Best Practices for CSV Bulk Import and Row Enrichment

Axel C. · 2025-11-20T03:05:57.193Z

If I'm bulk importing a csv file and want to filter it down based on certain criteria before enriching a subset of the rows, is it common to use two tables, Send to table based on the filter criteria, then only run enrichments against the 2nd table? It seems easier than adding a condition for each enrichment, but may there is another way?

Best Practices for CSV Bulk Import and Row Enrichment | Clay

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Clay Support
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Your two-table approach works, but there are more efficient alternatives. You can use conditional runs to add conditions directly to enrichments, running them only when specific criteria are met.
Alternatively, use filtered views - these only enrich the rows you're viewing, effectively running enrichments conditionally without needing separate tables.
For conditional runs: go to Run Settings of any enrichment column, add your criteria in the "Only run if" box, and use the "Use AI" button for plain language instructions.
You can also try Sculptor (top-right corner) to quickly set up these workflows - it's free and might help streamline your process.
Clay Support
APP
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Did that answer your question?
Axel C.
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yeah, that makes sense. what if my CSV is a bunch of opportunities with an associated contact, but there are duplicate contacts. I want to do some work on the opportunities and some work on the contacts but I don't want to duplicate the work on the contacts that have multiple opportunities?
Clay Support
APP
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Use auto-dedupe to handle duplicate contacts while keeping all opportunities. Enable auto-dedupe on your contact identifier column (like email) - this removes duplicate contact rows while preserving the oldest entry.
For your workflow: keep opportunities in the main table, then create a separate contacts table using "Send to table" with dedupe enabled. Run contact enrichments only on the deduplicated contacts table.
Alternatively, use Lookup columns to check if contact data already exists before running enrichments, avoiding duplicate work entirely.
Try Sculptor (top-right corner) to quickly set up this deduplication workflow - it's free and can help streamline the process.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any more help with managing your CSV data or setting up your workflows, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to achieve or any specific challenges you’re facing?
Axel C.
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With Filtered Views, can I lock the filter params?
Clay Support
APP
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·
Views save your filter combinations, but the sources don't mention locking filter parameters specifically. You can create custom views with specific filters and switch between them, but users can still modify filters within those views.
Try Sculptor (top-right corner) - it might help you set up a workflow that maintains your desired filter constraints. It's free to use and could provide a solution for your specific needs.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with locking filter parameters or any other aspect of your workflow, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to achieve or any specific challenges you’re facing?

Clay Support
APP
·
·
Your two-table approach works, but there are more efficient alternatives. You can use conditional runs to add conditions directly to enrichments, running them only when specific criteria are met.
Alternatively, use filtered views - these only enrich the rows you're viewing, effectively running enrichments conditionally without needing separate tables.
For conditional runs: go to Run Settings of any enrichment column, add your criteria in the "Only run if" box, and use the "Use AI" button for plain language instructions.
You can also try Sculptor (top-right corner) to quickly set up these workflows - it's free and might help streamline your process.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Did that answer your question?
Axel C.
·
·
yeah, that makes sense. what if my CSV is a bunch of opportunities with an associated contact, but there are duplicate contacts. I want to do some work on the opportunities and some work on the contacts but I don't want to duplicate the work on the contacts that have multiple opportunities?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Use auto-dedupe to handle duplicate contacts while keeping all opportunities. Enable auto-dedupe on your contact identifier column (like email) - this removes duplicate contact rows while preserving the oldest entry.
For your workflow: keep opportunities in the main table, then create a separate contacts table using "Send to table" with dedupe enabled. Run contact enrichments only on the deduplicated contacts table.
Alternatively, use Lookup columns to check if contact data already exists before running enrichments, avoiding duplicate work entirely.
Try Sculptor (top-right corner) to quickly set up this deduplication workflow - it's free and can help streamline the process.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any more help with managing your CSV data or setting up your workflows, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to achieve or any specific challenges you’re facing?
Axel C.
·
·
With Filtered Views, can I lock the filter params?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Views save your filter combinations, but the sources don't mention locking filter parameters specifically. You can create custom views with specific filters and switch between them, but users can still modify filters within those views.
Try Sculptor (top-right corner) - it might help you set up a workflow that maintains your desired filter constraints. It's free to use and could provide a solution for your specific needs.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with locking filter parameters or any other aspect of your workflow, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to achieve or any specific challenges you’re facing?