There are multiple input and output files associated with Finalist. Some files are addressed directly by the Finalist coding engine and other files are addressed by driver programs.
- For Windows, Unix, and Linux systems, the files are accessed as direct file names including the path.
- For z/OS, the files are accessed as a DDNAME pointing to the DSN.
Precisely distributes all database files monthly with the exception of the Early Warning System (EWS) data. EWS data is available directly from the USPS and is usually updated on a bi-weekly (every other week) basis. Finalist distributes a current copy of the EWS file with the monthly database distribution (current as of the time the Finalist database is manufactured).