How to prepare your market data for import

Before uploading data into Sloc Concentrate, it’s important to structure your file correctly. A well-prepared dataset ensures your markets are built accurately and avoids issues during import.

File requirements

Your file must meet the following requirements:

• Accepted file types: .csv or .xlsx

• Maximum file size: 5MB

• Maximum number of rows: depends on your subscription (shown in product)

• Data must be in a single sheet

• Table must start in the top-left cell (A1)

• Column headers must be in the first row

Table structure

Sloc Concentrate expects your data in a tidy, long format.

This means:

• Each row represents one observation. For example, a company’s value within a specific geographic and product market

• Each column represents one field. For example, geography level, product level, company name, or metric

Correct format

Your dataset should look like:

• Geography columns (e.g. Country, Region)

• Product columns (e.g. Category, Sub-category)

• Company column

• One or more metric columns (e.g. Revenue, Volume)

Avoid wide (pivoted) formats

Do not structure your data like this:

• Companies as columns

• Markets spread across columns

Instead, convert it into long format before uploading.

Handling totals and aggregates

If your dataset includes totals (e.g. “Total UK”, “All products”):

• Keep them in the file

• You will be able to flag them as the next step of the upload process

This ensures:

• No double counting

• More accurate concentration calculations

Data consistency

Make sure your data is clean and consistent:

• Use the same company names throughout

• Keep formats consistent (e.g. avoid mixing “1,200” and “1.2k”)

• Avoid extra text, notes, or formatting in the table

What to avoid

Do not include:

• Multiple sheets

• Extra tables in the same sheet

• Titles or notes above the table

• Totals scattered within the dataset

Before you upload

Before uploading, quickly check:

• Table starts at A1

• Headers are in row 1

• Data is in long format

• No unnecessary columns or formatting

Once ready, you can proceed to upload and map your data in Sloc Concentrate.