← Back to glossary Category: Tehnologie Flat File / CSV Quick answer: A simple data-exchange format (CSV, TXT, Excel) often used for integrations with systems lacking an API. Key takeawaysLack of strict structure → format errorsSync 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 Azuvio helps Azuvio 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. Frequently askedAre 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 Azuvio fitsConectori ERPSoftware EDIIntegrări Azuvio Related termsETL (Extract, Transform, Load) — A process where data is extracted from a source, transformed to the target format and loaded into the destination system.EDI mapping — Translating between the standard EDI message structure and your ERP's data format, for automatic processing.iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) — A cloud platform that connects applications and data via connectors, flows and transformations managed centrally.Real-time vs batch syncing — The two ways of moving data between systems: instantly on each event, or grouped at scheduled intervals. Last updated: 2026-07-06