Convert Excel to TAB File Automatically

Unlike CSV files, which can be prone to issues with embedded commas or quotes, TAB-delimited files offer a cleaner alternative, especially for importing into systems that expect plain, unquoted text. They're often used in accounting, healthcare, statistical software, and scientific research.

1. Open Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise
2. Create a Directory connection pointing to your Excel source files.
3. Create a new Transformation:
   • Right-click on a Transformation group and choose New
4. Delete the default Validator object to simplify the workspace.
5. Add a Data Reader:
   • Select your Excel file (.xls or .xlsx)
   • Choose a specific sheet, range, or table
   • Use masks like *.xlsx to process multiple files in one batch

   Supports multi-file and multi-sheet input without file conversion or preprocessing.

6. Add a Text File Writer:
   • Set the output file path and name (e.g., data.tab)
   • Set the delimiter to a tab character (use \t)
   • Specify encoding (UTF-8 or ANSI) and other formatting options
7. Map Fields and Apply Transformations:
   • Open the Transformer and drag fields from Excel to output
   • Apply optional formatting or cleansing rules
8. Run the Export:
   • Click Execute to convert Excel to TAB
   • Open the output file in a text editor to verify structure and formatting
9. Automate the Task:
   • Use the scheduler to automate daily or hourly exports
   • Trigger based on file drop, date/time, or system conditions