To distribute product data to a retailer or marketplace that uses a flat file format (such as a custom CSV or Excel template), you can request that the Akeneo team builds a dedicated channel for you in Activation. Once built, the channel appears alongside your other connected channels and supports the same mapping and export workflows.
If the retailer provides an XLSX or XLSM template, consider using Custom Channels instead. Custom Channels let you configure flat-file destinations yourself, without submitting a request to Akeneo. Use the Akeneo-built channel request (described on this page) when your retailer's file format requires complex handling that goes beyond what Custom Channels support.
Before you start
- You need access to Akeneo Activation.
- You need the retailer's flat-file template (the file format they expect you to send products in).
- If you are unsure whether a prebuilt channel already exists for your retailer, check the list of supported channels before submitting a request.
Request a flat-file-based channel
To request that Akeneo builds a new flat-file-based channel for your retailer or marketplace:
- In Activation, go to the Channels tab and open the Available channels subtab.
- Find the "Request your flat file-based channels" section and click on it.
- Complete the request form. Provide:
- Your flat-file template(s)
- A description of the retailer's formatting requirements and your intended use case
The more detail you include about the template structure and use case, the more accurately Activation can be configured to meet your needs.
The screenshot above shows the Available channels subtab in Activation with the "Request your flat file-based channels" block highlighted.
- Submit the form.
What happens after you submit
After receiving your request, the Akeneo team structures your product data to meet the retailer's formatting requirements and builds the channel configuration.
When the channel is ready, you receive a notification from the Akeneo Activation team confirming it is available. The Akeneo team may also reach out to clarify requirements or optimize the configuration.
Map and export after the channel is available
Once you receive confirmation that your flat-file-based channel is ready:
- In Activation, go to Channels and locate your new channel in the connected channels list.
- Map your product data to the channel's attributes following the same process as any other Activation channel. See Select, map and transform your product data for detailed mapping instructions.
- Create a product catalog and begin exporting products to the retailer.
Related articles
- Introduction to Custom Channels — self-service option for XLSX/XLSM templates
- Connect to an Activation channel
- Select, map and transform your product data