CDX File Transmissions

CDX provides carriers and their data reporters with secure options for receiving, sending and monitoring files transferred to and from participating Data Collection Organizations (DCOs). The preferred method for exchanging data files is through file transfer protocol (SFTP). However, CDX also offers options for uploading to and downloading from the CDX products. Carriers must assess their current capabilities and the volume of data to be exchanged when selecting a file transfer option.

CDX provides an administration product for carriers and DCOs to configure FTP credentials and communication preferences. In order to send files to the DCOs, the DCO must update CDX to indicate approval for each carrier and for which file types. In order to receive files from the DCOs, the carrier’s primary administrator must setup and configure the Global Product Setup and Location preference for each file type.

All file transmissions are secured and encrypted.

File Requirements

CDX accepts .TXT files and .ZIP compressed files. The compressed file can contain multiple individual .TXT files of various WCIO file types and can include files for different DCOs. Several of the DCOs are adopting (and may require) a specific file naming convention. Please contact DCOs directly for reporting requirements. The CDX file naming convention can be found in the CDX User Guide.

CDX performs basic validation on the transmitted files to ensure the file conforms to WCIO formatting standards. CDX will check the file for the presence of both the Electronic Transmittal Record (ETR) and the Submission Control Record (SCR), which are needed to validate the record count and the record length. The ETR provides CDX with the information to deliver the file to its destination. Once the destination is determined, CDX also certifies that the sender is authorized to send to the specified DCO.

File Transfer Protocol Option (SFTP)

The most common method for exchanging data between the carriers and DCOs is through file transfer protocol (SFTP). Most standard FTP software can be used to transmit data using SFTP. The following information is needed to configure the FTP software:

  • FTP Site Hostname: sftp.cdxworkcomp.org
  • Port Number: 22
  • FTP Credentials: User Name and Password

For FTP credentials, contact your primary administrator. Note, these credentials are different from the accounts that are used to access the CDX web application.

Creating Submissions in PEEP

Users can create WCPOLS submission files within the PEEP product through the Submissions | Create File menu option. The user must specify the information that will be contained on the Electronic Transmittal Record (ETR) as well as the receiving DCO. Once the submission file is created, the user can select to send the file to the DCO for processing. Users can view the status of the submitted PEEP files using the ETR Log within the ETR product.

Please see the PEEP User Guide for more information.

Creating Submissions in BEEP

Users can create WCSTAT submission files within the BEEP product through the Submissions | Create File menu option. The user must specify the information that will be contained on the Electronic Transmittal Record(ETR) as well as the receiving DCO. Once the submission file is created, the user can select to send the file to the DCO for processing. Users can view the status of the submitted BEEP files using the ETR Log within the ETR product.

Please see the BEEP User Guide for more information.

Uploading Submissions in ETR

Users may utilize the Web Upload function in the ETR product to transmit files to the DCOs via the internet. The maximum file size allowed for the ETR Web Upload method is 15MB. The supported file extensions are .ZIP and .TXT. Files larger than 15MB should be compressed before importing or transferred using the SFTP option.

Reviewing File Status and Errors in ETR

Users may monitor and research the status of transmitted files by accessing the ETR Log. The ETR Log maintains an audit trail of all the files sent through CDX. For files transmitted within the last 30 days, users can also view and download the file. The ETR Log displays whether the file was accepted or rejected by the DCO, and if rejected, the reject reason(s).

The following information is available in ETR Log:

  • File Name
  • WCIO Specification
  • Record Count
  • The date the file is received at CDX
  • Sender (Carrier or DCO code)
  • Receiver (Carrier or DCO code)
  • Submitter (User account or FTP account)
  • Status

CDX sends notification emails for every successful or failed file transmission. Notifications for files submitted through the ETR Web Upload option or the BEEP and PEEP Submissions option are sent to the email address associated with the CDX user account. For files transmitted through SFTP, the carrier’s primary administrator may elect for notifications to be sent to the email address associated with the FTP credential or to the email address stored within the file’s ETR header.

In order for carriers to receive delivery status notifications when a file was accepted or rejected by the DCO, the carrier’s primary administrator must configure the ETR Response Setup page in CDX. The DCOs may also provide a separate communication when the file is processed within their jurisdiction. Note that DCO processing times may vary. Please contact DCOs directly for specific processing requirements.

Receiving Files

The only file types currently available for receipt from participating DCOs are the WCRATING, WCCRIT, and WCCPAP files. Carriers can select to receive these files via SFTP or through web pickup by the carrier’s primary administrator indicating the location preference in the Global Products setup page in CDX product. If a carrier selects to receive the files on the web, the files can be accessed and downloaded on the ETR Log screen.

For more information, please see the CDX User Guide and the FAQs.

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