Overview
This guide explains the expected behaviour when importing timetable data and making subsequent updates in SEAtS. It covers examples and explains different outcomes based on available configuration settings. The content below is applicable to CSV import over flat file.
Adding Students to Events
By default, the timetable event will accumulate students even if the same event is imported again. When you import a file with an additional student, they are added to the event while existing students remain scheduled.
Changing Event Details
Event details such as room, time, mandatory status, or lesson description can be changed by importing an updated timetable file. When updating event details, all rows for that event must be updated to the new information.
Removing a Student from Events
The DELETE field in the timetable file controls individual student removal. Setting DELETE to Y on a specific row removes that one student from the event. If all rows for an event have DELETE = Y, the entire event will be removed.
Remove Timetable Functionality
This is a more comprehensive configuration available specifically for SFTP imports (not triggered by manual imports). When a file is imported, for any days referenced on the file, SEAtS assumes the data is complete for those days. Events that exist in SEAtS for those days but are not in the imported file will be deleted. Events on dates not referenced in the file are not impacted.
The main benefit is that the timetable stays as up to date as possible. You only need to import a full list of events for the dates included in the file, not the entire academic year.