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What is a flat file?
A flat file is a simple text-based table. It stores data in rows and columns, usually without any complex structure or relationships between entries. Each row represents a single record, and each column describes a specific field of that record.
For example, one row might contain a pressure reading from a sensor at a specific time. Another might hold a temperature reading from the same sensor just one minute later.
How data is stored
- Rows represent individual records such as one reading, one part, or one event
- Columns define the attributes of each record, such as timestamp, measurement type, value, and units
In engineering systems, it's common to repeat some values across many rows. For example, the equipment ID may repeat in every row, while the measurement or timestamp changes.
Example scenario: Repeated rows
In a typical setup, a pump might log pressure, temperature, and flow every minute. Each of these readings is written as a separate row in the file. The equipment name will be repeated for each line, as shown in the example below:
Equipment ID Timestamp Measurement Value Units Pump_101 2025-08-19 08:00 Pressure 250 kPa Pump_101 2025-08-19 08:00 Flow 35 L/s Pump_101 2025-08-19 08:00 Temperature 68 °C Pump_101 2025-08-19 09:00 Pressure 255 kPa Pump_101 2025-08-19 09:00 Flow 34 L/s
This structure allows simple programs or scripts to sort, filter, and analyse large datasets efficiently.
Analogy: A digital logbook
Think of a flat file like a shift logbook in a plant. The equipment name (like "Pump 101") is written at the beginning of each line, but each line records different values and times. The repetition allows systems to track performance trends, create reports, or identify faults over time.
Common use cases
- Viewing sensor logs and condition data
- Uploading raw inspection data
- Exporting simplified records from databases
- Feeding structured inputs into trend or fault analysis tools
Need Help?
If you are working with flat files and need guidance on importing, formatting, or analysing your data within CAMS or any associated tool, click the Help? button at the bottom of the page.
For technical specifications on how flat file data is integrated in your system, please contact your system administrator.
Let me know if you’d like this added to your help centre as a new standalone article or merged into a specific CAMS data guide.
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