Create the flat file schema. During this stage, you create the new flat file schema on the Integration Server where you will do your development and testing. For more information, see Creating Flat File Schemas. You can create the flat file schema either manually or using a sample file. If you choose to use a sample file, you can skip Stage 2 and Stage 3 and go to Stage 4. For more information on creating a flat file schema using a sample file, see Creating a Flat File Schema From a Sample File.

Define the record parser and specify a record identifier for the flat file schema. During this stage, you associate a record parser with the flat file schema that will process flat files inbound to the Integration Server. You also specify how you want the record to be identified after it is parsed. For more information about defining the record parser, see Specifying a Record Parser. For more information about specifying a record identifier, see Specifying a Record Identifier.

Define the structure. During this stage, you specify the hierarchical structure of the flat file by creating and nesting record definitions or record references. For more instructions, see Defining the Schema Structure.

Set properties for the flat file schema. During this stage, you set up the ACL (access control lists) permissions, configure a default record, add areas, and allow undefined data for your flat file schema or dictionary.

Test the flat file schema. During this stage, you can use the tools provided by Designer to test the flat file schema. For more information, see Testing a Flat File Schema.