You have just registered on Biatec.cz and want to start transforming bank statements as quickly as possible? Here are five proven tips that will save you time and help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. Each one is based on real experience from our users.
1. Start with a System File Type
Many new users create a custom file type as their first step. This is unnecessary - system file types are ready for the most commonly used services and formats. Whether you are processing statements from PayPal, Stripe, Wise, GoPay, or another payment gateway, the system has pre-configured column mappings, transaction filters, and the correct encoding for them.
Simply select the appropriate service from the list in the file upload modal. The system will automatically recognize the structure of the CSV or XML file and correctly map the columns to fields such as date, amount, currency, description, and variable symbol. You will only need a custom file type when processing exports from a non-standard system or when you need special filter settings.
2. Check the Encoding Before Uploading
The most common problem for new users: diacritics appear as garbled characters in the preview (e.g. "úhrada" instead of "úhrada"). The cause is incorrect file encoding.
System file types use automatic encoding detection, which works in the vast majority of cases. If you still see corrupted characters, click the gear icon in the uploaded file settings section and manually select the correct encoding. The most common options are:
- Auto - the system will try to automatically detect the encoding (default for system types)
- UTF-8 - modern exports, most web services (PayPal, Stripe, Wise)
- Windows-1250 - older Czech and Slovak programs, some bank exports
- ISO-8859-2 - another alternative for Central European languages
After changing the encoding, the preview will instantly refresh and you can visually verify that the diacritics are correct.
3. Take Advantage of the Pilot Program
Biatec.cz offers a pilot program during which credits for unlocking transformations are automatically refunded. This means you can upload a file, transform it to GPC or SEPA XML, download the result, import it into your accounting system - and you will not pay a single credit.
This is an ideal opportunity to test the entire workflow from A to Z. Try different file types, variable symbol settings, transaction filters, and export to both formats (GPC and SEPA XML). This way you can find out which format and settings work best for you before you start paying.
4. Save Your Own File Type
If you regularly process statements from the same service and always adjust the same settings (for example, manual column mapping, specific filters, or variable symbol configuration), you do not have to do it from scratch every time.
In the file upload modal, you will find the "Save as new type" field. Enter a name (e.g. "My PayPal CZK") and click save. The system will remember the complete configuration including column mappings, filters, encoding, and variable symbol settings. The next time you upload, just select your saved type and everything will be automatically pre-configured.
Custom types are also useful when you process exports from an internal company system where the CSV structure does not match any system file type.
5. Compare the Result
After a successful transformation, do not forget to use the Compare function, available in the GPC preview tab. This function allows you to upload an old GPC file (for example, from the previous month or from another tool) and visually compare the differences:
- Green - transactions that are only in the new file
- Red - transactions that are missing from the new file
- Yellow - transactions with different values (e.g. different amount or VS)
Comparison is especially useful when switching to a new tool, when you want to verify that the results are consistent with the previous solution. It is also an excellent way to detect missing or duplicate transactions.