Importing selector values for selection or suppression

This feature is an advanced selection mechanism for Orbit Dashboards and Audiences. It allows lists of selector categories to be uploaded for use in either a dashboard filter or an audience. An example use is to upload a list of postcode sectors to define an ad-hoc sales territory. A fixed file can be uploaded from a user’s computer, into the FastStats system, and used to make a selection.

Selecor variable options

Once you choose a selector variable, you then have the following options:

  • Choose specific values

  • Load values as categories from an existing file

  • Upload a new file from your computer

To select individual values, use the checkboxes on the left.

All categories now automatically load when you scroll, and you can also manipulate categories in the following ways:

  • You can display Selected First categories together at the top of your list via the Sort by drop down menu

  • You can hide categories with Zero Values (no records) via the View menu

  • Once all categories have been loaded, you can select all using the header row tickbox

Note: All categories must be loaded in order to use the select all function.

Orbit provides options to include or exclude the selected categories:

  • Is = Include

  • Is not = Exclude

Uploading a file of selector codes

To upload a file from your computer:

  1. Switch to the Upload File tab.

  2. Click Select File.

  3. Select a file with the extension .TXT (maximum file size 25Mb).

  4. If the preview is as expected, then click Next.

  5. Select the destination for the file in the FastStats system.

  6. Optionally, you can change the filename.

  7. Click Upload and Apply to upload the file and apply it to the relevant audience or filter.

File formats

There are some restrictions on the contents of the file:

  • There can be no headers

  • It must be a single column

  • The values cannot be enclosed with quotes

  • The code must match the FastStats selector code without conversion

Note: To create this file in FastStats, use a fixed file with no headers.

Importing a previously uploaded file

If FastStats has previously uploaded or created the file you wish to import, then you can refer to it using the Existing Files tab.

To import a previously uploaded file:

1. Search or browse for the relevant file, then select it,

2. Click Apply to use it in your selection.

The audience or dashboard then displays the selected file.