🗂️ Understanding the Menu Item Import CSV Template

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the CSV template used for bulk importing menu items into NX POS. This file is the "source of truth" for your menu data and is used in conjunction with the Importing Menu Items guide.

Properly formatting this file is the most critical step in the import process. 🚀

How this File is Used

The CSV template serves as the data payload for the bulk import tool.

Download & Fill: You fill out this template with your menu data (Items, Prices, Routing, etc.).
Upload: You upload the completed file to the Portal as described in the Importing Menu Items article.
Map: The system reads the column headers (e.g., POS Name, Default Menu Item Price) and maps them to the corresponding fields in the NX database.

Column Dictionary

Below is an explanation of the key columns found in the template and how to use them.

📝 Item Identification & Categorization

These columns define what the item is and where it lives in your menu.

Menu Category: The visual category where this item will appear on the POS (e.g., "Appetizers", "Seafood", "Draft Beer").
Sales Category: The high-level category used for reporting (e.g., "Food", "Beverage", "Retail").
POS Name: The internal name of the item as it appears on the order button for servers (e.g., "1/2 Ribs 2 PC Fish").
Guest Name: The customer-facing name that prints on the guest receipt or displays on the Kiosk/Online Ordering (e.g., "1/2 Slab of Ribs & 2 pcs Catfish").
Chit Name: A shortened name used for kitchen tickets to save space and ensure readability for cooks (e.g., "Fish/Rib Combo").
Type: The classification of the item logic (typically "Food", "Beverage", or "Modifier").

💵 Pricing & Tax

Default Menu Item Price: The base price of the item (e.g., 18.99).
Default Modifier Price: If the item is a modifier, this is the additional cost added to the parent item (e.g., 1.50).
Tax Group: The name of the Tax Group this item belongs to (e.g., "Sales Tax Group").

🍳 Kitchen & Routing

Routing Group: The specific printer or KDS station where this item should be sent (e.g., "Kitchen", "Bar", "Expo", "Fry").
Priority: A numerical value determining the sorting order of the item on tickets (lower numbers typically print first).
Meal Stage: Defines the course for the item (e.g., "Entree", "Appetizer", "Dessert").

⚙️ Behavior Flags (Y/N)

These columns control specific behaviors. Use Y for Yes and N for No.

Print on Guest Check: Should this item appear on the receipt?
Include in Item Price: Used for inclusive pricing.
Prompt Quantity: If Y, the POS will ask for a quantity when the button is pressed.
Out of Stock: If Y, the item will be created but immediately set to unavailable.

🔗 Modifiers (Optional)

You can link Modifier Groups directly to items during import using the "Modifier Category" columns. The template supports multiple modifier groups (Category 1, Category 2, etc.).

Modifier Category [x]: The exact name of the Modifier Group to attach (e.g., "Meat Temps", "Salad Dressings").
Modifier Category [x] Min: The minimum number of selections required (e.g., 1 for a required choice).
Modifier Category [x] Max: The maximum number of selections allowed.
Modifier Category [x] Free: The number of selections that are free before charging (e.g., 0 means all are charged, 1 means the first one is free).

Best Practices for a Successful Import

Do Not Rename Headers: The import tool looks for specific column names (like POS Name). Changing these headers will cause the import to fail.
Check Your Data Types:
1. Ensure prices are numbers (e.g., 14.50) in proper dollars/cents
2. True/False values support Y N true false yes no
Exact Matches: When referencing existing data (like Tax Groups or Routing Groups), the spelling must match exactly what is currently in the Portal, including capitalization. If NX cannot find a match, a new record will be created.
Save as CSV: Always save your final file as a .csv (Comma Separated Values) file before uploading.