Importing SOV from CSV/Excel

Rather than entering line items one at a time, you can import your entire Schedule of Values from Excel or CSV files. This is especially useful for large projects or when migrating from spreadsheets.

Supported File Formats

RIVET accepts these file types for SOV import:

• .xlsx - Excel workbook (recommended)
• .xls - Legacy Excel format
• .csv - Comma-separated values

Required Columns

Your import file must include these columns:

Optional Columns

• Cost Code - Your internal cost code
• Parent Item - For hierarchical imports
• Notes - Additional line item notes

Preparing Your File

Step 1: Set Up Headers

Your first row should contain column headers. RIVET will try to match these headers automatically:

Item Number | Description              | Scheduled Value
1           | General Conditions       | $15,000
2           | Rough Electrical         | $45,000
3           | Finish Electrical        | $30,000
4           | Testing                  | $10,000

Step 2: Format Values

• Currency symbols ($) are optional - RIVET handles both
• Commas in numbers are OK ($25,000)
• Use positive numbers only
• Decimals are supported ($25,000.50)

Step 3: Review Data

Before importing, check that:

• All rows have item numbers
• All rows have descriptions
• All rows have scheduled values
• Total matches your contract sum
• No duplicate item numbers

Import Process

1. Open your project in RIVET
2. Go to the Schedule of Values tab
3. Click Import button
4. Select Import from File
5. Choose your Excel or CSV file
6. Review the column mapping
7. Preview the import data
8. Click Import to confirm

Column Mapping

RIVET will automatically map columns based on header names. If mapping is incorrect:

1. Click on the column dropdown
2. Select the correct field
3. Repeat for any mismatched columns

Preview

Before finalizing, review the preview to check:

• All line items appear correctly
• Values are accurate
• Descriptions look right
• Total matches expected amount

Importing Hierarchical SOVs

To import with parent-child relationships:

Option 1: Indent Column

Add a column indicating the indent level:

Item | Description        | Value   | Level
1    | Level 1 Electrical | $50,000 | 0
1.1  | Rough              | $35,000 | 1
1.2  | Finish             | $15,000 | 1
2    | Fire Alarm         | $25,000 | 0

Option 2: Item Number Hierarchy

Use dotted item numbers - RIVET infers the hierarchy:

Item | Description        | Value
1    | Level 1 Electrical | (summary)
1.1  | Rough              | $35,000
1.2  | Finish             | $15,000
2    | Fire Alarm         | $25,000

Troubleshooting Import Issues

"Total doesn't match contract sum"

The sum of all scheduled values must equal the original contract sum. Check your file for:

• Missing line items
• Incorrect values
• Hidden rows
• Values in wrong format

"Duplicate item numbers"

Each item number must be unique. Search your file for duplicates and renumber as needed.

"Cannot read file"

Try these fixes:

• Save as .xlsx instead of .xls
• Remove formulas (paste as values)
• Delete extra worksheets
• Remove special characters
• Check file isn't corrupted

"Values show as 0"

The value column may not be mapped correctly. Check column mapping and ensure values are formatted as numbers, not text.

After Importing

Once import is complete:

1. Review all imported line items
2. Check that the total equals your contract sum
3. Verify hierarchy structure if applicable
4. Add any missing line items manually
5. Adjust values if needed
6. Save your SOV

Need Help?

If you have questions about importing your SOV or encounter issues with your file format, contact our support team at support@slpwlk.io.