Data Export

Exporting Data to Channels on SmartFeeds

This guide provides a detailed explanation for exporting data to channels in SmartFeeds, including available channel templates, customization options, and troubleshooting tips. It is designed for users seeking to optimize their product feed exports for platforms such as Google Shopping, Facebook, or custom configurations.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Channels in SmartFeeds
  2. Steps to Create a Channel
  3. Configuring Channel Exports
  4. Channel Scheduling & Fetch Frequency
  5. Quick Answers to Common Issues
  6. Related Articles

Overview of Channels in SmartFeeds

What Are Channels?

Channels in SmartFeeds are output feeds designed to export optimized data for integration with various platforms. Unlike imports that bring data into the system, channels send data out for specific use cases like advertising or analytics.

Types of Channels Supported

SmartFeeds supports a variety of channels, each tailored to specific needs:

Pre-Configured Channels: Ready-to-use templates for platforms such as:

  • Google Shopping: Integration with Google Merchant Center.
  • Facebook: For social media product catalogs.
  • Criteo: For retargeting ads.
  • Pinterest, Bing, Rakuten, and others.

Custom Channels:

  • Custom URL: Full flexibility to define headers, required or optional fields, and format.
  • Custom SFTP: Upload files to external servers using SFTP credentials. Ensure IPs 35.240.100.24 are whitelisted.

Channel Flows in SmartFeeds

SmartFeeds organizes channels by flow types to better manage exports:

  1. Product Flow: Handles product feeds for e-commerce platforms like Google Merchant Center.
  2. Store Inventory Flow: Focuses on managing inventory data.
  3. Conversion Flow: Tracks and exports conversion-related data.

Each flow type ensures accurate data export and supports specific platforms effectively.

For more details, see the Product Flow Overview.

Steps to Create a Channel

  1. Navigate to the Channels tab in SmartFeeds.
  2. Click on New Channel to access available templates.
  3. Select a pre-configured channel or choose Custom URL for a tailored setup.
  4. Configure the necessary fields, ensuring alignment with platform requirements.
  5. Save and generate the channel.

Configuring Channel Exports

Pre-Configured Channels

  • Available for platforms like Google Merchant Center, Facebook, and Snapchat.
  • The generated file is hosted as a downloadable link.

Important (Awin): Channel template structure is locked. Do not alteror delete default mapped fields in the standard Awin template. This restriction is enforced directly by Awin's catalog ingestion requirements, not by SmartFeeds. If your setup requires custom product attributes outside standard Awin specifications, please use a Custom URL channel.

Export File Formats

SmartFeeds supports multiple formats:

  • CSV: Delimiters include comma, semicolon, pipe, and tab.
  • JSON: Standard JSON and NDJSON formats are supported.
  • XML: Custom root tags are allowed; encapsulated tags are not supported.

Adding Fields

New fields can be added to General type of channels but require a request to the technical team. Provide platform documentation for feasibility evaluation.

Tip: Retrieve channel URLs easily using the Copy Output File URL button. You can also refresh channel exports manually by clicking the update arrow next to the channel.

Channel Scheduling & Fetch Frequency

SmartFeeds allows you to control exactly when your output feeds generate and push data. You can configure execution settings in Channels > Edit Channel > Settings tab > Process Frequency.

You can choose between two execution modes:

  • Specific Import-Dependent (Recommended): The channel updates automatically whenever its source import finishes running. This ensures your export feed is always up to date with the latest catalog without unnecessary processing runs.
  • Custom Schedule: The channel runs on an independent schedule, regardless of when imports occur:
    • Daily Occurrences: Choose specific days of the week (e.g., Monday to Friday) and exact run times (e.g., 09:00, 14:00).
    • Time Interval: Run the channel repeatedly at set intervals (every N hours or days).
    • Minute Anchor (at HH:): When setting an hourly interval, select an exact minute anchor (00, 15, 30, 45, or any custom minute from 0 to 59). The export runs every N hours aligned to that clock minute (Paris time).

Tip: BigQuery and Looker Studio channels now use this standard Process Frequency block.

Quick Answers to Common Issues

Can I request field channel update?

Yes, you can submit your request to the SmartFeeds team for evaluation. Relevant templates may be added if applicable.

What should I do if a channel field is unsupported by the platform?

Use a Custom URL channel and ensure compatibility during the manual upload process. Be cautious, as unsupported fields could cause errors during uploads.

How can I download my feed data?

You can download your optimized feeds directly in CSV format for offline use. This is useful for backup or troubleshooting purposes.

How can I configure alerts for channel updates?

Go to Edit > Channel Alerts to adjust notification preferences. Find more information on Product Flow Alerts

Related Articles

For further assistance with SmartFeeds, consider reviewing these articles:

For additional help, feel free to reach out via our Contact Us page.

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