An image forming apparatus stores setting information received from an external device in a temporary region, and compares device identification information acquired from the setting information with device identification information of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus determines a reflection level used to reflect each setting included in the setting information stored in the temporary region, and stores the setting information in a database. Further, the image forming apparatus extracts a setting compliant with the reflection level and a reflection policy, using a plurality of import modules, and stores the extracted setting in a database that is actually used for control performed by the image forming apparatus.