Describing Input File Fields

Once you setup the Input File, describe which fields contain the key information Site-US Tax Batch needs to process. All fields in your Input File are passed through to the Output File. However, Site-US Tax Batch must be able to identify certain key fields, such as the field containing an address. Using drop-down lists, you describe these key fields. Other fields that are not required for geospatial processing can have a blank description.

Note that every Input File requires one of these field combinations:

As shown below, the field descriptions differ based on whether your file contains character-delimited or fixed-length formatting.

Describing Fixed-Length Fields

A fixed-length format reserves a fixed number of characters for a field, regardless of how many characters are actually used. Site-US Tax Batch lets you specify the length of each field, as well as the start position for each field. For example, the first field might start at character 1, the second field at 10, the third at 35, and so on. (The first character in a line is always 1.)

To describe fixed-length Input File fields:

  1. Setup the Input File. The Input File Field Descriptions page displays.
  2. View the Input File Preview at the bottom of the page. The preview lists the first few records in your Input File, along with indicators that show how many characters are being used. Use the preview and indicators as a guide when specifying the following settings.
  3. Using a Field Name list, specify where each key field exists. For example, if the first field contains an ID number, and the second field contains an address, specify that information. For a non-key field, leave the description blank.
  4. Using a Start Position field, specify where each key field begins. For example, if the ID field starts at character 1, and the next field starts at 10, specify that information.
  5. Using a Field Length field, specify the length of each key field. For example, if the ID field is ten characters long, and the address field is 25 characters long, specify that information.
  6. When you have finished describing each key field, click Next.
  7. On the Input File Verification page, view the Selected Field Definitions and verify your settings.

Describing Character-Delimited Fields

A delimited format separates each field with a specific Delimiter Character such as a comma or a tab character. Using a drop-down list, you can specify which Delimiter Character to use. Site-US Tax Batch also lets you specify a Quote Character. For example, a typical Comma Separated Values (CSV) format separates fields using a comma as the delimiter, and surrounds the field contents with double quotes — allowing the use of commas within the field. With its drop-down lists, Site-US Tax Batch enhances this capability. You specify not just the Delimiter Character, but also the Quote Character that surrounds the field contents.

For example, a delimited format input file might have a line like this:

001,Jane Doe,123 Main St.,Big City NY 12345

In this case, you would specify a comma as the Delimiter Character, a Field Name like ID in Field Number 1, a Field Name like Address in Field Number 3, and a Field Name like Cityline in Field Number 4.

To describe character-delimited Input File fields:

  1. Setup the Input File. The Input File Field Descriptions page displays.
  2. View the Input File Preview at the bottom of the page. The preview lists the first few records in your Input File. Use the preview as a guide to the fields' order when specifying the following settings.
  3. Using a Field Name list, specify where each key field exists. For example, if the third field contains an address, specify that information. For a non-key field, leave the description blank.
  4. Using a Field Number field, specify where the field exists in the file. For example, if describing an address existing in the third field, enter 3.
  5. When you have finished describing each key field, click Next.
  6. On the Input File Verification page, view the Selected Field Definitions preview and verify your settings.