In This Article

Overview

Prerequisites

How to access a VDT Import

1: Adding a VDT to the Library

2: Importing from Library

Next Steps

Overview

Value Driver Trees (VDTs) can be imported into Ideas/Initiatives to save time and ensure consistency across your organization. Instead of manually creating complex VDT structures from scratch, you can reuse existing VDTs or import pre-configured VDT templates.


Why Import VDTs?

  • Save Time: Reuse proven VDT structures instead of rebuilding them
  • Ensure Consistency: Apply standardized calculation models across multiple initiatives
  • Reduce Errors: Start with validated VDT structures
  • Share Best Practices: Leverage VDTs created by other teams


When to Import vs. Create from Scratch:

  • Import when you have a similar initiative or a standard template applies
  • Create from scratch when your initiative requires a unique benefit calculation structure

Prerequisites

Before importing a VDT, ensure the following required permissions are enabled:

  • The Role permission 'Contribute to VDT Library' is enabled (contact your system administrator for further assistance)
  • Edit access to the Idea/Initiative or Value Hound VDT that you would like to import a VDT into

How to access a VDT Import

  1. Navigate to your Idea/Initiative or Value Hound
  2. Open the VDT tab using the burger menu on the left
  3. Locate the library icon in the VDT toolbar at the top of the page
  4. Click the library icon to reveal import options


1: Adding a VDT to the Library

Before you can import a VDT from the library, the VDT must first be added to the library. Follow these steps to make your VDT available for reuse:


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access the VDT

  • Navigate to the Idea/Initiative containing the VDT you want to add to the library
  • Open the VDT tab using the burger menu

Step 2: Open the Library Options

  • Locate the library icon in the VDT toolbar at the top of the page
  • Click the library icon
  • Select "Add to Library"


Step 3: Configure Library Settings

  • Enter a descriptive name for the library VDT
  • Add a description explaining what the VDT calculates and when to use it


Step 4: Save to Library


Click "Save" or "Add to Library"

The VDT is now available in the Import from Library dropdown

Note: You must have role VDT library management permissions to add VDTs to the library.

2: Importing from Library

The Import from Library option allows you to import VDT structures from other Ideas/Initiatives or Value Hound VDTs within your organization.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open the Import Dialog

  • Click the library icon in the VDT toolbar
  • Select Import from Library
  • A pop-up dialog will appear


Step 2: Configure Import Settings

The import dialog displays the following options:

 

1. Replace Existing VDT Tree Checkbox

  • Check this box if you want to completely replace your current VDT structure
  • Leave unchecked to import into a specific parent node only
Note: Replacing the entire VDT tree will delete all existing VDT data


2. Select Import to Node

  • Choose the parent node where the VDT will be imported


3. Select Source VDT from the Import from VDT dropdown

  • Choose from the dropdown list of available VDTs
  • Each VDT is labeled as either:
    • Initiative VDT: From another Idea/Initiative
    • Value Hound VDT: From the Value Hound module

Step 3: Select Parent Node to Import

  • After selecting the source VDT, choose which parent node from that VDT you want to import
  • You can import the entire VDT or just a specific branch


Step 4: Complete the Import

  • Click Import to finalize
  • The system will copy the selected VDT structure into your target node
  • All node types, formulas, and KPI connections are preserved


What Happens After Import

  • The imported nodes appear under your selected parent node
  • KPI nodes remain connected to their original KPIs
  • Constant nodes retain their values
  • Variable nodes maintain their configuration
  • You can immediately edit the imported structure as needed

Note: to delete an imported VDT, you will have to manually remove the imported nodes from the VDT


Next Steps

For further information on importing a VDT to an Idea/Initiative, please proceed with VDT Library and Template Management: Importing from Templates and Linked VDTs (Part 2)