If you’re in sales ops, admin, or comp, you already know that getting sales data into your incentive software isn’t glamorous—but it’s make-or-break. This guide is for anyone who has to wrangle messy spreadsheets, chase down errors, or answer “why didn’t I get paid on this deal?” emails. We’ll walk step by step through importing and validating sales data in Performio, calling out what actually matters and what you can safely ignore.
Let’s get your data in and your team off your back.
Step 1: Prep Your Data Before You Even Log In
Don’t skip this. Garbage in, garbage out—no matter how shiny the software is.
What to do:
- Start with a clean export. Pull your sales data straight from your CRM or ERP. Don’t use Frankenstein’d spreadsheets with random columns from different sources.
- Check the basics:
- Are the columns what Performio expects (e.g. “Sales Person,” “Deal Amount,” “Close Date”)?
- Are there blank cells where there shouldn’t be?
- Are dates formatted as dates, not text?
- Ditch unnecessary columns. Only include what you need for comp calculations. Extra columns = more places for errors to hide.
- Save as CSV. XLSX sometimes works, but CSV is safer. Less formatting, fewer surprises.
Pro tip:
Spend 10 minutes here and you’ll save an hour troubleshooting later.
Step 2: Log Into Performio and Find the Data Import Section
Performio’s interface is straightforward, but it’s easy to get lost if you’re new.
- Navigate to “Data Management” or “Data Upload.” The exact label might change, but look for something along those lines on the main menu.
- Pick the right data type. “Sales Transactions,” “Credits,” or whatever matches your comp plan structure.
What works:
Performio lets you upload different kinds of data files. If you’re not sure which template to use, check their help docs or look for a sample file in the app.
What doesn’t:
Don’t guess at the data type. If you import to the wrong module, you’ll have a mess to untangle.
Step 3: Download and Use the Template (Yes, Really)
Resist the urge to upload your own spreadsheet. Performio provides templates for a reason.
- Download the latest template for your data type.
- Move your data into the template. Copy and paste, but watch out for:
- Extra spaces or hidden formatting
- Wrong column headers (they must match exactly)
- Double-check required fields. Most templates have certain columns marked as mandatory. Leave them blank and your upload will fail.
What works:
Using the template, even if it’s a pain, avoids 90% of upload errors.
What doesn’t:
Trying to upload your own format and mapping columns “on the fly.” You’ll just fight with validation errors.
Step 4: Upload Your Data
Now you’re ready for the actual upload.
- Select your completed template.
- Choose the right import mode:
- “Add new” if you’re uploading for the first time
- “Update existing” if you’re fixing or tweaking previous data
- Click upload. Cross your fingers.
Performio does a preliminary check right away. If there’s a formatting error, you’ll get a message telling you which row and column is the problem.
Pro tip:
If you hit errors, fix them in your source file—not in Performio. Then re-upload. It’s faster and safer.
Step 5: Validate Your Data Inside Performio
Don’t trust a “success” message blindly. Take a minute to spot-check.
- Look for a validation report. Performio often gives a summary: how many records imported, how many failed.
- Download the error log if available. This tells you exactly which rows failed and why.
- Fix issues at the source. Go back to your original file, not just the error rows.
What works:
Fixing the root cause, not just patching individual errors. If you see lots of similar failures, you probably have a column mismatch or a formatting problem in your original export.
What doesn’t:
Manually editing data in Performio to “fix” errors. You’ll lose track of what changed and it’s tough to audit later.
Step 6: Review the Imported Data
Once the file imports without errors, don’t just walk away. Make sure what’s in Performio matches what you expected.
- Sample a few records. Are the right salespeople listed? Are the amounts and dates correct?
- Check calculated fields. If Performio is creating commissions or credits, do the numbers look sane?
- Make sure nothing is missing. Double-check totals—especially if there are bonuses or splits in your comp plan.
What works:
Having a checklist of “red flag” things to check each time. Example: salesperson names, deal amounts, dates, and any special deals.
What doesn’t:
Assuming “no errors” equals “all good.” Subtle mismatches are easy to miss unless you look.
Step 7: Document What You Did
You’ll thank yourself next month (or when something breaks).
- Save your import file and any error logs. Put them somewhere your team can find.
- Note any oddities. Did you have to reformat dates? Rename columns? Jot it down.
- Flag data quirks for future imports. If your CRM export is missing fields, bring it up with IT now—not when comp runs.
Pro tip:
If you’re not the only one doing imports, document your process in plain English. Future-you (or your replacement) will have an easier time.
Step 8: Schedule Regular Imports and Validations
One-off uploads are fine for small teams, but most orgs need this to be repeatable.
- Automate where you can. Performio has APIs and scheduled imports—worth exploring if you have IT support.
- Set a recurring calendar reminder. Even with automation, spot-checks are your friend.
- Audit regularly. Every month or quarter, pick a few random deals and trace them from CRM to Performio to payroll.
What works:
Making validation part of your monthly process, not an afterthought.
What doesn’t:
Trusting that “it worked last time” means it’s still working.
What to Ignore (and What to Actually Care About)
- Ignore: Fancy features like “real-time dashboards” until your data is clean. Bad data = bad dashboards.
- Ignore: Overcomplicating your import process. Stick to the basics: clean file, right template, review results.
- Care about: Data accuracy and audit trail. These matter way more than slick presentations.
- Care about: Making your process boring and predictable. That’s a good thing.
Keep It Simple, and Iterate
Importing and validating sales data in Performio isn’t rocket science, but it is detail work. The trick is to make your process boring and repeatable, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time actually running comp.
Don’t chase perfection—get your process working, document it, and improve it bit by bit. If you keep things simple and stay skeptical about “magic” features, you’ll avoid most headaches down the road.