Prepare Your Data

This guide will walk you through the process of preparing your data in CSV format for submission. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and accurate analysis of your data.

General Guidelines for CSV Files

1. File Format:

   • Use .csv as the file extension.

   • Ensure the file is encoded in UTF-8 without BOM for compatibility.

2. Headers:

   • Include a header row with descriptive column names.

   • Avoid special characters, spaces, or inconsistent capitalization in headers. Use snake_case (e.g., order_id, customer_email).

3. Delimiter:

   • Use commas (,) as the delimiter.

   • Ensure no additional delimiters are used within values unless enclosed in double quotes (").

4. Data Consistency:

   • Ensure each column contains consistent data types (e.g., numbers, dates, text).

   • Remove or mark any blank or irrelevant data.

5. File Size:

   • If the file exceeds 100 MB, split it into smaller files and include a descriptive naming convention (e.g., orders_part1.csv, orders_part2.csv).

6. Naming Conventions:

   • Use descriptive names for files that match the data type (e.g., orders.csv, returns.csv).

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Preferred Data Categories

We recommend providing the following data categories to help us deliver a comprehensive report:

• Orders: Information about customer purchases.

• Customers: Details of your customer base.

• Products: Information about the items sold.

• Returns: Data on returned items and associated reasons.

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Optional: Column Documentation File

To enhance the clarity of your data, include a column_documentation.csv file that explains the meaning of each column in your datasets. Use the following format:

column_name	description	example
order_id	Unique identifier for each order	12345
order_date	Date when the order was placed	2024-12-01
customer_id	Unique identifier for the customer	CUST001
return_reason	Reason provided for returning a product	Incorrect Item

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