Guidance on the File Exchange feature in Flexe, typically used for importing Parcel orders in bulk via CSV and transmitting EDI files.

IN THIS TOPIC

The File Exchange page is used to transmit EDI files to and from Flexe, or for submitting Parcel orders in bulk via CSV files.

[It allows for easy reconciliation between Flexe and customer systems; if an order file was sent, it will show up in File Exchange.]

File Exchange Basics & Navigation

Select File Exchange from the left menu to access the File Exchange page:

Each row on the page represents an individual file, whether it’s an EDI file or CSV file for Parcel orders.

Note: Files transmitted through shipper-owned integrations (i.e. the shipper used a third-party to create an API integration to Flexe) do not display in File Exchange.

Shown	Not Shown
All EDI files	Manually created anything
CSV files uploaded through Orders	CSV Freight orders
CSV files uploaded through Parcel Orders	CSV Parcel shipments
	CSV inbounds
	CSV item master

You can use the New CSV Upload option (at the top right of the page) to upload Parcel orders via CSV. [To learn more, go to Creating Orders].

Using Filters

Select New Filter at the top of the page for available filter options:

Source	Use this review files by their source (i.e. sent or received only by Flexe or by the shipper)
Sent/Received	Use the Exact, Start and/or End options to review files within a specific timeframe
Filename	Use this option to search for a specific file name; this filter also shows partial matches if you don't enter the exact file name
SKU	Use this option to review all files containing one or more specific SKUs
Inbound Order	Use this filter to only review files related to inbound orders
Outbound Order	Use this option to only review files related to outbound orders
File Type	Use this option to search for specific file types
Reference ID	Use this option to find the file for an order ID; this filter will return matches for a full or partial external order ID.
Issues Only	Use this filter to only review files with open issues that need to be resolved

Data Columns

Here's a quick overview of the information available in each column on the File Exchange page:

Source	This the system where the file originated--it will show as either "Flexe" or your company name.
External Order ID	This shows the Purchase Order (PO) number for an inbound delivery or the external ID for an outbound order.
Sent/Received (PT)	For incoming files (e.g. new orders), this is the time when the file was first received by Flexe. For outgoing files (e.g. order completion notifications), this is when Flexe estimates processing of the file will be complete. Keep in mind that this field shows in Pacific Time (PT).
Processed Date (PT)	This shows the processing status for the file: The status will show as "Pending" in blue if the file is still being processed. The status will show a date and time in green if processing is complete Keep in mind that this only shows the processing status--that is, whether or not the file was able to be run through the Flexe system. It does not track whether the file itself has any issues (e.g. allocation errors for orders). To learn more about order statuses, go to Order Management.
Filename	This is name of the file, without the extension at the end (for example ".csv"). You can select the file name to open the File Detail page, where you can access additional information about any corresponding inbound deliveries or outbound orders. To learn more, go to File Detail.
Download	You can use the download icon to download the processed file through your web browser. The top icon is the initial pre-translated file. For example, for incoming files this could be the EDI file. This would also be the original CSV file used to upload Parcel orders. The bottom icon is the post-translated file. This is unique to EDI integrations, but is much more readable than the EDI file and can be useful for checking to see what data was sent for a specific order.

File Upload Statuses

As part of processing, Flexe automatically checks any file you upload via File Exchange and generates a corresponding file with the same name. The Flexe-generated file tells you the status of your upload.

- If the upload is verified and complete, the Flexe-generated file looks like this: success_[Filename].
- If there are any errors with the upload, the Flexe-generated file looks like this: errors_[Filename].

File Detail

Select the filename to open the File Detail page. You can also select blue arrow next to a file (at the far right):

Navigate to the File Details page either by selecting the filename or the blue arrow of the file you want to review.

At the top of the page, the file name is displayed, along with a summary of the action completed, a timestamp for creation and processed at, and an external order ID if applicable. The Download and Download Translation options are the same functionality as discussed in the section above.

Depending on the file type, you’ll see the resulting Flexe action below.
1. If an inbound was created, you’re able to select the link to the actual inbound delivery, or review information pertaining to it.

1. If outbounds were created, you’re able to click the link to the actual orders, or review information pertaining to them. For more information on reviewing outbounds, refer to the Order Management SOP.

Note: To learn more about issues in File Exchange, click File Exchange Troubleshooting.

Terminology

CSV File: a comma-separated values (CSV) file stores information you might find in a spreadsheet, such as a table of text, numbers, and dates, in a plain text file. These can be uploaded in multiple places on Flexe for various functions, including the File Exchange page.

EDI: Short for Electronic Data Interchange, EDI is a filetype sent from customers to Flexe that produces inbound and outbound orders in the system utilizing distinct numerical values.

External Order ID: Unique External Identifier given to an order, Parcel or Freight. Also known as a PO number, this field only applies to EDI files

Order Line: A SKU of an outbound order is referred to as a ‘line’, and consists of a singular SKU and variable quantity.

Outbound Order: An Parcel or Freight shipment of goods sent to a single address, that may or may not be split into multiple shipments.

Articles in this section

Using File Exchange