fix width file input

[simonaubertbd]

Hello,

on many legacy systems, the files exported are with a fix width like that
https://www.easydatatransform.com/help/latest/windows/html/fixed_width_format.html

So I would like a tool to connect to the file and specify the length of each column

Best regards,

Simon

[tgourdel]

Thanks Simon, are those files common?

[simonaubertbd]

Hello @tgourdel Not only it's pretty common on legacy systems but on EDI, it's widely used. ex : Verband der Deutschen Auto­mobil­industrie -VDA VDA file format 4905 for forecast:

Several EDI standards and formats utilize fixed-width encoding or can support fixed-width file structures. These formats often have fields of predetermined lengths that require strict adherence to specifications. Below are the most common EDI formats that are fixed-width or have variations that support fixed-width:

1. X12 (ANSI X12 Standard)

   Fixed-width by nature:
   X12 segments can have fields of fixed lengths as defined by the implementation guides, though many implementations use delimiters (e.g., *).
   Certain industries (e.g., healthcare and retail) still rely on fixed-width variants of X12.
   Key examples:
   Purchase Orders (850), Invoices (810), and Advance Ship Notices (856).

2. EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport)

   Typically delimited, but fixed-width variants exist:
   EDIFACT files are primarily delimited using +, : or '. However, specific implementations may use fixed-width structures to simplify parsing on legacy systems.

3. Fixed-Width Flat Files (used in EDI)

   Not a formal standard but widely adopted:
   Many businesses exchange non-standardized EDI in fixed-width flat file formats.
   These are custom formats with agreed field lengths between trading partners.

4. VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie)

   German automotive industry standard:
   Predominantly fixed-width.
   Commonly used in Europe for supply chain and logistics processes.
   Example: VDA 4905 (Delivery Schedule) and VDA 4915 (Shipping Order).

5. TRADACOMS

   UK retail standard:
   Predominantly used in the UK and is mostly fixed-width.
   Example: Used in grocery and retail for exchanging order and delivery data.

6. HIPAA Transactions (based on ANSI X12)

   Fixed-width implementations:
   HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) mandates EDI formats for claims, eligibility checks, etc.
   E.g., 837 (Claims), 835 (Remittance Advice).

7. Proprietary Fixed-Width EDI Files

   Many industries (e.g., banking, transportation) use proprietary fixed-width EDI formats. Examples include:
   SWIFT messages in banking.
   NACHA formats for ACH payments in the U.S.

but you can also find it for SWIFT Messages in banking transactions or Call Detail Records.

Best regards,

Simon