These programs copy records with all columns unchanged.

They can determine if a record is an update on the basis of only a single field. They cannot manipulate columns or look up values.

All hidden reference fields are then incorrect as the references no longer point to the right related records.

The only way to automate imports with these tools is to import into staging forms and develop the appropriate workflow to effect the value transformations, and push to the appropriate forms.

Staging forms and workflow are the standard approach to automating imports.

Merge workflow is fired on import. Any pushes from this workflow fire as Submit/Modify; core fields, diary fields, status history fields cannot be adjusted.

This workflow can be a significant Remedy development project in its own right! As an example, look at the ITSM Data Management Tool. This is a very complex application in its own right.

Very often used as a manual stop-gap measure.

Columns can be adjusted with Excel.

Incredibly manual and error-prone. Very difficult to automate. Impossible when data volumes are large.

Often needs same extensive ARS Staging form and workflow development as above.

The only real way to automate these value changes.

Very expensive and time consuming to develop.

Saving and loading people with rights, support group memberships, etc across ITSM servers.

Meta-Update Benefits

With Meta-Update, your ITSM Team can use the power of the API, in the ARS language they already speak.

Imagine. Any programmable, repeatable, tested data script, in minutes. With Meta-Update, ARS Migrations, Foundation data transfers, Reports, any data operation you can imagine, are a snap.

Check out the challenges of hidden references in a Person's Support Group Associations.