Bulk Processing Guide
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Overview
Bulk processing allows law firms to calculate deadlines for multiple cases simultaneously, saving significant time and reducing the risk of calculation errors. Our system supports CSV imports, automated validations, and batch exports.
Pro Tip: Start with our CSV template to ensure your data is formatted correctly for processing.
CSV Format Requirements
Required Columns
| Column Name | Format | Example | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| case_number | Text | 2024-CV-001234 | Yes |
| service_date | MM/DD/YYYY | 01/15/2024 | Yes |
| service_method | Text | personal, mail, electronic | Yes |
| jurisdiction | Text | federal, california, new-york | Yes |
| deadline_type | Text | answer, motion, discovery | Yes |
| client_name | Text | Smith, John | No |
| notes | Text | Special instructions | No |
Important Formatting Notes
- • Use MM/DD/YYYY format for all dates
- • Service methods: personal, mail, electronic, overnight, fax
- • Jurisdictions: federal, california, new-york, texas, florida
- • No special characters in case numbers (use hyphens for separators)
- • Save file as CSV format, not Excel
Data Preparation Steps
Download Template
Start with our pre-formatted CSV template to ensure compatibility.
Download CSV TemplateGather Case Information
Collect all required information for each case: case numbers, service dates, service methods, jurisdictions, and deadline types.
Validate Data
Double-check date formats, spelling of jurisdictions, and service methods before uploading.
Save as CSV
Export from Excel or Google Sheets as CSV format. Avoid using "Save As" Excel format.
Upload and Processing
Step-by-Step Process
- 1. Navigate to Bulk Deadline Processor
- 2. Click "Upload CSV File" button
- 3. Select your prepared CSV file
- 4. Review data preview
- 5. Confirm upload and processing
- 6. Download results when complete
What Happens During Processing
- • Data validation and error checking
- • Holiday calendar verification
- • Deadline calculations for each case
- • Service method adjustments
- • Output formatting and preparation
Data Validation
Common Validation Errors
Date Errors
- • Invalid date format (use MM/DD/YYYY)
- • Future service dates
- • Missing or blank dates
Value Errors
- • Invalid jurisdiction names
- • Unsupported service methods
- • Missing required fields
Validation Success Indicators
- ✓ All required fields populated
- ✓ Date formats correct
- ✓ Jurisdictions recognized
- ✓ Service methods valid
- ✓ No duplicate case numbers
Output and Results
Output File Contents
The processed file will include all original data plus calculated deadlines:
Original Columns
- • Case number
- • Service date
- • Service method
- • Jurisdiction
- • Deadline type
- • Client name
- • Notes
Calculated Columns
- • Calculated deadline
- • Days remaining
- • Holiday adjustments
- • Service adjustments
- • Calculation notes
- • Urgency flag
Troubleshooting
File Upload Issues
Problem: File won't upload
Solutions:
- • Ensure file is in CSV format (not Excel)
- • Check file size is under 10MB
- • Verify filename contains only letters, numbers, and hyphens
Calculation Errors
Problem: Incorrect deadlines calculated
Solutions:
- • Verify service dates are in MM/DD/YYYY format
- • Check jurisdiction names match our supported list
- • Confirm service method spelling
- • Review holiday calendar for your jurisdiction
Processing Timeout
Problem: Large files timing out
Solutions:
- • Split large files into smaller batches (500 cases max)
- • Remove unnecessary columns
- • Process during off-peak hours