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Why is my Proposal XML File Not Uploading Properly?

Here's how to fix proposal XML file upload errors for Bionic for Ad Sales.

When uploading a proposal XML file into a Bionic proposal, you may receive an error message that your XML file was not successfully uploaded or you may notice some plan lines are missing after upload. 

NOTE: XML files are typically provided by broadcast channel partners. If you're proposing a different type of channel, you likely won’t have an XML file and will need to enter placements manually.

In this article, we'll cover how to troubleshoot Proposal XML file upload issues.

Table of Contents:

  1. Check XML File
  2. If You Don't Have an XML File
  3. Contact Customer Support for Further Assistance
  4. Update Call Letter Code(s)


Check XML File

When a proposal XML file doesn't successfully upload, its best to first check the XML file itself. Here's what to look for to ensure your Proposal XML file is formatted correctly:

  1. Double check that the file is an XML file and NOT an XLS file. Bionic only accepts XML files for uploading line items.
    1. The XML file must be exported from a system like WideOrbit, Strata, Tapscan or a similar platform. You cannot simply ‘Save As’ an XML file type from Excel (the format will not work and won’t upload).
  2. Make sure the XML file is a Proposal XML file, not an Avails XML. Only Proposal XML files contain the correct structure to import line items into Bionic.
    1. Avails XML files cannot be uploaded into Bionic. Most traffic systems will give you the option to export a Proposal XML; make sure you select the correct type.
  3. Ensure there are day spots in the Proposal XML file. Without day spots, the XML file will not upload into Bionic.

If you need instructions on how to export proposals from your external platform, learn more here: Export Proposals From Another Platform.

After you have ensured your Proposal XML file is properly formatted and are still experiencing issues, the next thing to do is to check that the file was uploaded in the correct section of Bionic.


If you don't have an XML File

If you've tried uploading a file and it failed and it's determined that you don’t have a valid Proposal XML file (such as if you uploaded an Avails XML or another unsupported format) you can still respond to the proposal.

Here is more information that will assist in that process: Add Line Items Manually

Contact Customer Support for Further Assistance

If you are still experiencing issues when uploading your Proposal XML file please do not hesitate to reach out to Bionic Customer Support.

Here is how to get in touch with our team: Get Help with Bionic for Ad Sales.


Update Call Letter Code(s)

In Bionic for Ad Sales, the station’s Call Letter Code is stored in the Program Code field. This code must match what appears in the Proposal XML file for placements to import correctly.

You can review or update this in the Programs tab of your account. Here's how to update call letter codes in Bionic for Ad Sales.

  1. Verify Code is Correct
  2. Move Code from an Inactive or the Wrong Program
  3. Update Missing/Incorrect Code

Verify Code is Correct

If the correct call letters already appear in the Code field on the active program, no changes are needed.

Move Code from an Inactive or the Wrong Program

In some cases, duplicate programs exist and the call letter code is assigned to an inactive or incorrect program. To correct this:

  1. Identify the duplicate programs. NOTE: Use the search bar to find related programs.

  2. Click on the name of the inactive/incorrect program that currently contains the code.

  3. In the Settings tab, remove the code from that program.

  4. Go back to the Program tab and select the program you just removed the code from and Deactivate it.

  5. Open the correct program.

  6. Enter the code in the Code field.

  7. Activate the correct program if needed.

  8. Re-upload the Proposal XML file.

NOTE: If you are unsure which program should remain active, contact Bionic Customer Support for assistance.

Update Missing/Incorrect Code

If the program is active but the Code field is blank or contains incorrect call letters, update the code:

  1. Go to the Programs tab.

  2. Identify the program you wish you add a Code to. NOTE: Use the search bar & filters to find a program.

  3. Click on the Program name.

  4. Open the Settings tab.

  5. Enter the correct call letters in the Code field.

  6. Repeat for any other programs.

  7. Re-upload the Proposal XML file.