Date Fields Importing into IDEA as Character Type Fields

Tech Tip to Help Format Your Data

Why are my date fields importing into IDEA as character type fields?

If you are importing from Excel, the date column needs to be formatted as a date type in Excel. You also need to check the box to Import empty numeric cells as 0 during the import into IDEA. If that does not work, save the Excel file as CSV (Comma delimited)(*.csv). Then use the Text import option in IDEA to import the .csv file. During the import process, be sure you define the date information as a date field type.

If you are importing your data from Access, the date field data type needs to be formatted as a date/time field before you import.

If you are importing a PDF or print report, be sure you define the date information in the Properties window as a date field type.