If you are responsible for importing data into CRM, a convenient way to do so is to use the Download Template for Import option. Clicking on this button will yield an XML file which can be opened in Excel, and will display the fields for your chosen entity. Here you can enter or paste new records into each respective row, placing the specific data into matching columns. However, you may have wondered why the address fields do not appear in the XML document. Today's blog has the answer!

From a technical standpoint, the reason for this omission is that the template only includes fields that write directly to the database. A popular out-of-the-box field to place on out-of-the-box entities is the Composite Address field. On the form, a composite address looks like this:

Upon data entry on the form, a composite address will appear as shown in the image below:

This is great because it keeps the form clean and doesn't take up much space. However, the composite address is actually writing to the address fields in the database. If your forms on a given entity only contain the Composite Address field, without the address fields appearing separately on any of the forms, then they will not be contained within the Import Template. There are two workarounds for this problem. One option is to add the address fields to a form and to hide them. Or, if you have a form that is only accessed by administrators, allow the address fields to take the place of the Composite Address field on that form, which will look something like this:

That's all for the blog today! Did you know that PowerObjects hosts a wide variety of educational webinars, trainings, boot camps, and more, all focused on helping you get the most out of your Dynamics CRM investment. You can view the list of upcoming events here!

Happy CRM'ing!