Data Sources - Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox

Propel can automatically import and sync your property listings from multiple sources. You can connect spreadsheets from cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and SharePoint, upload files manually, or use our API for programmatic integration. Propel automatically extracts property information, keeps it up to date, and uses it to provide accurate responses to prospects.

Overview

Data sources allow you to:

• Import property listings from spreadsheets automatically
• Upload files manually via CSV or Excel file upload
• Use API integration for programmatic data import and sync
• Keep listings synchronized with your source files
• Extract property details including addresses, pricing, availability, amenities, and more
• Support multiple worksheets from a single spreadsheet
• Map custom fields to match your spreadsheet structure
• Enable auto-sync to keep data current automatically

Works for All Use Cases:

• Property Management: Import rental listings with availability, pricing, and amenities
• Real Estate: Import properties for sale with listing details, pricing, and features
• Short-Term Rentals: Import rental properties with calendar availability and pricing
• Commercial Real Estate: Import commercial properties with complex details and specifications

Supported Data Sources

Propel supports multiple ways to import your property listings:

Cloud Storage Integration

Connect spreadsheets directly from cloud storage services:

Google Drive

• File Format: Google Sheets (.gsheet)
• Access: Requires Google account connection
• Features: Real-time sync, multiple worksheets, automatic updates
• Use Case: If you store property listings in Google Sheets
• See: Google Drive Data Source for detailed setup instructions

OneDrive / SharePoint

• File Format: Excel files (.xlsx, .xls)
• Access: Requires Microsoft 365 or Outlook account connection
• Features: Real-time sync, multiple worksheets, automatic updates
• Use Case: If you store property listings in Excel files on OneDrive or SharePoint
• See: OneDrive & SharePoint Data Source for detailed setup instructions

Dropbox

• Status: Coming soon
• Note: Dropbox support is planned for future releases

Manual File Upload

Upload CSV or Excel files directly to Propel:

• File Formats: CSV (.csv), Excel (.xlsx, .xls)
• Access: No cloud storage account required
• Features: One-time or recurring manual uploads, field mapping, data preview
• Use Case: If you have files stored locally or want to import data without cloud storage

API Integration

Programmatically import and sync data using Propel's API:

• Access: API authentication required
• Features: Automated data import, webhook support, programmatic sync
• Use Case: If you want to integrate Propel with your existing systems or automate data imports

Prerequisites

Before connecting a data source, you need:

1. For Cloud Storage Integration: Your Google or Microsoft account must be connected
   • See Google Platform Integration for Google account setup
   • See Microsoft Platform Integration for Microsoft account setup
   • See Google Drive Data Source for Google Drive-specific setup
   • See OneDrive & SharePoint Data Source for OneDrive/SharePoint-specific setup
2. For Manual Upload: A CSV or Excel file with your property listings
3. For API Integration: API credentials and access to Propel's API endpoints
4. Property Spreadsheet: A spreadsheet with your property listings
5. Proper Format: Spreadsheet should have headers in the first row and property data in subsequent rows

Step-by-Step Setup

Option 1: Cloud Storage Integration

Step 1: Navigate to Data Sources

1. Log in to your Propel account
2. Select your organization from the dashboard
3. Go to Settings > Data Sources

You'll see a list of connected data sources (if any) and an option to add a new one.

Step 2: Add a New Data Source

1. Click "Add Data Source" or "Connect Data Source"
2. Select your cloud storage provider (Google Drive or OneDrive/SharePoint)
3. If you have multiple accounts connected, select the account that has access to your property spreadsheet

Step 3: Browse and Select Your File

1. Browse your files - Propel will show files from your selected cloud storage account
2. Search for your file - Use the search bar to find your property spreadsheet
3. Select the file - Click on the spreadsheet you want to connect
4. Confirm selection - Review the file name and click to proceed

Supported File Types:

• Google Sheets (from Google Drive)
• Excel files (.xlsx, .xls) from OneDrive or SharePoint

Option 2: Manual File Upload

Step 1: Navigate to Listings Import

1. Log in to your Propel account
2. Select your organization from the dashboard
3. Go to Listings > Import

Step 2: Upload Your File

1. Select your file - Click "Choose File" or drag and drop your CSV or Excel file
2. Preview your data - Review the preview to ensure your data is formatted correctly
3. Confirm upload - Click "Import" to upload and process your file

Supported File Types:

• CSV files (.csv)
• Excel files (.xlsx, .xls)

Option 3: API Integration

For API integration, you'll need to use Propel's API endpoints to programmatically import and sync data. See the API documentation for details on authentication, endpoints, and data formats.

