Customer Classification Definition File

The customer classification definition file describes the segments (classifications) into which customers can be placed. The following table defines the elements that should be provided in the columns of the file.

Column	Definition
classifier	The main classification name. Be consistent with upper and lower case. For example, do not use both `Low_Income` and `low_income`. Choose one. Must include only letters, underscores, hyphens, and periods. Special characters are not accepted. Type: VARCHAR Can Be Empty?: No.
classifier_description	Description of the classifier and its purpose for the utility. Type: VARCHAR Can Be Empty?: No.
allowed_value	Possible value for the classifier. Be consistent with upper and lower case. For example, do not use both `True` and `true`. Choose one. Must include only letters, underscores, hyphens, and periods. Special characters are not accepted. Type: VARCHAR Can Be Empty?: No.
allowed_value_description	Description of the allowed value and its purpose for the utility. Type: VARCHAR Can Be Empty?: No.
inactive_date	The date and time at which the `allowed_value` is no longer valid for data import. This date must not be prior to the import. If it is, the row will be rejected. If left blank, this field will default to leave the `allowed_value` valid indefinitely. Type: DATETIME (YYYYMMDD HHmm). See Date and Time Handling for details. Can Be Empty?: Yes.

Additional Notes

To add a new classifier, simply add a new row containing the classifier and allowed_value pair in the file. To de-activate an existing classifier, assign an inactive_date to the classifier-allowed value pair. If an inactive date is assigned to a classifier-allowed value pair, then any new assignments of customers to that classifier-allowed value that fall after the inactive date will be rejected.

Note:

Consult with your Delivery Team to make ensure that the products exhibit the correct behavior for each classifier.

Example Customer Classification Definition File

The table below is an example of the Customer Classification Definition File containing different classifiers. These are meant as examples only. Utilities may choose to use these classifier-allowed value pairs or others of their choosing.

classifier	classifier_description	allowed_value	allowed_value_description
low_income	Indicates whether the customer is low-income	True	Tags a low-income customer to receive tips relevant to low-income customers
language	The preferred language of the customer	English	Tags a customer to receive communications in English
language	The preferred language of the customer	French	Tags a customer to receive communications in French
DoNotSolicit	Customers in the "do not solicit" list	True	Exclude these customers from future expansions