Using CSV files

Everything you need to know about the file format that we use at Ophelos.

Using CSV files

Import and update customers records

We use a CSV (comma-separated values) file to import and update customer records to the Ophelos system. By using a CSV file, you can import or update a large number of customers and their details at once.

If CSV files are new to you, learn how to open and edit a CSV file.

Considerations for your CSV file

Before uploading files please review the following considerations:

CSV file format

Reporting documents should be in CSV file format and follow the following file naming convention:

YYYYMMDD-filetype.csv, for example, 20211108-placement.csv

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CSV file requirement:

  • UTF-8 encoding
  • Comma , delimited

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If you use Excel to edit your CSV, then check Excel's export settings when you export the CSV to ensure that your file uses commas between values.

Formatting CSV content

For the CSV file to be processed correctly, verify that it meets the following criteria:

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Data format requirements:

  • Dates and timestamps given in ISO 8601 format
    • YYYY-MM-DD e.g. 2021-12-31
    • YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss.sss e.g. 2021-12-31T06:10:15.123
  • Boolean fields represented by true or false

Required columns

Columns marked as “required” must be filled in for each record. When a column requires a value, but is blank, the uploader will return an error.

Additional fields

You may include any extra client specific fields for use in data analysis and cohort segmentation. Any number of client specific columns can be added. Each column name must be prefixed by ‘extra_’ e.g. ‘extra_product_bought’ for a column relating to the product the customer purchased.

Download Templates

Find the templates here