[soujanya]

hi,
Can any one tell the difference between import of data using XML messages and CSV. Which one is preferable and why?

[chrisplough]

soujanya,

Hello! I've found that CSVs are preferable when working with bulk data loads, because they are easier to work with, are much smaller than XML files (which can get HUGE) and because you can also use tools like SQL*Loader to accelerate the process. You can also include several CSV files into a single ZIP file and control the loading order via csvutil.ctl file - making the loading process even easier.

During most implementations, CSV data imports are used extensively to load the initial data sets and import data over from legacy systems.

I've found little use for importing data via XML (or DB.XML). Instead, I use the XML and web services interfaces when integrating OTM with 3rd party OMS, WMS and other systems.

Hope this helps!

--Chris

[chrisplough]

soujanya,

I've just posted a set of documents to the forums from a Webinar that I did for the OTM SIG last year. These help describe the CSV upload process in more detail and give information on how to package multiple CSV files up into a single ZIP file for easier processing. Please let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.otmfaq.com/forums/f24/webinar-improving-csv-uploads-multiple-csvs-via-zip-266/

Thanks!
--Chris

[andyp222]

Another big difference is that any relevent Agents get triggered when certain objects are loaded using XML - this does not happen with CSV loads.