/csv-to-sif — CSV to SIF Converter

Converts a CSV, Excel, or Google Sheets product list into a SIF (Standard Interchange Format) file for import into dealer and procurement systems like Hedberg, CAP, CET, Cyncly Worksheet, ProjectMatrix, Studio Webware, and Design Manager.

When to Use

• Sending a specification to a dealer for quoting
• Importing product data into a dealer management system
• Sharing a standardized product list with procurement
• Converting an FF&E schedule into a format dealers expect

SIF Format Reference

SIF is a text-based key-value format. Each line is CODE=VALUE, terminated by CRLF. Products are separated by records starting with PN=.

Core fields

Pricing fields

Product detail fields

Link fields

Alternate manufacturer codes (by system)

File structure example

SF=Project Alpha - FF&E Specification
ST=FF&E Schedule — March 2026
PN=670
PD=Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
MC=HMI
MN=Herman Miller
GC=Seating
QT=3
PL=5695.00
WT=92
TG=Executive Lounge
OD=Santos Palisander / Black MCL Leather
AN=DIM
AD=32.75W x 32.5D x 33.5H in
ProductURL=https://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/lounge-seating/eames-lounge-chair-and-ottoman/
ImageURL=https://www.hermanmiller.com/content/dam/hmicom/page_assets/products/eames_lounge_chair_and_ottoman/mh_prd_ovw_eames_lounge_chair_and_ottoman.jpg

PN=164-500
PD=Saarinen Round Dining Table 54"
MC=KNL
MN=Knoll
GC=Tables
QT=1
PL=4750.00
TG=Dining Area
OD=Arabescato Marble Top / White Base
AN=DIM
AD=54dia x 28.5H in

Rules

• Each line is one field: CODE=VALUE
• Lines terminated by CRLF
• Blank line between records
• PN starts a new record — must come first in each record
• ON/OD and AN/AD pairs must stay together
• No embedded line breaks within a field value
• Empty values use CODE= with nothing after the equals sign

Step 1: Accept Input

CSV file:

/csv-to-sif ~/Documents/project/product-data-import.csv

Google Sheet:

/csv-to-sif 1FMScYW9guezOWc_m4ClTQxxFIpS6TNRr373R-MJGzgE

Pasted CSV:

/csv-to-sif
Product,Brand,SKU,Qty,Price,Finish,Room
Eames Lounge Chair,Herman Miller,670,3,5695,Walnut/Black Leather,Executive Lounge
Saarinen Table 54,Knoll,164-500,1,4750,Arabescato/White,Dining

Step 2: Choose Target System

Ask which dealer system the SIF file is for (affects which field codes to use):

Target system:
1. Standard (Hedberg, CAP, ProjectMatrix) — default
2. CET / Configura (SPEC)
3. Cyncly Worksheet (CAPSIF)
4. Design Manager

Default to Standard if not specified. The main differences:

• Standard: MC for manufacturer, PL for price, QT for quantity
• CET: EC for manufacturer, standard pricing
• Cyncly: MG/MN for manufacturer, I1/I2 for pricing, PRC for category
• Design Manager: Standard + DXSC, DXBD, DXLC, DXLN extensions

Step 3: Map Columns

Auto-detect column mappings from header names:

If using the master 33-column schema (defined in ../../schema/product-schema.md):

See ../../schema/sif-crosswalk.md for the full column-to-SIF mapping. Key fields:

If the mapping is ambiguous, ask the user to confirm.

Manufacturer code lookup

Convert full brand names to standard 3-5 character codes:

For unknown brands, use first 3-5 characters uppercased. Flag for the user to verify.

Step 4: Preview

Show a preview of the first 3 records before generating the file:

## SIF Preview (first 3 of 12 records)

Record 1:
  PN=670
  PD=Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
  MC=HMI
  MN=Herman Miller
  GC=Seating
  QT=3
  PL=5695.00
  WT=92
  TG=Executive Lounge
  OD=Santos Palisander / Black MCL Leather
  AN=DIM
  AD=32.75W x 32.5D x 33.5H in

...

12 records total. Generate SIF file? (y/n)

Step 5: Generate SIF File

Write the .sif file with CRLF line endings:

# Output path: same directory as input, or specified path
{input-dir}/{input-name}.sif

Step 6: Summary

✓ Generated product-data-import.sif
  Target: Standard (Hedberg/CAP/ProjectMatrix)
  12 records · 8 fields per record avg
  Manufacturers: HMI (5), KNL (3), STC (2), BLU (2)
  Total list value: $47,830.00
  Saved to: ~/Documents/project/product-data-import.sif

Pairs With

• /product-data-import — generate a schedule first, then convert to SIF
• /sif-to-csv — round-trip: CSV → SIF → send to dealer → receive updated SIF → back to CSV
• /product-data-cleanup — clean up the CSV before converting