The BAT spreadsheet simplifies the creation of CSV data files. You can add multiple devices and view the records for each device in a spreadsheet format. It allows you to customize the file format within the spreadsheet and provides validation and error checking automatically to help reduce configuration errors. The BAT spreadsheet includes tabs along the bottom of the spreadsheet for access to the required data input fields for the various devices and user combinations in BAT.
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BAT.xlt validates data only for valid characters, data types, and field length for particular fields.
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The CSV data file works in combination with the BAT template. For example, when you choose the Phone tab in the BAT spreadsheet, you can leave Location, Forward Busy Destination, or Call Pickup Group blank. The values from the BAT phone template get used for these fields; however, if you specify values for Forward Busy Destination or Call Pickup Group, those values override the values for these fields that were set in the BAT phone template.
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When
Cisco Unified Communications Manager is installed, the Microsoft Excel file for the BAT spreadsheet gets placed on the first node database server; however, you probably do not have Microsoft Excel running on the first node database server. You must download the file from the first node database server to the local machine on which you plan to work.
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Download the file BAT.xlt file to a local machine where Microsoft Excel is installed. To use the BAT.xlt spreadsheet to create a CSV data file, locate and double-click the BAT.xlt file. You must choose to "enable macros" when you open the BAT spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet displays a set of columns with attribute headings that specify the BAT field names, whether the field is a required or optional, and the maximum number of characters that are allowed in the field.
Tabs for every device display along the bottom of the spreadsheet. When you click the tab for the type of device with which you want to work, the columns adjust to display all relevant fields for the chosen device. For example, to add phones and users all at once, click the tab that is marked Phones-Users.
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If the "enable macros" option does not display while you are opening the spreadsheet, a possibility exists that macro security on the Excel program is set to high. Ensure that Macro security is medium or low for the macros to run. To set the Macro security to medium, do the following task: choose from Excel menu. Set the security level to medium. Close the Excel program and open it again. This action should give you the "enable macros" option when you open the spreadsheet the next time.
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Next, define the file format for the CSV data file by clicking the Create File Format button. You can use the Field Selection dialog box to choose items and their order in your CSV data file. When you click Create, the columns in the spreadsheet adjust to your new file format.
In the first row, enter data for a device in all mandatory fields and any relevant optional fields. You enter data in a new row for each device.
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The system treats blank rows in the spreadsheet as "end of file" markers and discards subsequent records.
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After all device records are completed, you export the BAT spreadsheet data to the CSV file format that BAT must use to perform the bulk transaction with the
Cisco Unified Communications Manager first node database.
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If you enter a comma in one of the fields, BAT.xlt encloses that field entry in double quotes when you export to BAT format.
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The system saves the CSV formatted file as a text file to the a folder that you choose. The file name format follows:
<tabname><timestamp>.txt
where <tabname> represents the type of device input file that you created (such as phones, user device profiles), and <timestamp> represents the precise date and time that the file was created.
Next, you must upload the converted CSV data file (CSV format version) back to the
Cisco Unified Communications Manager database server by using Upload/Download Files option in the Bulk Administration of
Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration.