Swiss National Bank (SNB) Instructions on handling Excel forms

It is also possible to use the Excel forms in an automation procedure. However, the SNB recommends that you use the XML format for this purpose (for further information, cf. forms@snb.ch). The forms are subject to changes which are made available to interested parties (in the form of PDF files) at the earliest possible date (-> cf latest updates). The Excel formats are delivered later, thereby delaying program adjustments. However, changes to the XML specifications are rare and there is more time to make adjustments to reporting.

Please note the following:

	1.	The structure and layout of the Excel forms may not be changed. All labels and observations must be allocated to the original excel coordinates. This means that no rows or columns may be inserted. In particular, you should not change the formating of the form fields (the format templates contain the name 'Beobachtung' (observations)). (When copying data, copy without formating.)
	2.	Field protection in forms may be removed.
	3.	Forms may contain references to external data sources. When the files are processed at the SNB, links are not updated.
	4.	You may insert further tables for interim calculations. This does not affect the processing.
	5.	In most cases, the zero values are not shown in the tables. The SNB does not process zero values in Excel that are not visible. Apart from some exceptions, zero values may not be supplied. When automating procedures with the aid of links you should ensure that no zero values are displayed.
	6.	It is not advisable to remove the validation tests included in the forms. If the SNB identifies validation faults, the institution required to report data may be required to submit a repeat delivery (cf. faulty deliveries / repeat deliveries).