API Endpoints:

• POST /api/v1/data-sources - Create a new data source
• POST /api/v1/data-sources/{id}/sync - Sync data from a data source
• GET /api/v1/data-sources/{id}/preview - Preview data before importing

Step 4: Configure Your Data Source (Cloud Storage Only)

After selecting your file, you'll configure how Propel reads it:

1. File Name: Review the file name (you can rename it in Propel for easier identification)
2. Header Row: Specify which row contains your column headers (usually row 1)
3. Worksheets: Select which worksheets to import (if your spreadsheet has multiple sheets)
4. Save Configuration: Click to save and proceed to field mapping

Step 5: Map Your Fields

Propel needs to understand which columns in your spreadsheet correspond to property fields:

1. Review Detected Columns: Propel will show all columns from your spreadsheet
2. Map Standard Fields: Map columns to standard Propel fields like:
   • Address
   • Property Name
   • Price/Rent
   • Bedrooms
   • Bathrooms
   • Square Footage
   • Availability Date
   • Amenities
   • Description
3. Map Custom Fields: If you have custom columns, you can map them to custom fields
4. Preview Data: Review a preview of how your data will be imported
5. Save Mappings: Click to save your field mappings

Step 6: Enable Auto-Sync (Optional)

After mapping fields, you can enable automatic synchronization:

1. Enable Auto-Sync: Toggle auto-sync on to keep your listings updated automatically
2. Sync Frequency: Auto-sync runs periodically to check for changes in your spreadsheet
3. Manual Sync: You can also sync manually at any time from the Data Sources page

Step 7: Review Imported Listings

After configuration, Propel will import your listings:

1. Go to Listings: Navigate to Listings in Propel
2. Review Imported Properties: Check that all properties were imported correctly
3. Verify Data: Ensure property details, pricing, and availability are accurate
4. Make Adjustments: Edit any listings that need corrections

Field Mapping

Field mapping tells Propel which columns in your spreadsheet correspond to property information. Propel supports both standard and custom fields.

Standard Fields

Common property fields you can map:

• Address: Property street address
• City: City name
• State: State or province
• Zip Code: Postal code
• Property Name: Building or property name
• Unit Number: Unit or apartment number
• Price/Rent: Monthly rent or sale price
• Bedrooms: Number of bedrooms
• Bathrooms: Number of bathrooms
• Square Footage: Property size
• Property Type: Apartment, house, condo, etc.
• Availability Date: When the property is available
• Amenities: List of amenities (parking, laundry, etc.)
• Description: Property description
• Photos: Links to property photos
• Listing ID: External listing identifier

Custom Fields

If your spreadsheet has columns that don't match standard fields:

1. Create Custom Fields: Define custom fields in Propel
2. Map Custom Columns: Map your spreadsheet columns to custom fields
3. Use in Responses: Custom fields can be used in automated responses and rules

Multiple Worksheets

If your spreadsheet has multiple worksheets:

1. Select Worksheets: Choose which worksheets to import
2. Enable/Disable: You can enable or disable specific worksheets
3. Separate Mappings: Each worksheet can have its own field mappings if needed
4. Combined Data: Data from all enabled worksheets is combined into your listings

Auto-Sync

Auto-sync keeps your property listings up to date automatically by periodically checking your spreadsheet for changes.

How Auto-Sync Works

1. Periodic Checks: Propel checks your spreadsheet for changes on a regular schedule
2. Change Detection: Detects new properties, updated information, and removed properties
3. Automatic Updates: Updates your listings in Propel automatically
4. Sync History: Tracks sync history so you can see when data was last updated

Enabling Auto-Sync

1. Go to Data Sources: Navigate to Settings > Data Sources
2. Select Your Data Source: Click on the data source you want to enable auto-sync for
3. Enable Auto-Sync: Toggle the auto-sync option on
4. Save Settings: Save your changes

Manual Sync

You can also sync manually at any time:

1. Go to Data Sources: Navigate to Settings > Data Sources
2. Select Your Data Source: Click on the data source you want to sync
3. Click Sync: Click the "Sync Now" button
4. Wait for Completion: Propel will sync your data and show a completion message

Sync Status

You can check sync status:

• Last Sync Time: See when data was last synchronized
• Sync Status: View whether the last sync was successful
• Sync Errors: Review any errors that occurred during sync
• Sync History: View a history of sync operations

Managing Data Sources

Viewing Connected Data Sources

1. Go to Settings > Data Sources: See all connected data sources
2. View Details: See file name, provider, last sync time, and status
3. Edit Configuration: Update field mappings or settings
4. Sync Status: Check if auto-sync is enabled and when last sync occurred

Editing Data Source Configuration

You can update your data source configuration:

1. Select Data Source: Click on the data source you want to edit
2. Update Mappings: Change field mappings if your spreadsheet structure changed
3. Enable/Disable Worksheets: Add or remove worksheets from import
4. Update Settings: Change auto-sync settings or other options
5. Save Changes: Save your updated configuration

Disconnecting a Data Source

To disconnect a data source:

1. Go to Settings > Data Sources: Navigate to your data sources
2. Select Data Source: Click on the data source you want to disconnect
3. Disconnect: Click "Disconnect" or "Remove"
4. Confirm: Confirm that you want to disconnect

Note: Disconnecting a data source will not delete your imported listings, but it will stop automatic synchronization. You can always reconnect the data source later.

