To complement the data export tool here is a data import solution:
Steps
1. upload a preformated* spreadsheet file (ms xl or similar)
2. [data gets populated into a clearing/holding table for validation and corrections if any]
3. click Commit to execute an PL sql function (that processes the data from the holding table into the relevant table(s)
Requirements
1. temporary table to hold the imported data
2. a preformated XL file
3. PF componenets (datatable and fileupload)
4. ActionListeners
5. pl/sql function to process data from the holding table into the necessary table(s)