--- title: "Import Requirements" canonical: "https://support.inphonite.com/space/KBPUB/1126105089/Import%20Requirements" format: markdown --- > Macro (toc) # Creating your schedule for use with Inphonite As of this time, you should have an idea of how your data will be transmitted from your side to the Inphonite cloud. If you have a flat file, you can send a copy of it to your implementation engineer after they have contacted you. If your setup is more advanced, we may need to establish an email thread/schedule a call that includes your IT, DBA, lead scheduler, etc. > ⚠️ For Inphonite to both accurately and effectively remind your patients of their appointment, we will need an appointments schedule about 1 hour prior to the start of your calling session on a regular basis. ## Preparing for Integration There are four methods for you to transmit your data to Inphonite broken down by the type of import you will be doing. Below will be brief descriptions of each data type and then a method. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **Import Type** | **Description** | **File Types Accepted** | | **File Based Import (Manual)** | File is exported to a folder and then user logs in to Inphonite to upload. | ASCII/Text file (Flat File)
Excel (.csv)/(.xls)(.xlsx) | | **File Based Import (Uploader)** | Inphonite installs Uploader. File is exported to a folder that is monitored by uploader and transferred when available. | ASCII/Text file (Flat File)
Excel (.csv)/(.xls)(.xlsx) | | **Direct Database Import** | Inphonite installs Uploader. Inphonite queries your database for appointments automatically. | Uploader will handle file creation. | | **Secure File Transfer Import (FTPS/SFTP)** | IT configures method for data to be transmitted to Inphonite. In most cases this is also automated. | ASCII/Text file (Flat File)
Excel (.csv)/(.xls)(.xlsx) | ### File-Based Import Manually Through Inphonite Desktop App OR Using the Client Uploader If you will be importing from a flat file, **please** **consult the documentation of your scheduling software **for instructions on how to create the file and where it goes. If the files can go to a location that cannot be changed, please make sure to take note of that also. Your implementation technician may be able to assist with getting the data, but they are not trained in your specific EMR and may need assistance. The file should not and does not need to contain “live” patient data. It should have bogus data, allowing us to verify the format of the file and the data within it. File specifications include: - Optional, but recommended Column Headers, if available. - Must be able to be opened using Notepad or Excel - Must have a consistent format so Inphonite can read the file and import your data correctly. Must have at a minimum: 1. Patient Last Name 2. Patient First Name 3. Phone number 4. Appointment Date 5. Appointment Time More data is fine if you need Inphonite to say or do something based on specific information. For example, if new patients need to be reminded of something specific that your follow-up appointments do not need to hear, we will need to have an appointment type to filter on. > ⚠️ If you will not be the one creating the file for import each day, please document the process of exporting the file for those who will. Inphonite technical support engineers cannot provide guidance in this regard. ### Direct Database Import If we will be importing directly from the database please set up an ODBC connection or verify a connection string before our appointment. If such access is not available, a file-based import will be required. We can normally write the query to bring the necessary data in, but we may require assistance from someone familiar with the database, or the “go live” date will be impacted. Please email us when the ODBC connection or connection string has been verified to work, along with the name of the scheduling software being used, its version, and the name and email address of a resource we can use for creating a query. > ⚠️ Connecting to your scheduling database may involve installing database drivers on the workstation to allow such a connection. If you are unsure how to do this, your scheduling software vendor may be able to help. Otherwise, we recommend you stick with a file-based import. ### Secure File Transfer Protocol Import (FTPS/SFTP) If your IT is automatically generating your appointments file, Inphonite can either connect to your FTP site to pick up the file, or your IT can push the file to Inphonite’s server. If the schedule will be transferred using FTP, it is advised that there is some sort of scripting completed by IT so the file is placed in the correct folder daily or pushed to Inphonite’s side daily. ### What’s Next After I Know My Import Type? With this information in hand, you are now ready for us to install your software. Please **call us at (800)350-7693** to schedule your configuration appointment. You will be assigned an Implementation Specialist who will be your point of contact throughout the rest of the process until you are live with Inphonite. --- # Support If you are unable to find answers to your questions, our Technical Support Department is here to help. **Contact Us:** - **Email:** [support@inphonite.com](mailto:support@inphonite.com) to open a support ticket. **Support Hours:** - **Eastern Time:** 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM - **Pacific Time:** 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM - **Days:** Monday through Friday All requests will be responded to within one business day. Our Technical Support team addresses requests in the order they are received. Customers with Elite support will be prioritized and attended to by the next available Support Technician. **PLEASE NOTE:** Before contacting our Technical Support Team, please review our article [Before You Contact Support](https://support.inphonite.com/space/KBPUB/56950798/Before+You+Contact+Support). For more tips and useful information check out our other resources**:** ● [Inphonite Blog](https://www.inphonite.com/resources/blog) ● [News](https://www.inphonite.com/resources/news) ● [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/inphonite)