File Generation

Introduction

File Generation in Communication Cloud Service is a key part of automating the process of handling and distributing data, particularly when the data needs to be compiled, formatted, and packaged for either distribution or storage. After the initial file transfer, the communication processing is initiated, followed by queue processing according to the defined schedule. The files then enter the File Generation stage, where large files are created based on set thresholds, ensuring they are fully prepared with efficient distribution or storage capabilities.

During the File Generation process, the individual communications are typically concatenated, zipped, and encrypted to ensure that the single PDF is generated. Concatenation merges individual communications into a single, concatenated file, which simplifies management and ensures downstream requirements are met for printing purposes. Once the individual communications are concatenated, the file is often compressed/zipped to reduce its size, which enhances transfer speeds and saves storage space. Encryption is applied to ensure that the files are secure and protected from unauthorized access during storage or transfer.

In addition, the File Generation process supports the generation and distribution of index and summary reports. These files are required for managing metadata and providing a summary of the large volumes of data, especially when dealing with bulk transactions.

• Index Files:

  After the main communications are processed, an index file is generated. This file typically contains metadata about the generated concatenated file.

• Summary Files:

  The summary file offers statistics about the generated concatenated file, like the total number of transactions, communication types, and other aggregated data, which is configurable through Communication configuration. It provides a high-level overview of the entire batch, offering insights useful for reporting and analytics.

The index and summary files are generated along with the concatenated file. This ensures that metadata and summaries are available for downstream processes. Once generated, these files can be distributed using the existing distribution capabilities.

See Understanding Distribution Collation for more information on the file generation steps.