What causes the 'A mapping was not expected' error during BuildOps bulk import?

This error occurs when CSV headers do not match BuildOps’ schema exactly or contain typos. Ensure all column names align with the API field definitions.

How can I prevent hidden characters like BOM from causing upload failures?

Save your CSV as UTF-8 without BOM using editors like VS Code or Notepad++. Hidden BOMs can block imports.

What are stray delimiters and how do I fix them?

Stray delimiters are hidden commas or semicolons in data fields that break the parser. Use tools like csvclean to remove them before importing.

How do I align my CSV headers with BuildOps’ schema?

Export a sample from your current system, review and rename columns to match BuildOps’ schema exactly. Use the BuildOps API to fetch field definitions for reference.

What should I do if BuildOps skips rows during import?

If the ExternalReference field hasn’t changed, BuildOps may skip the row. Add or update a LastUpdated timestamp to force an upsert.

How can I validate a successful bulk import in BuildOps?

After import, generate a report by ExternalReference and compare it to your source CSV. Cross-check asset counts and use diff tools to spot discrepancies.

Why are quarterly schema reviews recommended for bulk imports?

Regular schema reviews help teams stay aligned and reduce import errors. Community insights show that quarterly reviews can cut errors by over 70%.

Error-Free Bulk Imports in BuildOps: Step-by-Step CSV Mapping & Troubleshooting

Click to see TLDR

Efficiently bulk-import site data into BuildOps by preparing and validating your CSV files—match headers precisely, remove hidden characters, and troubleshoot common errors to ensure smooth, error-free uploads at scale.

Context: Streamlining Bulk Imports at Scale

When service firms scale quickly—on par with Turner Construction’s rapid growth—manually entering hundreds of site records becomes untenable. BuildOps’ bulk-import feature solves that, but mismatched CSV headers or hidden characters trigger “A mapping was not expected” errors (GitHub #2289). Follow these proven steps to eliminate mapping pitfalls and achieve error-free uploads every time.

Screenshot of BuildOps bulk import UI showcasing highlighted CSV headers for effective mapping and error resolution.. Seen by Christina Morillo — A worker mapping out BuildOps workflow.. Seen by Christina Morillo

Mapping Not Expected: Occurs when CSV headers don’t match BuildOps’ schema exactly or include typos.
Stray Delimiters: Hidden commas or semicolons in data fields that break the parser.
Byte-Order Mark (BOM): A hidden UTF-8 marker that must be removed to avoid upload failures.

Step-by-Step Bulk-Import Workflow

Step 1: Preparation & Schema Alignment

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Start by exporting a sample of ~50 rows from your current system (e.g., Monday.com). Review every header label and note missing fields.

Rename columns to match BuildOps’ schema exactly (e.g., LocationName, ClientID).
Use Postman to fetch field definitions from BuildOps API for perfect alignment.
Save as UTF-8 without BOM in VS Code or Notepad++; hidden BOMs block imports.
Run in2csv file.csv | csvclean -n to strip null bytes and rogue delimiters.
Test-import five rows into a sandbox account to confirm formatting.

Tip: Automate this validation by adding a pre-commit script in your repository to run csvclean.

Step 2: Bulk Import Execution & Troubleshooting

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With a clean CSV, navigate to the Bulk Imports section:

Select “Upsert Locations” and choose ExternalReference as the unique key.
Monitor the job log for error flags:

Common Import Errors & Fixes
Error	Symptom	Resolution
Mapping Not Expected	Upload fails at header parse.	Correct header name to match API schema.
Stray Delimiters	Parser rejects row mid-file.	Run `csvclean` to remove extra commas.
Unexpected BOM	Entire file rejected.	Save without BOM in VS Code.
No Changes Detected	Row skipped.	Add `LastUpdated` timestamp to force upsert.
Keep version control logs of CSV changes for audit trails.

Insider’s Note: If ExternalReference isn’t changing, BuildOps skips that row. Append a current timestamp in a LastUpdated column to trigger the upsert.

Step 3: Post-Import Validation & Continuous Improvement

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After the import, confirm that every location record was created or updated successfully:

Generate a report by ExternalReference and compare against your source CSV.
Cross-check asset counts versus your legacy system. Use a diff tool to spot discrepancies.
Schedule quarterly schema reviews—community insights from r/Construction highlight the value of regular syncs.
Log all header or schema tweaks in version control so your entire team stays aligned.

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