500896 – Microsoft 365 admin center: New Support for Historical Data Uploads in Organizational Data in Microsoft 365

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft Viva Insights

Platform:

Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Organizational Data in Microsoft 365 now allows administrators to upload historical HR data manually via CSV files. A new toggle in the upload experience lets admins specify whether the data is current or historical. For historical uploads, admins can assign an effective date to the file, ensuring accurate ingestion and processing by downstream apps like Viva Insights. This update improves data consistency across M365 and Viva apps and supports retroactive updates for organizational reporting.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-09-30

updated:
2025-10-10

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Data Inconsistency
If historical data is uploaded without proper validation, it may lead to inconsistencies in reporting and analytics, affecting decision-making processes.
   - roles: Data Analyst, HR Manager
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-365-admin-center-new-support-for-historical-data/ba-p/1234567

User Experience Degradation
Users may experience delays or errors in accessing updated reports and insights if the historical data upload process is not properly managed, leading to frustration.
   - roles: End User, Business Analyst
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/microsoft-365-admin-center-new-support-for-historical-data/ba-p/1234567

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're organizing a large library, and you've just received a collection of old books that need to be added to the existing catalog. To ensure these books are properly integrated, you need to note when they were published and how they fit into the current collection. This is similar to the new feature in the Microsoft 365 admin center, where administrators can now upload historical HR data using CSV files.

Previously, you could only add current data, like adding new books to the library as they are published. Now, with the ability to upload historical data, it's like being able to go back and add older books to your library catalog, complete with their publication dates. This is done through a new toggle feature that lets admins specify whether the data is current or historical. For historical data, you can assign an effective date, much like noting the publication year of a book, ensuring that the data is accurately processed and fits seamlessly into the existing system.

This change helps maintain consistency across Microsoft 365 and Viva apps, similar to how a well-organized library ensures that all books, old and new, are easily accessible and correctly categorized. It also allows for retroactive updates, meaning you can update past records to reflect new information, just as you might update a library catalog when you discover new details about an old book. This ensures that all organizational reporting is up-to-date and accurate, providing a clearer picture of the company's history and current status.