Hello and welcome!

Managing a growing EV charging network can be challenging, but Virta Hub's Import Multiple Pools functionality simplifies the process. This powerful feature allows you to add multiple pools of charging stations simultaneously, saving time and ensuring an efficient setup. Whether you're expanding your network or setting up new stations, Virta Hub's Import Multiple Pools functionality enables you to scale efficiently while delivering a superior experience for EV drivers.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

1. The benefits of using the Import Multiple Pools functionality
2. Mandatory and optional fields required for a successful import
3. Dynamic fields specific to your region
4. Step-by-step instructions for importing multiple pools
5. Important tips to ensure a seamless mass import

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to efficiently manage and scale your EV charging network using Virta Hub.

1. Why Import Multiple Pools functionality?

• Time Efficiency: Easily add multiple pools in a single operation.
• Accuracy: Reduce the risk of errors by using a standardised template.
• Scalability: Perfect for businesses managing large networks or rapidly expanding their EV infrastructure.

2. Mandatory and Optional Fields to Import Multiple Pools

The fields mentioned below are critical for the accurate identification and location of your charging station pools in Virta Hub. Let's ensure the following fields are included for each pool in your data file:

1. Name: You will need a unique name for the pool.
2. Address: Please provide the complete address of the pool.
3. City: You will need to mention the city where the pool is located.
4. Post Code: Please provide the postal code of the pool’s address.
5. Latitude: You will need a valid number between -90 and 90 (up to 6 decimal places).
6. Longitude: You will also need a valid number between -180 and 180 (up to 6 decimal places).
   
   

While not mandatory, adding the below-mentioned fields can improve the EV drivers' experience and your pool of charging stations' visibility:

• Opening Hours: You want to specify operating hours for each day of the week.
• Free Usage: Please indicate if the pool offers free charging (Yes/No).
• One-time Payment: Please state whether one-time payments are available (Yes/No).
• Hide Pool: Please select whether to hide the pool from public listings (Yes/No).

Including these fields ensures pools are as user-friendly and informative as possible. Additionally, certain regions may require some optional fields for regulatory compliance.

3. Dynamic Fields Based on Regional Requirements

Depending on your organisation’s location, these fields may also be required:

• Voltage: Necessary for countries with multiple standard voltages.
• Timezone: Required if your organisation operates across different time zones.
• Electrical Feed Contract: Mandatory for organisations in Finland.
• Maintenance Contact: Please ensure at least one maintenance contact is available.

These fields ensure your pools meet local regulations and operational standards.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Import Multiple Pools

To import multiple pools of charging stations into Virta Hub, you will Log in to Virta Hub, navigate to the "Stations" tab, and select "All Stations." 

On the right-hand side, under "Available Actions," click "Add Pool or Station." You will see two import options: 
1. Add single pool

2. Import multiple pools

You will select "Import multiple pools." 

You will next select the intended Organisation and then review Pool Import Prerequisites. By default, your organisation will be selected. If you need to change the organisation, please use the dropdown menu to select another organisation by typing its name.

Based on the country in which your organisation operates, you will see the "Pool Import Prerequisites" field. For example in this example, my organisation is located in Finland, and the prerequisites are:

1. 1. 1. Manage Maintenance Contacts
      2. Manage Energy Supplier Contracts

Let's have a closer look at each:

• Managing Maintenance Contacts
  The Maintenance Contact is your organisation's primary technical point of contact and is responsible for overseeing and managing the specific pool.
  

You will need to provide at least one maintenance contact by entering the following:

• • Maintenance company name
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • Number of pools

•  Managing Energy Supplier Contracts

From "Available Actions," select "Create Contracts." In the Energy Supplier Information section please choose a contract type from the dropdown menu, such as:

• • • Fixed Price Contract
    • Time of Use Tariff
    • Dynamic Price Contract
    • Other (used in this example).

Under the optional field Energy Sustainability Information, please select a sustainability type. I will select Virta Origin in this example.

Once all information is provided, click "Save and Apply Contract."

Now, you are ready to import multiple pools of stations at once. 

Step 1: Download the Template

• Download the import multiple pools template from Virta Hub.
• The template is specific to your organisation.

Step 2: Fill in the Template

• Please fill in the template with your pools' data. Please ensure all mandatory fields are filled and include optional and dynamic fields where applicable.

Step 3: Validate the Data

• Next, you will upload the template to Virta Hub. The system will validate each entry and highlight errors or discrepancies. If you notice any issues identified during validation, please correct the errors in the spreadsheet and upload the corrected file again.

Step 4: Confirmation of the Import

• Finally, you will review the validation results to ensure accuracy. You will proceed to import rows that have passed validation. Virta Hub will automatically create pools based on the approved data.

Upon successful import, notifications will be sent to your organisation and any parent organisation. These notifications include details of the newly created pools.

5. Important Notes for a Smooth Import Process

• Please note that your organisation needs to have at least one existing maintenance contact.
• If your organisation is located in Finland, it needs to have an electrical feed contract in place.
• Please note that only one set of operating hours per weekday is allowed.
• Parent organisations can create pools for sub-sellers, but sub-organisations cannot create pools for parent sellers.
  
  

Thats it!

You can now effectively leverage Virta Hub's Import Multiple Pools functionality, streamline the management of your EV charging network, save time, and provide a better experience for EV drivers.