Webstore Category Structure: Import/Export

This feature grants you the ability to manipulate your PSS Webstore Category Structure by way of CSV file.  

• If you are simply trying to add/delete a category or two we recommend that you do it directly in the PSS interface.  Webstore Manage Categories
• For those of you that want to see an exploded category structure and are comfortable working in CSV files, follow the flow outlined here.

Export Category Structure

We will cover the Export option first since it is likely that you elected to have your PSS Webstore loaded with our in-house Category Structure.

Step 1

On the main navigation bar in PSS click File Center.  

Step 2

On the left-hand menu, click "Client: Export Category Structure"

Entering an email for notification is optional.  Click Submit and the job will begin to process.

Step 3

You will want to monitor the Export that you just ran in File Center.  The job will be in a Pending or Processing status until PSS has completed it.  These jobs typically take 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the CSV file.

Once the file is complete you will download it from File Center.  After you click on the job you will see a Processing Report in the blue hyperlink.  Click it to download and then open from your computer.

This Processing Report is an export of your entire category structure on the PSS Webstore.  It contains the following columns:

WebstoreCategory.path

Each category with the parent/child relationship illustrated

WebstoreCategory.product_count

Number of Product Groups in each category at the time of export

WebstoreCategory.delete

Should display all zeros on export.  If you wanted to delete a category you would place a 1 in this column when you imported it.  More on that below.

Now that you have your existing Category Structure you will want to make your changes and then Import it back into PSS.  You cannot import it just using the Processing Report; you must use the import template.  See below for next steps.

Import Category Structure

Now you will perform your amendments to the category structure and then load it into PSS.

Step 1

On the main navigation bar in PSS click File Center.  

Step 2

On the left-hand menu under Price Overrides, click "Client: Import Category Structure"

Download the Compatible File Template which is in the blue hyperlink.  Open the File Template from your computer.

For this template and any others in PSS, make sure that you review the developer notes so that you can ensure that your file meets PSS specifications.

This template has the following columns:

WebstoreCategory.path

Copy the Category Path column from your Category Export.  Paste it into the template.  Make sure to Paste Text or Paste Values to avoid formatting errors.

Now if you want to add any categories you will add them to the tree.  We cannot stress enough that you need to be extremely precise when creating categories.  A misspelled word here or an extra space there can sabotage your entire webstore.

WebstoreCategory.delete

If you want to delete a category you will simply put a 1 in this column.  Simply uploading a new category structure without a category will not delete it.  Again, a 1 in this column will delete the category and a 0 will create it or leave it be.

Step 3

Once you have your Category Structure dialed in you will upload it to PSS.  From File Center click "Client: Import Category Structure".  

Next to "File Upload" choose the file from your computer.  Click submit.  A notification email is optional.

Monitor this job in PSS File Center and then inspect your webstore.  Changes should appear within 1 hour of the file upload completing.