Mapping Your Customer Data

A number of SpeedLine customers have asked for help with importing customer data into Microsoft MapPoint. We've created a training video to show you how.

Dowload the video.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to go along with the video.

To export your customer reports from SpeedLine:

1. Open Store Manager and go to the Reports tab.
2. Select the Customer tab, and choose Customer Export (or any other customer report).
3. Run the report. (If you ran a different report – Frequent customers, for instance – you will have to select the Export option in the Format tab of the wizard.)
4. When the report results appear in the Print Preview window, click the Printer icon at the top left of the window.
5. Select the Print to File option, and select Text (TXT) from the drop-down menu.
6. Save the file to the Desktop (call it Customers.txt).

To import a customer report into MapPoint:

1. Select Data > Import Data Wizard.
   The Import Data dialog box opens.
2. Browse to My Documents, and select your Customers.txt file.
3. Click Open.
4. Use the default options throughout the Import Data Wizard. Click Next, and then click Finish.
   The Data Mapping Wizard – Map Type dialog opens.
   Choose a map type (Shaded Area, or Multiple Symbol if you prefer a pushpin-style map).
5. Click Next.
   The Data Fields dialog opens.
6. In the first box, you will select a data field to map. I recommend TotalOrderValue or YTDOrderValue (which will show you where you best customers live).
7. Skip the center box (leave set to <None>).
8. In the last box, choose how you want to show the data (for example, by Zip Code).
9. Click Next. The Legend dialog opens. This shows you how your customer data will appear on the map.
10. Adjust the map pan and zoom settings as necessary for the best view of your trade area.