Bulk Add vs. Paste Special
Choosing the Right Excel Import Method in Order Entry
Product: FeneVision CORE Module: Order Entry Audience: Order Entry Users
Overview
FeneVision offers two ways to import line items from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet directly into an order: Bulk Add and Paste Special. Both save time and reduce manual entry errors, but they serve different purposes. Using the wrong one can slow you down — this article explains which to reach for and when.
At a Glance
| Bulk Add | Paste Special | |
| Best for | Adding many different parts in one go | Adding the same part repeated with different dimensions |
| Requires an existing line item? | No — usable on an empty order | Yes — select a line item to copy first |
| Supports multiple part numbers? | Yes | No — all rows inherit the copied part |
| Supports CAD models & templates? | No | Yes |
| Supports serialized inventory? | No | Yes — assign serial numbers per row |
| Runs the Options Wizard? | Yes, for parts with required options | Yes, for shape or CAD dimension changes |
| Minimum required fields | Part, Qty, Width, Height | Qty, Width, Height (part inherited) |
| How to access | Right-click grid → Bulk Add | Copy Item → Paste Special |
When to Use Bulk Add
Use Bulk Add when your order contains a variety of different products — for example, a mixed order with several window types, door styles, or accessories — and you have a spreadsheet ready with one part per row. It can be launched before any line items have been entered, making it ideal at the start of a new order.
How to access: Right-click anywhere in the line-item grid → Bulk Add
Required columns in your spreadsheet:
- Part number
- Quantity
- Width
- Height
Optional columns (add via right-click → Column Manager): Thickness, Call Size, Comment, Customer Ref, Group
⚠ Parts that require an Alternate Wizard or are configured as Shortcut parts cannot be added via Bulk Add. If a part has required options, the Options Wizard opens automatically and must be completed; cancelling is not allowed.
When to Use Paste Special
Use Paste Special when you are ordering the same part in many sizes — for example, 15 units of the same window type, each with a unique width and height. It starts from an existing line item, so the product configuration (options, pricing, CAD setup) is already in place; you only supply the dimensions for each row.
How to access: Select an existing line item → Copy Item → Paste Special
Special cases to be aware of:
- Shape parts: Changing dimensions opens the Options Wizard to collect required shape parameters.
- CAD parts: Changing dimensions triggers a notification that CAD operations will be reapplied. This warning can be disabled in Defaults.
- Serialized parts: A serial number selection screen appears, letting you assign specific serial numbers per row, or enter a quantity of unassigned items.
Tips
- Both tools support pasting directly from Excel. Prepare your spreadsheet first, select the data range, copy (Ctrl+C), then paste into the FeneVision dialog.
Use the Group column in either tool to tag related line items (e.g. "Kitchen", "Master Bedroom") so they can be filtered together later in the order.