Signals Notebook: Why did the bulk import create duplicate records or import more records than expected?

How Duplicate Resolution Affects Bulk Import Results

During a bulk import, Signals evaluates incoming records against existing records in the database. The selected Duplicate Resolution option determines how matching records are handled.

Don't Submit Duplicates

Select Don't Submit Duplicates when duplicate records should be prevented.

This option:

• Imports only records that do not already exist.
• Skips records that match existing database records.
• Helps avoid creating duplicate assets, batches, or lots.

Treat as Unique

Select Treat as Unique when all records should be imported as new records.

This option:

• Imports every valid row in the import file.
• Creates new assets and new batches or lots, even when matching records already exist.
• Does not attempt to match existing records.

Use Matches

Select Use Matches when new batches or lots should be associated with existing assets.

This option:

• Identifies records that match existing assets.
• Creates new batches or lots under the matched assets.
• Can increase the total number of imported records.
• May appear to create duplicates when the expected behavior was to skip matching records.

How to Verify Import Results

After the bulk import completes:

1. Select View Report from the import completion notification.
2. Alternatively, open Material Bulk Reports from the user menu.
3. Review the import report to determine:
   • How many records were imported.
   • How many records were matched to existing assets.
   • Whether any records were skipped.
   • Whether new batches or lots were created.

What to Do If the Results Are Unexpected

If the import results do not match the expected outcome:

1. Confirm which Duplicate Resolution option was selected during the import.
2. Review the bulk import report for details about matched, imported, and skipped records.
3. Verify that the import file was submitted only once.
4. Review audit logs for evidence of multiple import submissions.
5. If duplicate records still cannot be explained, contact Revvity Signals Support and provide the import report and import file details.