
- Unmapped columns: If you have data that’s not being mapped, it won’t get imported—and you might not get a warning.
- Check for extra columns: Performio might reject files with columns it doesn’t recognize, or just ignore them. Either way, know what’s happening.
What to ignore: You don’t need to map columns that aren’t used by Performio. Just drop them from your file.
Step 5: Read the System Logs and Error Reports
Don’t just rely on the pop-up error message. Dig into the logs or error reports Performio generates.
- Detailed error files: Most imports will give you a downloadable report showing which rows failed and why.
- Look for patterns: Is the same error happening on multiple rows? That’s a clue the issue is with your data or mapping, not just a typo.
- Don’t ignore warnings: Sometimes, warnings mean data was skipped or defaulted. That can mess with your downstream calculations.
Pro tip: If the error report isn’t clear, try importing a file with just the failing row. Sometimes that’s the quickest way to isolate the problem.
Step 6: Fix, Re-Test, and Document What Worked
Once you’ve found the issue, fix it at the source. Don’t just patch it in the file—figure out why it happened.
- Correct the original dataset: Garbage in, garbage out. If your CRM or ERP spits out bad data, clean it there first.
- Re-import and check results: Don’t just look for a “success” message—verify that the data actually landed where you expected.
- Document the fix: Make a quick note for yourself or your team. You’ll thank yourself next month when the same issue pops up.
What not to do: Don’t keep hammering the import button and hoping for a different result. That’s the definition of insanity (and it’ll just lock up your account).
Step 7: Know When to Call for Help
Some errors aren’t worth your weekend. Here’s when to escalate:
- System bugs: If you’re following the docs to the letter and it’s still failing, it might be a Performio bug.
- Vague or circular errors: “Unknown error” messages are a good sign it’s time to rope in support.
- Large, business-critical imports: Don’t gamble with payroll or commission data. Get a second pair of eyes.
When you contact support, be specific:
- Attach your error messages, file samples, and what you’ve already tried.
- Don’t just say “it doesn’t work.” The more info you give, the faster you’ll get a fix.
Honest take: Vendor support can be slow or generic. If you have an internal admin or a Performio-savvy consultant, loop them in early.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)
Here’s what trips up even experienced users:
- Hidden characters: Copy-pasting from emails or PDFs can introduce invisible junk.
- Date/time formats: US vs. international formats—always double-check.
- Permission issues: Sometimes you don’t have rights to import to a certain area. Check with your admin.
- Outdated templates: If Performio updates the template, your old file might not work. Download a fresh template regularly.
When to Ignore the Error (Yes, Sometimes)
Not every error is a showstopper.
- Warnings about optional data: If it’s not needed for your comp plan, you can skip it (but make sure you’re not missing out on something important).
- Skipped rows for missing references: If you’re importing old data for reps who’ve left, it might be fine to ignore those rows.
Just don’t get in the habit of ignoring errors wholesale. A small mistake can snowball later.
A Quick Checklist for Next Time
Here’s a bare-bones routine that saves headaches:
- Always use Performio’s latest template.
- Validate your data in Excel and a plain text editor.
- Import a test file before the big load.
- Keep a log of fixes and repeat issues.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help before you’re stuck.
Keep It Simple, Iterate Often
Data import is never “set it and forget it”—especially in a system as flexible (and picky) as Performio. Keep your process simple, check your work, and don’t get sucked into perfectionism. Every issue you fix now will save you pain down the line. And remember: if you’re banging your head against the wall, you’re not alone.