Spreadsheet Format Requirements

For best results, your spreadsheet should follow these guidelines:

Header Row

• First Row: Column headers should be in the first row
• Clear Headers: Use clear, descriptive column names
• No Merged Cells: Avoid merged cells in the header row

Data Format

• Consistent Format: Keep data formats consistent (e.g., dates, prices)
• No Empty Rows: Avoid empty rows between data
• Complete Information: Include as much property information as possible

Required Information

At minimum, your spreadsheet should include:

• Property Identifier: Address, unit number, or listing ID
• Pricing: Rent or sale price
• Basic Details: Bedrooms, bathrooms, or property type

Recommended Information

For best results, also include:

• Full Address: Street, city, state, zip code
• Availability: When the property is available
• Amenities: List of amenities
• Description: Property description
• Photos: Links to property photos

Troubleshooting

Data Source Not Connecting

If you can't connect your data source:

Possible causes:

• Cloud storage account not connected
• File not accessible
• Permissions not granted

Solutions:

1. Verify your Google or Microsoft account is connected in Settings > Integrations
2. Check that you have access to the file in your cloud storage
3. Ensure Propel has permission to access your files (granted during account connection)
4. Try re-authenticating your cloud storage account

Listings Not Importing

If listings aren't being imported:

Possible causes:

• Field mappings incorrect
• Spreadsheet format issues
• Header row not detected

Solutions:

1. Review your field mappings to ensure columns are mapped correctly
2. Check that your header row is in the correct position
3. Verify your spreadsheet format matches requirements
4. Preview your data source to see how Propel is reading your file
5. Contact support if issues persist

Auto-Sync Not Working

If auto-sync isn't updating your listings:

Possible causes:

• Auto-sync not enabled
• Sync errors
• File access issues

Solutions:

1. Verify auto-sync is enabled for your data source
2. Check sync status and error messages
3. Try a manual sync to test connectivity
4. Verify file access permissions
5. Check that your file hasn't been moved or deleted

Field Mappings Not Working

If field mappings aren't working correctly:

Possible causes:

• Column names changed
• Data format issues
• Mapping configuration errors

Solutions:

1. Review your field mappings
2. Check that column names match what Propel expects
3. Verify data formats are correct (e.g., dates, numbers)
4. Update mappings if your spreadsheet structure changed
5. Preview your data to see how fields are being read

Multiple Worksheets Not Importing

If worksheets aren't being imported:

Possible causes:

• Worksheets not enabled
• Worksheet format issues
• Mapping configuration missing

Solutions:

1. Check that worksheets are enabled in your data source configuration
2. Verify worksheet format matches your main sheet
3. Ensure field mappings are configured for all worksheets
4. Review imported listings to see which worksheets were processed

Best Practices

Organize Your Spreadsheet

• Clear Headers: Use descriptive column headers
• Consistent Format: Keep data formats consistent
• Complete Data: Include as much property information as possible
• Regular Updates: Keep your spreadsheet up to date

Use Standard Fields

• Map to Standard Fields: Use Propel's standard fields when possible
• Custom Fields Sparingly: Only use custom fields when necessary
• Clear Naming: Use clear, descriptive names for custom fields

Enable Auto-Sync

• Keep Data Current: Enable auto-sync to keep listings updated automatically
• Regular Manual Syncs: Perform manual syncs after major spreadsheet updates
• Monitor Sync Status: Check sync status regularly to ensure it's working

Test Your Import

• Preview Before Import: Use the preview feature to verify data before importing
• Review Imported Listings: Check imported listings for accuracy
• Make Adjustments: Update field mappings if needed
• Verify Data: Ensure property details are correct in Propel

Related Documentation

Service-Specific Guides

• Google Drive Data Source - Detailed guide for Google Drive
• OneDrive & SharePoint Data Source - Detailed guide for OneDrive/SharePoint

Platform Setup

• Google Platform Integration - Connecting your Google account
• Microsoft Platform Integration - Connecting your Microsoft account

Getting Started

• Getting Started - Complete setup guide
• Managing Listings - How to manage imported listings
• Setting Up Your First Mailbox - Next steps after importing listings

Need Help?

If you have questions about data sources:

• Support Email: partners@propelhq.io
• Documentation: Browse our complete documentation for more guides
• Import Issues: If you're experiencing issues importing listings, include details about your spreadsheet format and any error messages when contacting support