Overview
Firmex’s import spreadsheet lets you import a set of empty folders in to Firmex.
Most often the import spreadsheet is used alongside a request list document provided by a buyer or the investment bank. The spreadsheet cuts down the amount of time it takes to create the request list, compared to manually typing the request list, or copying and pasting request list items.
The spreadsheet works especially well with long request lists, and can be used to import empty folders, but not documents.
Below are some common uses and scenarios of the due diligence import spreadsheet:
- M&A - For each of their transactions, a buyer or investment bank will import a saved due diligence import spreadsheet in to Firmex. The seller will then upload documents to the request list.
- M&A - A buyer provides the seller with a due diligence request list document. The seller will copy and paste the request list to the Firmex import spreadsheet, and import the request list. The seller will then provide access to the various parties that are responsible for uploading documents to the request list.
- RFP or Procurement - A company will import a saved due diligence request list for each of the bidders. The request list items are the RFP line items. As each bidder uploads documents to the request list, the company is alerted via document notification emails.
Firmex can provide you with free editable Due Diligence Checklists if you don't have one already. Visit TOUCHPOINT by Firmex for more due diligence resources.
Download the spreadsheet
Download the spreadsheet by following the instructions below:
- Log in to your Firmex site.
- Enter your Firmex project and go to the Documents tab.
- From the left-hand pane, to the right of the Due Diligence or Document Sharing heading, click the context menu (down-arrow). Select Import Spreadsheet.
- Click Download Template.
Save the template to your computer.
Working with the spreadsheet
The general idea of the spreadsheet is to copy and paste all of the request list items in to column A - Folder Name - and then use the letter “x” to specify the folder level of the request list item. Each item in column A - Folder Name - requires a single X in column B, C, D, E, F, or G. The X in column B will create an index, and an X in column C will create a subfolder below it. See the video for details.
Numbering and schema
Firmex can automatically number your request list items for you, or you can number the request list items yourself. You must choose one or the other to avoid confusion and doubled numbering.
Why would I choose Firmex’s automatic numbering?
Automatic numbering makes it easier to delete, create, and re-arrange line items, without having to modify item numbering manually. For example: If item 1.2 gets moved down below item 4.3, it will automatically get re-numbered to item 4.4, and the remaining line items will shift up in position.
What if my request is already numbered?
You can choose to leave the request list numbered, or remove the numbering from each line item and have Firmex automatically number the line items.
How do I remove Firmex’s automatic numbering?
Once the spreadsheet has been imported, right-click the top-most folder in the request list and select Edit Details. Under Numbering Setting select Hide Numbering and Manually Order.
Import the spreadsheet
- In your project, from the left-hand pane, to the right of the Due Diligence or Document Sharing heading, click the context menu (down-arrow). Select Import Spreadsheet.
- Click Browse. Find the saved spreadsheet template and click Open.
- Click Import.
Firmex will return any errors it finds in the spreadsheet. When the import is complete, click the Refresh Now button at the top of the browser window.