Importing EBCDIC Files

aveenm293

Forums

Hi There
I need some assistance please. I have a file with the extension IBM File. I understand that it could be an EBCDIC Fixed Length "File Type." Any ideas on how to import?
Thank you in advance?
Regards
Aveen
 

Brian Element Wed, 08/12/2015 - 07:01

Hi Aveen,

Yes it sounds like it could be an EBCDIC file.  EBCDIC was the character set from the old IBM mainframes, I haven't seen any files like that in many years but I understand our tax authority still receives files in those formats.

In IDEA's Import Assistant select the Text and then select the EBCDIC file and click on next.  Hopefully the Import Assistant will select the EBCDIC Fixed Length option, if not select it and see if the file appears to be correct.  Another option is to use the Advance Record Definition Editor as it can also read EBCDIC files and has a bit more flexibility in trying to decide the make-up of the file.

Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions.

Brian

Sunder Gee Sat, 08/22/2015 - 12:34

If you are able to open the file in NotePad, an EBCDIC file would show many "@" symbols.

You will also need the record layout to enter into the record definition in IDEA.

A utility such as UltraEdit or VEdit may help if you do not have record layout information as they both can read EBCDIC.

http://www.ultraedit.com/

http://www.vedit.com/