Migrate tasks from Trello to Planner | Step 2 - Prepare the CSV file | Episode 94

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of preparing a CSV file exported from Trello for migration to Microsoft Planner. This is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition between the two platforms, allowing your tasks to be organized correctly in Planner. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the skills to clean up your CSV file, making it ready for the next phase of migration.

Step 1: Understand the Structural Differences

Before diving into the CSV file cleanup, it's essential to understand the differences between Trello and Microsoft Planner:

• Trello:

  • Board: The overarching container for tasks.
  • List: Groupings within the board.
  • Card: Individual tasks.

• Microsoft Planner:

  • Plan: Equivalent to a Trello board.
  • Bucket: Similar to a Trello list, holding tasks.
  • Task: Equivalent to a Trello card.

Recognizing these differences will help you rename and organize columns appropriately in your CSV file.

Step 2: Open the Exported CSV File

1. Locate the CSV file you exported from Trello.
2. Open the file in a spreadsheet application (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets).

Step 3: Clean Up Unnecessary Columns

To prepare the CSV for migration, you'll need to remove or rename certain columns:

• Remove the following columns:

  • Member Creator
  • Short Link
  • Card ID
  • Board ID
  • Member ID
  • User Name
  • Any other irrelevant data.

• Rename the relevant columns:

  • Change "Card Name" to "Task Name".
  • Change "Board Name" to "Plan Name".
  • Change "Type" to "Action Type".
  • Change "Created Date" to "Created Date".
  • Change "List Name" to "Bucket Name".
  • Change "Due Date" to "Due Date".
  • Change "Description" to "Task Description".

Step 4: Address Empty Fields and Duplicates

1. Fill in empty fields:

   • For tasks that have an empty bucket name, copy the latest bucket name from the most recent entry for that task.

2. Remove duplicate entries:

   • Ensure that each task has only one entry. If there are multiple entries for a task due to updates, consolidate them into a single entry with the relevant details.

3. Sort the data by Created Date:

   • Select the Created Date column and sort it in chronological order to maintain the correct task sequence.

Step 5: Finalize the CSV File

1. Check for any remaining update entries:

   • Review the file to ensure there are no leftover update card entries. If they exist, delete them.

2. Ensure all tasks are organized under a single bucket:

   • Each task should only belong to one bucket. Adjust accordingly.

3. Save the cleaned-up CSV file:

   • After making all necessary changes, save your file with a clear name to avoid confusion during the next steps.

Conclusion

You've now successfully prepared your CSV file for migration from Trello to Microsoft Planner. This step may seem tedious, but it's crucial for ensuring that your tasks are accurately represented in Planner. In the next tutorial, you will learn how to import this cleaned CSV file into Microsoft Planner. Make sure to stay tuned for Episode 95, where we will walk through the import process and complete the migration.