HOW-TO

How to import A/P invoice records from a CSV into SAP B1

Short answer

Yes. Use the Data Transfer Workbench (DTW) with the template for the document. Save as .csv or .txt and keep each file to 10,000 records or fewer. It loads open documents, not closed past activity.

Last checked

Importing bills from a CSV means loading many supplier bills into your accounting system from one spreadsheet instead of typing each one.

Before you start

  • Data Transfer Workbench; usually run with your SAP partner

The SAP B1 way

Where to find it: Data Transfer Workbench (DTW)

  1. Install the Data Transfer Workbench (DTW) and connect to the company database.
  2. Take the template for the object you are loading. Templates are named like the database table and DI object, for example OCRD - Business Partners.xlt. Each has two header rows. Do not change the first row.
  3. Fill one file for the document and a separate file for each sub-object, such as the document lines. Save as .csv (comma or semicolon) or .txt (tab).
  4. Keep each file to 10,000 records or fewer. Split larger files.
  5. Choose Tools > Import Data to start the Data Import wizard. Pick the data type, the operation (add new, update existing or both) and the business object.
  6. Map source fields to target fields and run the import.
  7. Choose Tools > Log Management to check each run. Double-click a run to see the status and error for each record.

Limits in SAP B1

  • DTW imports master data, open documents and opening balances. It does not import closed past activity.
  • Needs template knowledge. SAP recommends doing it with a partner.
  • Do not delete columns or change the column order in the standard templates. If a value is not needed, leave the column blank.
  • Do not remove keys such as CardCode, DocNum or LineNum.

Good to know in SAP B1

  • For a CSV load of open purchase invoices, SAP recommends service type invoices (DocType column) so stock is not moved. An item type invoice with no goods receipt behind it acts as the goods receipt and changes stock.
  • To keep the old invoice number, use manual numbering: put the number in DocNum and set the Handwritten column. Check manual numbers do not overlap with the document series for new documents.
  • SAP recommends not migrating open goods receipt POs, deliveries or credit notes because they would change stock again.
  • Data can also be pulled by ODBC with a Data Source Name, and imports can be scheduled.

Words SAP B1 uses

  • Business partner. The master record for a vendor or customer.
  • DTW. Data Transfer Workbench, the import tool for Excel or text files.

Common mistakes

  • Running DTW without testing the template on a few rows first.
  • Trying to load closed past invoices, which DTW does not import.

More help

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-19. Confidence: partial.

Common questions

How do I load many invoices at once in SAP Business One?

Use the Data Transfer Workbench (DTW). Fill in the DTW template, run the import wizard and check the import log. SAP recommends doing it with a partner.

What can DTW import?

Master data, open documents and opening balances. It does not import closed past activity.

Is there a plain CSV import on the Administration menu?

DTW and its limits are documented in the SAP help. Check the menu path for data import in your version.

Can Pulsify import a CSV of bills?

No. Pulsify reads invoice documents. Forward each invoice to your Pulsify address and approve it.

Pulsify setup guides

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