File formats determine how Zero Friction reads and processes CSV files during import jobs. They define how columns are separated, how dates and numbers are interpreted, and how columns are linked to measurements and attributes (such as meter serial, unit, and utility type).
You can find this component via Configuration → Jobs → File formats.
Correct configuration is essential to:
Import measurement data reliably
migrations (customers, contracts, invoices) to be carried out without errors
to keep automatic and scheduled imports running stably
What does this part show?
The File Formats page shows an overview of all available formats:
Name – The name of the file format
Description – Brief explanation
Category – Metering or Migration
Format – Specific type (e.g. Elvaco 1104, Custom Csv, ZF BulkImport)
Type – Built-in (system) or Custom (created by you)
Built-in formats are shown at the top; custom formats follow alphabetically.
Layout
Built-in vs. custom sizes
Built-in formats
Pre-configured for common meters (including Elvaco, Cadis, Kamstrup)
Read-only (cannot be edited or deleted)
Can be used directly in import jobs
Custom sizes
Created by you, usually via Custom CSV
Fully configurable
Suitable for custom CSV structures
Categories
Metering – For importing meter readings (multiple built-in types + Custom CSV)
Migration – For bulk import of customers, contracts and invoices (ZF BulkImport)
The category and format type cannot be changed after creation.
Actions
Users with appropriate rights can:
Create custom file formats
edit custom sizes
Delete custom sizes (soft delete)
Embedded formats can only be viewed.
Behaviors & Logic
Parameters (basic)
When creating/editing a custom format, configure:
Time Zone – Context for date/time in the file
Date/Time Format – For example, dd/MM/yyyy, yyyy-MM-dd
Delimiter – Comma, Semicolon, or Tab
Decimal separator –
.or,Thousands separator – Optional (e.g.,
,or space)Culture – Regional parsing (e.g.,
nl-NL,en-US)
Custom CSV – Metering
Header
First line is header: check if column names are present
Values
Value Path – Column index (0-based) containing the measured value
End Date Path – Column index with date/time
Attributes
Linking columns to attributes such as:
Meter serial
Unit
Utility type
By attribute:
Path (column index), or
Fixed Value (fixed value for all rows)
Example
CSV:
MeterID,Date,Value,Unit,Utility 12345,01/01/2024,1250.5,kWh,Electricity
Configuration:
Delimiter:
,Date format:
dd/MM/yyyyHeader: on
Value Path:
2End Date Path:
1Attributes:
Meter serial: Path
0Unit: Path
3Utility type: Path
4
Migration formats (ZF BulkImport)
Specifically for bulk import of administrative data.
Settings include:
Invoice date handling
Do nothing
Recalculate invoice periods
Link to existing periods
Advances expected periodically – Indicate whether advances are imported regularly
Use in Jobs
File formats are used in:
Import Jobs (migration)
Metering Imports (meter readings)
Scheduled imports via data providers
Important: If you delete a format that is currently in use, existing jobs will fail with an error. In that case, create a new format and upload the files again.
Why can't I edit a built-in format?
Because it's managed by the system, create a custom format.
How do I choose the right size?
Start with a built-in format that fits your meter. If that doesn't work, use Custom CSV.
My CSV file uses tabs instead of commas. What should I do?
Select Tab as the separator.
Can I change a size later?
Yes, for custom sizes. The category and format type are fixed.
What happens when you delete a format?
It will be soft-deleted; jobs that use it will fail.
Why don't I see all the format type options?
Some types are hidden from UI usage (historical/API).
How do column paths work?
0-based: first column = 0, second = 1, etc.
Path vs. Fixed Value?
Path reads from a column; Fixed Value uses a single fixed value for all rows.
Built-in format – Preconfigured system format (read-only)
Custom Size – User-configured size
Delimiter – Separator between columns
Format type – Concrete implementation (e.g. Custom Csv)
Metering format – For importing meter readings
Migration format – For bulk import of administrative data
Path – 0-based column index
Value Path – Column with the measured value
End Date Path – Column with the end date/time
Attribute – Additional metadata for a measurement
Fixed Value – Fixed value instead of column value
Culture – Date/Number Parsing Rules
Time Zone – Context for date/time in files