Exporting Device Data for Bulk Edit

The Export for Bulk Edit function serves as the bridge between your live inventory and your batch updates. This tool allows administrators to extract a specific subset of device data or a comprehensive list of all devices, formatted for modification and subsequent re-import.

This is a round-trip workflow:

1. Export your current device data from Gopher for Chrome Premium into a CSV or Google Sheet using Export for Bulk Edit Action.
2. Edit the spreadsheet. Change locations, asset IDs, OU paths, notes, etc. (each device can get different values). How to access and edit is covered in the Export for Bulk Edit Action article.
3. Reimport, covered in this article, the edited file back into Gopher for Chrome Premium.

View Tutorial

Best when:

• You want to see the current values first before deciding what to change.
• You need to make unique, per-device edits, but want the existing data as your starting point.
• You're doing something like an end-of-year cleanup where you need to review and tweak many records at once.

Pro Tip: To shield your workflow from accidental data updates, you can use the Export for Bulk Edit feature to take a spreadsheet snapshot of your device fleet, allowing you to Force Import your backup data at any time to instantly restore your system to a specific previous state.

The Snapshot Rule

Gopher for Chrome Premium captures a snapshot of your data. The moment you click Export, the current view is frozen, including your filters. Even if you change your filters to start a new task, your report will generate based on the original request.

The following fields are included in the export:

• CDW Device ID
• Serial Number
• Model
• Device Status
• Recent User
• OU Path
• Asset ID
• Annotated User
• Annotated Location
• Notes
• _gopher_checksum

Define Your Data Set

With this feature, you can create an export for all devices or only selected devices.

• To Export All Matching Devices: Apply your desired filters (e.g., Status, OU, or Model) in the device search page. Ensure no individual rows are selected.
• To Export Specific Devices: Apply your filters and manually check the boxes next to the specific devices you wish to include.

Configure the Export

1. Navigate to the Actions menu and select Export for Bulk Edit.
2. Name the File: Enter a descriptive name. The modal suggests a default date-stamped name.

3. Verify the Scope: If you selected devices in the define your data set step, the modal will default to Selected Rows. If no devices were selected, Rows to export will default to All Rows.

   Note: You can manually toggle this setting within the modal if you change your mind.

4. Select Format: Choose Google Sheets (for collaboration) or CSV (for large datasets).
5. Confirm: Click Export Current View.

Accessing & Editing Your Export

This section covers how to locate your file once the server finishes building your collection.

• Track Progress: Look at the Side Navigation Bar. A blue spinner indicates the server is building your file. You may navigate away to other tasks; the process will continue.
• Retrieve & Edit File: In-App: Click the jobs spinner, then click View in Google sheets to open the file instantly.
  
• Email: Check your inbox for the automated delivery link.
  
• Google Drive: The file is saved directly to your personal Drive.
  

Troubleshooting and Troubleshooting

• Format Changes: If you selected Google Sheets but the report exceeds 10 million cells, the system will automatically deliver a CSV to ensure the file remains functional.
• Error States: If the sidebar indicator turns red, click the eyeball icon to jump to the Audit Log, where the system will provide details on the failure point (e.g., Google API rate limits).