Exporting inventory with leading zeroes in the part number reads as a number

Problem:

Part numbers for inventory have leading zeroes - e.g. '00001', '0001', '001'; or '0000', '000', '00'.   When exporting to csv, then opening the file in Excel, Excel reads the part numbers as numbers - e.g. '1', '1', '1'; or '0', '0', '0'.  Jiwa will not then be able to correctly update the data on import if the part numbers don't match.

Solution:
  1. Use the Jiwa Export Inventory utility as normal - export data to a csv file  e.g. Export1.csv

  2. Open a new Book in Excel

  3. Save as csv file e.g. Export2.csv

  4. In the Data menu, select Get Data > From File > From Text/CSV

  5. Select the file created in step 1 - Export1.csv.

  6. The Query Editor will open

  7. Make sure the PartNo column is Data Type: Text
    Use the Transform button to do this

  8. Select Close & Load.

  9. Save Export2.csv

  10. You may now edit your csv file Export2.csv

Note: once you close your new file, Export2.csv, and re-open in Excel, Excel will revert back to reading the partno as a number, not text.

Workaround:

If you need to close your csv file before you import results back into Jiwa, then save Export2.csv as an Excel spreadsheet - e.g. Export2.xlsx.  This is now your master.

Then when you wish to work on the data again, repeat steps 2 to 9 above only this time select Get Data > From File > From Workbook.