Technology

Flat File / CSV

Quick answer

A simple data-exchange format (CSV, TXT, Excel) often used for integrations with systems lacking an API.

Key takeaways

Lack of strict structure → format errors
Sync via folder polling (not real time)
Careful mapping of columns and codes

What a flat file is

Flat file (CSV, delimited TXT, Excel) is a simple tabular data-exchange format. It remains common for integrations with classic ERPs or partners that offer no modern API.

Why it matters

Many local systems (legacy desktop ERPs, older applications) exchange data via file export/import. A pragmatic integration must support flat files, not only elegant APIs.

Challenges

Lack of strict structure → format errors

Sync via folder polling (not real time)

Careful mapping of columns and codes

How CRMconnect helps

CRMconnect consumes and produces flat files (CSV/XML) through scheduled folder monitoring, maps columns to the internal format and turns them into clean flows - including for API-less ERPs.

Real-world example

A distributor on a legacy desktop ERP exported customers, products and stock to CSV daily. CRMconnect consumed them via folder polling and synced automatically with marketplaces, without touching the ERP.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Frequently asked

Are flat files obsolete?+

Not in practice. Many legacy systems and partners still use them. A good integration platform must support them alongside API and EDI.

Flat file vs EDI?+

A flat file is a simple, neutral format; EDI is a structured standard for commercial documents. EDI can be delivered as a file too, but with strict semantics.

Where CRMconnect fits

Conectori ERP Software EDI Integrări CRMconnect

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