Flatfile, a developer of AI-assisted data exchange has released its Flatfile Data Exchange Platform. The company says it’s the industry’s first extensible platform for file-based data import. With this new release, Flatfile is reinventing the file-based data import category that has been defined by one-size-fits-all, single-purpose csv-import tools. The solution includes an extensible, API-first and event-driven data exchange platform for enterprise developers.
Flatfile’s next-generation release breaks new ground by making Flatfile fully accessible and extensible for software developers. It enables them to build fully customisable, workflows that address a wide range of file-based import-related use cases. This provides potential cost savings and makes data available faster and more securely and improves data accuracy.
Limited options for data integration
Traditionally, enterprises possessed only a handful of options to address data import needs. This included developing a custom-coded solution that required expensive developer resources. Alternatively, the manual data clean-up is time-consuming and riddled with errors. Or using a one-size-fits-all tool that didn’t have flexibility to customize or support enterprise workflows.
“Over the last 5 years, we have heard from thousands of organisations and development teams. We learned about their wide range of requirements and workflows,” said David Boskovic, Founder and CEO of Flatfile. “Instead of trying to create yet another one-size-fits-all tool that would inevitably be limited. We set out to create a platform that enables any developer to build the ideal solution for their specific needs.
“The release of the Flatfile Data Exchange Platform opens entirely new options for companies looking for data file import solutions that support their business. With our API-first and event-driven architecture we are putting Flatfile data import right in the hands of every developer.”
Key features include:
- Rich library of APIs combined with event-driven architecture: The Flatfile Data Exchange Platform is from the ground up designed on an open, API-first and event-driven architecture that easily fits into most tech stacks. Its rich library of APIs and code-based plugins for file-based data imports, validation, transformations, and workflows is uniquely powerful, providing development teams with ultimate customization and extensibility options.
- Advanced data import functionality: Flatfile provides developers with all the tooling they need – from collecting any file type from any type of data source to AI-powered data matching, automated formatting, cleaning and validating data, to human-in-the-loop reviews and approvals.
- Highly intuitive data import experience designed for end users: The platform provides an easy to use and intuitive user experience throughout the data import, matching, cleaning and validation process. This includes workbook-style data editing, AI-assisted data file importing, or protected microsites for secure collaboration.
- Enterprise-scale and security to support the most demanding needs: Ultimately the platform is designed to scale to the most demanding enterprise needs, including support for rigorous compliance and security standards, very large file support, parallel processing and load balancing, or multi-region data storage.
Enterprise Times: What this means for business
Data integration remains one of the most painful aspects of any modern technology development project. Data integration tools have been around for decades. However, they have all been built on the golden rule that data is only transferred between tightly structured IT systems. Today, data is everywhere. Often inside of files. It resides with individuals, vendors, customers, agents, remote offices, or partners.
Furthermore, file-based data is highly variable in data quality, file formats, and structure. At the same time, companies are under more pressure than ever to move fast and make data-driven decisions. Ensuring data is accurate, up-to-date, secure and available at the right time is vital for every business. Enterprises are also racing to build more intelligent and automated systems. Consequently, the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence is increasing the stakes of data accuracy and rapid availability dramatically.
Flatfile’s new Data Exchange Platform sounds interesting on paper. Possibly, the industry’s first extensible platform for file-based data import to support enterprise developers. The platform should enable developers to build fully customisable file-based import experiences easily and securely. It opens opportunities for Flatfile across sectors and potentially support the data integration needs of companies large and small.
From the software company adding a data importer to their commercial app. Global insurance company collecting reports from agents, or the system integrator preparing legacy data for new systems. This is, an interesting development to watch, particularly, if responsible for large data transfers within an organisation.
