Import Values directly into dropdown or read from CSV

Question

Hello,

when creating users we want to assign them a phone number from those available. We could read the list directly from the phone system or create a job, that creates a text file with the available number on a regular basis. How do I include those numbers in a drop down list in a template ?

ThDassel · Answer

Hi mr.castaneda,

thanks for this helpful hint. I will try that out and raise a request to male external sources available for selections in the templates.

Thomas

mr.castaneda · Answer

Hi @ThDassel,

Currently, ARM templates don't support dynamically querying an external CSV, database, or API at runtime to populate a DropDownList on the fly. The dropdown options are statically defined within the template’s JSON structure (Items array).

However, you can easily automate your second idea using a scheduled script! Because ARM user creation templates are standard JSON files located on your ARM server (typically under C:\ProgramData\protected-networks.com\8MAN\data	emplates\), here is the most common approach:

* Set up a scheduled task (e.g., PowerShell) that queries your phone system or reads your export list.
* Update the template JSON: Have the script update the Items block of your phone number dropdown field in the *.CreateNewUser.json template with the currently available numbers:

* Whenever someone opens the user creation form in ARM, it will automatically reflect the latest list from the file.

(Alternative tip: If you want to avoid manual selection or race conditions where two admins pick the same number, you can also keep the field hidden and use ARM's post-creation PowerShell script option under ScriptOptions to pull, assign, and mark the next available number as used directly in your phone system).

Hope this helps point you in the right direction!