Integration

From Excel to LeanIX in Under 4 Hours – How Continuous Synchronization Works

Thomas Schreiner

Thomas Schreiner

— 1 min read
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The request sounded fairly typical: "We have a massive Excel file with our applications and interfaces that we use in our ERP project. This file needs to stay in sync with LeanIX because we cannot replace it in the short term – it contains too many columns and information that we do not want in LeanIX. We want to keep the Excel largely unchanged and not convert it to the Excel import format, and after the project, the file will be retired anyway." Quite the wish list, and many EA teams give up when faced with these requirements – for us, it was done in an afternoon.

The Problem: Excel Is Everywhere

Let's be honest: Excel never dies. No matter how many enterprise tools a company introduces – somewhere there's always an Excel file with critical data. Application lists, interface documentation, migration plans.

The question is not whether this data belongs in LeanIX, but how quickly you can get it there.

The Solution: LDIF + Integration Builder

Our approach consists of two components:

1. Automatic Conversion to LDIF

LDIF (LeanIX Data Interchange Format) is the standard format for the LeanIX Integration API. Instead of writing JSON manually, we automatically convert Excel to valid LDIF – including proper typing, error handling, and validation.

2. The Aronis Integration Builder

This is where it gets interesting. The Integration Builder is our visual tool for creating connectors for the LeanIX Integration API. With it, we define:

  • Columns → Fields: Which Excel column populates which LeanIX field?
  • Columns → Relations: How are relationships between Fact Sheets established?
  • Columns → Tags: Automatic tagging based on values
  • Columns → Subscriptions: Who gets assigned as responsible?

The best part: The Builder automatically implements all Aronis Best Practices. Naming conventions, External IDs, fault tolerance – all built in.

The Result

From initial requirement to running sync: under 4 hours.

And the beautiful thing? The next project will be even faster because we continuously evolve our building blocks. That's the advantage of a comprehensive tool library: Instead of starting from scratch every time, we combine proven components into new solutions.

Conclusion

Excel-to-LeanIX doesn't have to be a project. With the right tools, it's a simple task.

Interested in a similar solution? Contact us – we'd love to look at your requirements.

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