File review checklist

Use the steps listed in the following table to prepare your files for import:

Process Description
Perform basic file format checks
  1. Verify that the file is plain text and pipe-delimited (uses the | character).

  2. Verify that the first line contains a header listing all of the fields.

    NOTE: Consult the file specification document provided by your Syntellis Implementation Consultant for a list of all fields to contain in each file.

Perform data-type checks
  1. Verify that data types are correct. For example, integer or numeric fields should not contain text values.

    NOTE: Consult the file specification document for the data type of each field.

  2. Verify that all date and time fields are formatted as “YYYY-MM-DD” and/or “YYYY-MM-DD hh24:mi:ss”.

  3. Verify that the file does not contain numerous instances of the word “NULL”. Null values should be extracted as blanks. For example, integer or numeric fields should not contain text values.

  4. Verify that amount (Numeric data type) fields are formatted correctly. Use a negative sign to indicate negative amounts (“-“ in front of the number, instead of parentheses). Amounts should not contain commas.

Verify key fields on each table

NOTE: Refer to the file specification document to determine the key fields, which are listed in bold.

  1. Use the filter function in Excel to verify that all key fields are populated (no blanks). Keep in mind the following:

    • If there is only one key on the table, it must always be populated.

    • If there are multiple keys on the table and only some of them are blank, check with your Syntellis Implementation Consultant or an Application Specialist for further guidance

  2. For all files except Cost Detail, use the Remove Duplicates function in Excel on the key column(s) to verify that they do not contain duplicate values. In other words, there should be only one row for each unique combination of key values.