Flat File Integration in Salesforce: Simplifying Data Exchange

Posted by Vinay Vernekar 1st November 2025

Flat file integration (CSV/TXT/TSV) is a practical approach for batch data exchange with Salesforce when real‑time APIs aren’t required. Learn how it works, when to use it, key tools, and a working Apex example.

What is Flat File Integration?

Flat file integration exchanges data between Salesforce and external systems using structured plain-text files such as CSV, TXT, or TSV. It is commonly used for scheduled, batch transfers when direct, real-time connections via APIs are not feasible or necessary.

Typical flow

  • Data export: The source system exports records into a flat file (CSV/TXT).
  • File transfer: The file is securely moved to a location accessible to Salesforce (SFTP/FTP or middleware).
  • Data import: Salesforce ingests the file using Data Loader, Data Import Wizard, or ETL tools.
  • Error handling: Import errors are logged, corrected, and reprocessed.

How flat file differs from API integration

Flat file and API integrations serve the same goal — moving data between systems — but they differ in immediacy, format, complexity, and cost. Use flat files for large, periodic batches and limited connectivity; choose APIs for frequent, near-real-time exchanges.

Key differences

  • Mode: Flat files = batch; APIs = real-time.
  • Format: Flat files = CSV/TXT/TSV; APIs = JSON/XML.
  • Speed: Flat files depend on transfer/processing schedule; APIs are faster.
  • Complexity & Cost: Flat files are cheaper and easier to set up; APIs need development and management.

When to choose flat file integration

  • Limited connectivity or no API support in the external system.
  • Large data volumes that are more efficient as scheduled batches.
  • When slight delays in updates do not impact business operations.
  • To reduce integration costs (less middleware and licensing).

Tools & best practices

Common tools and techniques for reliable flat file integrations:

  • Data Loader / Data Import Wizard for bulk imports into Salesforce.
  • SFTP/FTP or secure middleware (Mulesoft, Boomi, Informatica) for file transfers.
  • Named Credentials and External Credentials in Salesforce to simplify authenticated callouts to file transfer APIs or middleware.
  • Design a robust error handling and retry strategy: validate files, log failures, and provide meaningful error reports to source systems.
  • Use a consistent file naming convention and include processing timestamps to avoid duplicate processing.

Sample Apex: trigger a flat-file upload via a named credential

Below is a compact Apex example that demonstrates packaging a simple file body and posting it to a callout endpoint backed by a Named Credential. Adapt this pattern to your middleware or file-API provider.

public with sharing class FlatFileIntegration {
  public FlatFileIntegration() {
  }

  public void triggerIntegration() {
    FTPRequestWrapper ftp = new FTPRequestWrapper();
    ftp.path = '/';
    ftp.fileName = 'hello.txt';
    ftp.body = EncodingUtil.base64Encode(Blob.valueOf('Hello Testing'));

    String jsonPayload = '[' + JSON.serialize(ftp) + ']';
    HttpRequest req = new HttpRequest();
    req.setEndpoint('callout:FlatFileNamedCredential');
    req.setMethod('POST');
    req.setBody(jsonPayload);
    Http http = new Http();
    HTTPResponse response = http.send(req);

    System.debug('###Response: ' + response.getBody());
  }
  public class FTPRequestWrapper {
    public String path;
    public String fileName;
    public String body;
  }
}

Practical tips

  • Validate CSV headers and use consistent timestamp formats (UTC recommended).
  • Keep file sizes manageable — split very large exports into smaller batches.
  • Store raw files and processing logs for auditability and troubleshooting.
  • Use checksums or file signatures to detect corrupted transfers.

Conclusion

Flat file integration remains a reliable, cost-effective approach for many Salesforce use cases where real-time connectivity is unnecessary or unavailable. With the right tools (SFTP, Data Loader, Named Credentials) and robust error handling, teams can build scalable, maintainable batch integrations.

Why this matters: For Salesforce admins and developers, understanding flat file patterns expands your integration toolbox — letting you choose pragmatic solutions that balance cost, complexity, and business requirements. Business users benefit from predictable data refresh schedules and lower integration costs.

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