Element451 Flat File Integrations provide a flexible way to exchange data between Element451 and an institution’s other systems using common file formats such as CSV and TXT.

Flat file integrations are commonly used to connect Element451 with an institution’s SIS, data warehouse, reporting tools, third-party platforms, or other systems that support file-based data exchange. Files can be imported into Element451 or exported from Element451, allowing data to move between systems on a scheduled or as-needed basis.

Unlike API integrations, which exchange data directly between systems through API endpoints, flat file integrations use files as the method of transferring data. These files can be securely exchanged through SFTP or other supported workflows.

Element451’s import and export tools also provide options for shaping data as it moves between systems. Depending on the workflow, you can use transformations, validation rules, calculated columns, and field value options to prepare data in the format required by the receiving system. This can reduce—or in some cases eliminate—the need for external data transformation.

In short, Flat File Integrations are ideal for institutions that need:

• Scheduled or recurring data exchanges
• Compatibility with systems that rely on CSV, TXT, or similar file formats
• Flexible control over which records and fields are exchanged
• Data transformation and validation as part of the import or export process
• A straightforward alternative when a real-time API integration is not required

Flat file integrations offer a reliable and flexible way to connect Element451 with systems where scheduled file exchange is preferred over direct API connectivity. The documentation in this section provides guidance for configuring imports, exports, templates, and common flat file integration workflows.

Planning a Flat File Integration

Before building a flat file integration, it’s helpful to define how the data should move between systems.

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Who should be included?

• For exports, determine which contacts should be sent to the receiving system. A Trigger Segment can be used to define the population included in an export. </aside>

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How often should data be exchanged?

• Determine how frequently the receiving system needs updated information. For many flat file workflows, once daily is a good starting point, though the appropriate refresh rate depends on the use case. </aside>

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How should the data be structured?

• Identify the fields, formatting, transformations, and validation requirements expected by the receiving system before building the import or export template. </aside>

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How many files are needed?

• The number of files depends on the type and structure of the data being exchanged. In some cases, a single file is sufficient. More complex integrations may use separate files for different data sets or workflows. </aside>

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Does the data contain repeating information?

• Some data—such as applications, events, or other related records—may require multiple rows for the same contact. Element451 exports can support repeating rows to accommodate these structures. </aside>