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In the regulated environment of the energy sector in Spain, XML file exchange between retailers and distributors is critical yet often undervalued. It's a process where a simple mistake can cause delays in customer onboarding, penalties, or direct revenue loss due to switching or billing errors. However, many retailers continue to manage it manually, using fragile templates with limited control.
We will soon launch a free online generator for CNMC-validated XML files.
If you'd like to be one of the first to test it, sign up here: marketing@quixotic.energy
Why are XML files important in the energy sector?
XML files are the common language that allows energy retailers to exchange structured information with distributors. These files are used to:
- Request retailer switches (switching)
- Modify supply points (ATRs)
- Communicate consumption data and load curves (SIPS, SIMEL)
- Billing and claim processes
Each file type has its structure and validation logic defined by CNMC. Proper generation and sending of these files are key to ensuring the operational continuity of a retailer.
The Problem:
Manual, Fragile, and CostlyEven though it's an industry standard, file generation remains a manual or semi-automated process in many organizations:
- Built from Excel templates
- Generated from old ERPs without business validation
- Manually uploaded to FTP or web portals
This results in frequent technical errors and unnecessary operational load. Lack of automation turns a process that could be resolved in seconds into a continuous source of internal friction, with high hidden costs in work hours and operational failures.
Business Impact
An incorrectly generated XML file is not just a technical error. It has direct consequences:
- An unprocessed new registration can take days or weeks to complete
- ATR errors can lead to incorrect billing or poor customer service
- Each manual iteration consumes back-office time, a scarce and expensive resource
Additionally, reputation impact is real: delays in activation or supply issues directly affect customer experience, leading to complaints and churn.
Solution:
Automation with Regulatory LogicA good XML generator doesn't simply format data but:
- Applies CNMC rules and business validations before file generation
- Allows result simulation before sending
- Integrates with internal systems (CRM, ERP) to avoid manual errors
- Offers traceability and logs of each process
This transforms a critical and fragile process into a reliable and scalable flow, allowing operational teams to focus on value-added tasks rather than error correction.
Practical Example
Imagine a retailer managing 300 daily registrations.
Manually generating these XMLs means:
- 2-3 dedicated personnel
- 10% average error or rejection rate
With an automated generator:
- Generation time reduced by 90%
- Drastic error reduction
- Capacity to scale without increasing personnel
Such efficiency reduces costs and allows frictionless launching of new operations or geographies.
The Future of XML Processes
No-Code, API, and Intelligent ValidationThe clear sector trend is to eliminate manual work and turn XML processes into flows:
- No-code: any operator can create XML processes through visual interfaces
- Connected: data flows from CRM or contracting systems
- Audited: each submission has traceability and contextual validation
Switching, ATR, and distributor communication processes are destined to be fully automated, and retailers leading this transition will enjoy significant operational advantages.
Automating XML generation is not a luxury; it is a necessary condition to scale, reduce errors, and improve relationships with distributors. Retailers digitalizing this process position themselves better to compete in a regulated, demanding, and increasingly automated environment.
Online XML Generator for CNMC
👉 If you want early access to the generator, contact us here, and we will notify you as soon as it's available. This resource will be the first in a series of tools designed to unleash your team's operational potential.
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Ernesto Puente
Chief Technology Officer in SaaS for Energy Markets
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