# Questions? We have answers. ## Summary A general ledger ("GL") is an entity's primary accounting record and a fundamental component of a double-entry bookkeeping system. When you **import a GL** for analysis, MindBridge's _[General ledger analytics](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/16085707008151)_ will be run against 100% of the imported data to detect risk and anomalies. Once you have [created a _GL analysis_](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583093) using the _[full](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/19029762802967-What-is-a-full-time-frame-in-an-analysis)_ or _[interim](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/19030451443223-What-is-an-interim-time-frame-in-an-analysis) time frame*_, you can [determine which file(s) to import](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#01G5538F1TG9TRM1V2A4QBXSZW) and then [add your files to the analysis](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#h_01HFSQ98EABP8VS27ESM591A7E). MindBridge offers a stepped process for importing your files that can help you ensure that the data is consistent and of good quality. - [Step 1: Validate the data](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#01FRRA9HSFY2K9Y6PG5XPTNA1V) - [Step 2: Map your columns to MindBridge columns](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#01FRRA9HSFCERHYMGH9RHB5YVY) - [Step 3: Verify the analysis period](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#01FRRA9HSF2GRKT9FK8XKFJV1H) - [Step 4: Review the data](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#01FRRA9HSF91RNX2QANX4NJ8H9) - [Step 5: Adjust the settings and finalize the import](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#01FRRA9HSFS3FPNXFS2KDE3YAS) Plus, learn what to do if you need to [delete](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#01G552G1QEMCFEB9RY9BH1RH77) or [replace](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#h_01HFAEC4TM4XSZJ728WH414JM3) a GL file, or [restart the import process](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#h_01HFSP1K6Z67PBVJEEH41QQXZZ). ## Go to the _Data_ page 1. Select the **logo** in the MindBridge [sidebar](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056334994). You will go to the _Organizations_ page. 2. Select **View** in line with the desired organization, or click anywhere in the organization row. You will go to the _Engagements_ page. 3. Select **View** in line with the desired engagement, or click anywhere in the engagement row. You will go to the _Data_ page for that particular engagement. **Tip:** If you are already in an analysis, go to **Data** ( ) within the sidebar. ## Determine which file(s) to import Once you've created a _GL analysis_ using either the _[full](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/19029762802967-What-is-a-full-time-frame-in-an-analysis)_ or _[interim](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/19030451443223-What-is-an-interim-time-frame-in-an-analysis) time frame_, you can import files for the _[current analysis period](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#h_01HFS38EKXJXRD91TQQGJGM045)_ and up to 4 [prior analysis periods](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#h_01HFS5HB5ZDVSHA74JR5YAMTK9). [Learn more about analysis periods](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056524494-What-is-an-analysis-period) Review the [data checklist](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360055739954) to ensure that your file contains all of the columns and data that MindBridge requires for an effective analysis. ### Current period The **current period** represents the most recent period of time you want to analyze. For many, this is the current fiscal year, but the start and end dates can be configured to represent any period of time. When using the _full time frame_, the GL file should contain a complete dataset for the entire period. When using the _interim time frame_, the GL file should contain data from the beginning of the current period to the _as-at date_ defined when creating the analysis. ### Prior period The **prior period(s)** represent data from analysis periods that occurred before the current period. The data you import into "Prior period 1" should end _immediately before the current period begins_, with no gaps or overlapping dates between periods. **Note:** Ideally, the data in each prior period should represent one full prior analysis period. For example, if your current analysis period will represent one calendar year (e.g., January to December of 2023), the prior period data should span the same time frame for the previous year (i.e., Prior period 1: January to December, 2022; Prior period 2: January to December, 2021; etc.). **Tip:** Importing prior period data gives you access to the _[Prior period comparison](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4777893833623)_ dashboard, additional control points, and period-over-period analytics on the _[Trends](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056329994)_ and _[Ratios](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360058192513)_ dashboards. ## Add files to the analysis MindBridge supports several ways to add files to your _GL analysis_. ### Method 1: Drag and drop or browse 1. On the _Data_ page, **drag and drop** your file into the appropriate period of the _General ledger_ row, or select **Browse...** to find it on your computer. 2. Once the file has loaded, select **Continue**. You will go to _[Data Validation](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/19209152735639#01FRRA9HSFY2K9Y6PG5XPTNA1V)_, the first step in the import process. ### Method 2: Browse file manager 1. On the _Data_ page, select **Browse...** in the appropriate period of the **General ledger** row. 2. Select **Browse file manager** from the menu. A selection window appears. 