---
title: Common Questions about Uploading Your Data in Pequity
description: FAQ Data
---

[Skip to content](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/common-questions-about-uploading-your-data-in-pequity#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

[More support](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en)

![Logo (1)](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20(1).png?width=202&height=50&name=Logo%20(1).png)

- [Pequity](https://pequity.com/)
- [Platform](https://pequity.com/solutions)
- [Blog](https://blog.pequity.com/)
- [Login](https://pequity.app/login)
- [Get a demo](https://pequity.com/contact)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Pequity](https://pequity.com/)
- [Platform](https://pequity.com/solutions)
- [Blog](https://blog.pequity.com/)
- [Login](https://pequity.app/login)
- [Get a demo](https://pequity.com/contact)
- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [More support](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/kb-tickets/new)
- Contact us

 Contact us

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Support Center](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support?hsLang=en)
2. [Pequity Features & Workflows](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en)

# Common Questions about Uploading Your Data in Pequity

#### Data Ingestion Errors

### **Why am I seeing an error about a missing unique identifier?**

Data ingestion requires a **unique identifier** to correctly match records. Your uploaded file must include **one of the following**:

- **EID (Employee ID)** — recommended
  
    - The EID column must:
      
          - **Not allow empty values**
          - **Be unique**
    - Once set, select **EID** from the *Unique Identifier* dropdown.
- **Email** — acceptable alternative if EID is unavailable

If neither is present or properly configured, the ingestion process will fail.

#### Data Source Basics

### **What is the purpose of a Data Source?**

A **Data Source acts as a template** for all future uploads. Once created:

- You do **not** need to re-upload or remap it each time
- It maintains a persistent connection to:
  
    - People
    - Ranges
    - Compensation Cycles

### **Why can’t I edit the data type after upload?**

Because the Data Source is a template, **data types and column settings cannot be changed once saved**. This includes:

- Data Type
- Allow Empty
- Uniqueness

This ensures consistency between the Data Source and how data is displayed throughout the platform.

**What's the workaround?** 

- Upload a new version of the Data Source with a duplicate of the column you wish to update, changing the Data Type, Uniqueness and Emptiness. Right after, you can remap the column in settings to match the new configured column.

#### Data Preparation Tips

### **How do I ensure my data uploads successfully?**

Before uploading, review each column carefully:

**Confirm the correct Data Type**

- **String** – alphanumeric values and symbols (e.g., `abc`, `abc3`, `abc@email.com`)
- **Number** – numeric values only (e.g., `123`, `1.23`)
- **Boolean** – `Yes` or `No`
- **Date** – preferred format: `YYYY-MM-DD`

**Check column rules**

- Should the column **Allow Empty**?
- Should the values be **Unique**?

#### Column Changes & Updates

### **Can I upload a version with renamed columns?**

No. Column names must **exactly match** the original Data Source template.  
If you need different column names, create a **new Data Source**.

### **What if my file has the same columns plus new ones?**

That’s fine—as long as **all original columns are present**.

- The upload will succeed
- The additional columns will become part of the new template
- Future uploads must now include these new columns
- Don’t forget to:
  
    - Create the corresponding columns in the destination page
    - Map them correctly

If **any required column is missing**, the upload will fail.

#### Reviewing & Fixing Errors

### **Can I filter to only see errors during review?**

Yes. Enable **“Show errors only”** to quickly identify and fix problematic columns or cells.

### **Can I edit data during the ingestion process?**

Yes, with some limitations:

**You can:**

- Edit individual cells
- Remove rows

**You cannot:**

- Remove columns
- Change date formats

For those changes, update the file externally and re-upload.

#### Data Mappings

### **Why are some mapping options greyed out?**

This happens when the **Data Type of the source column does not match** the destination field.

**Valid mappings include:**

- **String →** Text or Short Text
- **Number →**
  
    - Decimal (select decimal precision)
    - Currency (for monetary values)
    - Integer (whole numbers only)

⚠️ **Important:**  
Percentages must:

- Be stored as **decimals**
- Already be formatted as percentages **before upload**

#### SFTP vs API

### **Which is easier to set up?**

**SFTP** is generally faster and simpler. It uses a scheduled file transfer between your HRIS and a secure Pequity folder.

### **Why does API integration take longer?**

API integrations require:

- Coordination with your HRIS
- Validation that the data being pulled is accurate and up to date
- Multiple rounds of testing and alignment

This naturally results in a longer setup timeline.

### **What’s next after setting up an HRIS API?**

Contact **Pequity Support** and provide:

- The list of columns you want pulled via API
- Any additional column requests

For new columns, align with Support on:

- Timeline
- Data availability
- Expectations

- [Getting Started with Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Pequity Setup & Company Admin Onboarding](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#pequity-setup-company-admin-onboarding)
    - [Personal Settings](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#personal-settings)
    - [Integrations & Data Management](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#integrations-data-management)
- [ADP Lyric HCM Integrated Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/adp-lyric-hcm-integrated-pequity?hsLang=en)
- [Managing Your Team in Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [General User Access](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#general-user-access)
    - [Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#single-sign-on-sso-integration)
    - [People Manager Access](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#people-manager-access)
- [Pequity Features & Workflows](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Pequity Comp Cycles](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-comp-cycles)
    - [Pequity Ranges Tool](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-ranges-tool)
    - [Pequity People Tool](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-people-tool)
    - [Pequity Approvals Tool](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-approvals-tool)
- [Pequity Best Practices](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-best-practices?hsLang=en)
- [Security & Compliance in Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/security-compliance-in-pequity?hsLang=en)
- [Proactive Support & Troubleshooting](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/proactive-support-troubleshooting?hsLang=en)
- [Pequity Updates & Insights](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-updates-insights?hsLang=en)
- [Pequity University](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-university?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Comp 101](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-university?hsLang=en#comp-101)
- [Reward Letters](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/reward-letters?hsLang=en)

[![Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hubfs/Pequity%20an%20adp%20company%20final%5B96%5D%20(1).svg "Pequity")](http://pequity.com)

1 ADP Boulevard  
Roseland, NJ 07068

Copyright © 2026  
Pequity, an ADP Company