Commna missing when view in downloaded csv file

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When I view my PO in webform, there are commas in the "Description" separating Product Name, Color and Size. When I download PO as csv file, these commas disappear, but I need these commas so I can import PO to my system. For example, it will show "Lightweight Crew LS BLACK XS" in csv file while it shows "Lightweight Crew LS, BLACK, XS" on webform. Please advise, thanks!
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Allen L.

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Posted 4 years ago

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4 years ago
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Jordan, Software Engineer

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Good morning,

Thank you for your post!  It all depends on how the data is sent from your Trading Partner as we may parse out spaces and add commas in order to display "cleanly" within WebForms.  Do you mind providing me with the Trading Partner this is occurring with as well as an example PO number and I will take a look at the raw data and determine our best next-steps?

Thanks,

Jordan
4 years ago
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Allen L.

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Good morning Jordan,

Thanks for replying! Our trading Partner is Recreational Equipment Inc, or REI. You may use PO# 4501829770 as an example, thanks again!
4 years ago
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Jordan, Software Engineer

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Great, thank you for that!  I now see the issue you are referring to.  I have a couple follow-up questions for you.

1) Is this a recent problem or has it always been this way?
2) If it has always been this way, it is likely that new development will be needed as opposed to simply fixing a bug.  Is there are particular date that you need a fix put in place?  While as soon as possible is always nice and I completely understand, justification helps me set a due date and hold our Development Team accountable. 

A concern I have off the bat is that there is very valid reasoning as to why commas are removed prior to creating the CSV file.  It is likely you have not seen the raw data before, so below is a quick snipet.



This is what is received from REI.  When creating the CSV file for download, our system will take the relevant fields and remove each (*) with (,).  I am thinking there is a rule put in place to remove and commas in the data as they are actually a part of the same EDI element (not separated by *).  In that sense, our system believes them all to be one value as opposed to separate values.

All of this being said, I will definitely do what I can to get the commas added to the CSV download, I just wanted to present you with a little context.

I look forward to your response to the two questions above and hope you find this helpful as we work for a solution.

Jordan
4 years ago
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Allen L.

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Hi Jordan,

To answer your question:

1. We just started using SPS Commerce this January and it has been like this since the first day.

2. Please have it fixed before end of April (while ASAP will be great too) because May is the peak season when REI places large number of order to us. We will need the csv file ready in order for us to import PO information to our system.

Thank you!

Allen
4 years ago
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Jordan, Software Engineer

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Just a quick follow-up: I just had a brief conversation with a member of our Technical Support team and he confirmed that the CSV download removes all commas as they are considered one value as the data comes into our system.  I asked on the feasibility of a download custom to REI and he was not able to touch much on that, mentioning that it may be possible but would definitely be new development.  I can take your business case to our Development Team with a due date that incorporates new development if necessary for your operations.  I definitely understand where you are coming from as while the data is one value entering our system, your Trading Partner is really looking to communicate three separate values.
4 years ago
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Jordan, Software Engineer

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Great, thank you for your response!  I will waste no time and make the request with our business case/due date now.  I will provide updates via this thread (if that works for you), and hope to have a resolution that works for your situation!  As stated above, there are reasons why validations are put into place, but it is my hope that the benefits you outlined outweigh the possible repercussions in this case.

Stay tuned!
4 years ago
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Jordan, Software Engineer

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Odd time to ask, but can I get your name please? 
4 years ago
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Allen L.

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Hi Jordan,

My name is Allen. Importing csv to our system will be the most efficient way to import data. It will save us a lot of time and avoid man-made mistakes. The help from you and your team will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
4 years ago
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Jordan, Software Engineer

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Good afternoon Allen,

Thank you for your patience in waiting with me.  Unfortunately, this will not be possible to complete.  Reason being, as slightly touched upon above, is that allowing commas will break the csv formatting.  My hope was that we could get a customer csv download for REI, however it was noted that the amount of commas is not consistent among all Purchase Orders sent by REI.  With this being said, I see two options to streamline this import to your system.

1. Ask your Trading Partner (REI) to send the information in three separate lines.  This will be the easiest solution if their system allows them to do so.

2. If the above is not an option, you will want to look at an Integrated solution.  It is my understanding that this could be performed for just the REI Purchase Order and you could still use your WebForms account to transmit documents.  And Integrated solution would allow the PO to go directly to your back-end system (the one you are uploading to currently) and be formatted in a custom way.  This request would go through your Account Executive, Kevin Fecho.  I can provide his information if appreciated. 

I wanted to let you know ASAP as I realize the busy season is getting close.  I truly wish we could have been able to make an exception in the csv file and I understand the impact this has on your company.  I hope you are able to find a solution that works for you!  Apologies for this news, please let me know if there is anything else I can do!

Jordan

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