3. Select the file you want to use. 4. When you are satisfied, **Import** the file. The file imports into your analysis. 5. Once the file has loaded, select **Continue**. You will go to _[Data Validation](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/19209152735639#01FRRA9HSFY2K9Y6PG5XPTNA1V)_, the first step in the import process. ### Method 3: Import using a data connector Data connectors allow you to import all available data needed for analysis at once. On the _Data_ page, you can [invite a client](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/1500001350402) to connect or [connect yourself](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/1500001276441) to a data connector. Once the file has loaded, select **Continue**. You will go to _[Data Validation](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/19209152735639#01FRRA9HSFY2K9Y6PG5XPTNA1V)_, the first step in the import process. Refer to our article on [Bulk importing using a connector](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056329334). ## Step 1: Data Validation This is the first step of the import process, where you can verify the accuracy and completeness of the data by reviewing [file details](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4404280793879-Data-Validation-Overview#h_01HFS6HCPQ0N1XJKTTHQZ25Y2T) and [integrity checks](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4404280793879-Data-Validation-Overview#h_01HFS6HCPR5CPSRXZXK042MZS1) performed on the data. You can reveal additional details by expanding the [column preview](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4404280793879-Data-Validation-Overview#h_01HFS6HCPR8PVK596YQW9FX97J) section. These details can help you determine whether the data has critical issues, or if you can proceed with it as it is. Review the [data format](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057583173-Import-a-general-ledger-full-or-interim#h_01HFAEC4TMGE2YYQ61R84YGTM1) requirements below for additional details. When you are satisfied that the data is correct, select **Next** to proceed to the _Map Columns_ step. To exit the import process, select **Close**. You will go back to the _Data_ page and MindBridge will save your progress. ### Data format If your file contains [grouped data](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grouped_data), MindBridge will not be able to analyze it. Select **Format data** to automatically format the data into an [ungrouped format](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/10437018464407), then proceed with the import process. **Note:** MindBridge will only analyze data on the first sheet of the file. If you have relevant data across multiple sheets, use the [split](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4410791683351) and [merge](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4410728102423) tools in the [File Manager](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056457214) ( ) to extract and combine sheets without affecting the original file. ## Step 2: Map columns This step allows you to map data fields from the imported file to MindBridge's required columns, so MindBridge can effectively read, understand, and apply analytics to the data. MindBridge will attempt to map columns based on their name, so it's important to verify that all mappings are correct. **Tip:** The [Manual Entry](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056059974) control point uses the _Type_ and _Source_ columns mapped in this step to search for keywords your firm has identified as suspicious. **Note**: The _Account ID_, _Effective Date_ (i.e., the date the transaction actually takes place), and the _Amount_ columns are required. For a detailed list of the expected columns in a general ledger file, review the [data checklist](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360055739954). 1. Drag and drop a field from **Your Data Column Headers** to the appropriate field beneath **Mapped Columns**. 2. If your data columns do not line up one-to-one with the MindBridge columns, you can use the **more actions menu** ( ) to [split](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056395794), [join](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360058269753), or [duplicate](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360058269773) columns to make the needed adjustments, or [add a column for filtering](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360058269853). 3. When you are satisfied, select **Next** to proceed to the _Analysis Period_ step. To return to the previous page, select **Back**. To exit the import process, select **Close**. You will go back to the _Data_ page and MindBridge will save your progress. ## Step 3: Verify the analysis period The _Analysis Period_ step allows you to verify the accuracy of your data by providing a snapshot of where it falls within the defined analysis period. **Note:** Out-of-period entries are _not included in the analysis results_, but are leveraged when calculating certain control point scores for the current period data. To avoid issues such as unbalanced transactions or unbalanced accounts, ensure the current period _start and end dates are correct_ and that an appropriate _Effective Date_ column has been mapped. **Note:** If you import a full general ledger without an interim file, entries dated within the interim analysis period but missing from the interim file will be flagged as back-dated in the Interim Roll Forward Check. This is expected behavior and indicates that the entries occurred during the interim period, but were not included in the interim file. If the interim file contains entries outside the defined period, the Roll Forward Check results may be misleading. ### Review analysis period settings Review the following items for accuracy. The left-side section provides: - The defined analysis