GlossaryPOS & Billing Tech
CSV Export
Also called: CSV file, data export
What is CSV Export?
A CSV export downloads data as a plain comma-separated file that opens in any spreadsheet application. It is the lowest common denominator for moving data between systems.
Why CSV Export matters
Export capability is what stops software from holding your business hostage. Any tool without a usable export becomes a trap the day you want to change it or hand data to your accountant.
How CSV Export works in practice
Check before adopting any tool that it exports the data you would actually need — transactions, masters and balances. Sending your accountant a CSV beats screenshots by a wide margin.
Frequently asked questions
Usually a delimiter or encoding mismatch. Importing rather than double-clicking, and choosing UTF-8, fixes most cases.