period date range — select **Edit** to make changes - The entries that fall within the period - The entries that fall outside of the period - The total debit value of entries within the period - The total credit value of entries within the period The central graph displays the number of entries within and outside of the analysis period, with the option to view by day, week, or month. The right-side section provides integrity checks related to the analysis period, including: - If the ledger contains any out-of-period entries - If there is a gap between any periods - If any periods overlap When you are satisfied, select **Next** to proceed to the _Review Data_ step. **Note:** If there are gaps or overlapping dates between the current and prior periods, you will not be able to proceed with the import process until these date issues are resolved. To return to the previous page, select **Back**. To exit the import process, select **Close**. You will go back to the _Data_ page and MindBridge will save your progress. ## Step 4: Review the data The _Review Data_ step allows you to verify the accuracy of the imported data. 1. Optionally, use the menu to select how transactions should be identified within the data (by [transaction ID](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056395654), or some other way), and if desired, run the [Smart Splitter](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360058269873). The screen is updated each time you run the Smart Splitter. 2. Review the **Snapshot of your data**. 3. Review the graph, which shows the number of transactions in your ledger on the y-axis, and the number of entries in each transaction on the x-axis. 4. Review the integrity checklist below the graph. Warning icons indicate an item that might be worth investigating. These checks do not affect your ability to run the analysis. 5. Optionally, review the **Data preview** located below the integrity checks to see how transactions are grouped. 6. When you are satisfied, select **Next** to proceed to the _Adjust Settings_ step. To return to the previous page, select **Back**. To exit the import process, select **Close**. You will go back to the _Data_ page and MindBridge will save your progress. ## Step 5: Adjust the settings Some [control points](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360057582953) can be adjusted, while others require your input. The _Adjust Settings_ step allows you to make adjustments to the following control points: - **[Material Value](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056059994)** - **Note**: Adding a material value on this page _does not enable the control point_. This control point must be enabled through the [engagement settings](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/1500001381622) by increasing its weight from 0. - **[Manual Entry](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056059974)** - This control point searches the _Type_ and/or _Source_ columns (if mapped) for the indicated keywords in order to _include_ or _exclude_ the results from view. You can [add and remove keywords](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4412723037207) as needed. - **[Suspicious Keyword](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056060014)** - This control point searches the _Memo_ column (if mapped) for the indicated keywords. You can [add and remove keywords](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/4412723037207) as needed. **Note:** Changes made here will not affect control point settings in the [library](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360061668293), but will override those settings within the given engagement. When you are satisfied with the settings for these control points, select **Finish import**. You will go back to the _Data_ page, where you must [verify the accounts](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/9553833993495) before [running the analysis](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360058012013). To return to the previous page, select **Back**. To exit the import process, select **Close**. You will go back to the _Data_ page and MindBridge will save your progress. ## Restart the import process You can restart the import process any time, regardless of whether the analysis was run or not. 1. Open the **more actions menu** ( ) in line with the desired file. 2. Select **Restart import**. A confirmation window will appear. 3. Select **Confirm** to restart the import process. You will go back to the _Data_ page, and will see the option to **Continue** the import process. Select **Cancel** to go back to the _Data_ page without restarting the import process. ## Replace a GL file Replace the imported GL with a different file from your computer or the _File manager_. 1. Open the **more actions menu** ( ) in line with the desired file. 2. Select your replacement preference: - **Replace file from computer** - **Replace file from file manager** 3. Select the file you want to import into the analysis. The existing file will be removed from the analysis and replaced by the file you selected, but a copy of the original will remain in the [file manager](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056457214). 4. You will see the option to **Continue** the import process. Select **Cancel** to go back to the _Data_ page without replacing the file. ## Delete a general ledger Permanently remove a file from the analysis. 1. Open the **more actions menu** ( ) in line with the desired file. 2. Select **Delete file**. A confirmation window will appear. 3. When you are ready, select **Delete**. You will go back to the _Data_ page and the file will be removed from the analysis (a copy will remain in the [File manager](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056457214)). Select **Cancel** to go back to the _Data_ page without deleting the file.