Imports can be set to be picked up automatically from the /incoming/ directory on the SFTP server.

For any source format, an import mask can be specified on the Import Automation tab of the source format. This enables other systems to deliver files directly to the SFTP that are processed as if uploaded through Upload Dataset.  

These files go through the same import scripts and remap process as when they are uploaded directly.

If an import mask has been specified, Slate scans the /incoming/ directory at least once per hour to determine if one or more files match the specified mask.

Formatting filenames

You must specify the folders/subfolders in the path, but you can use the following wildcard characters in the filename:

• Each question mark ? denotes a single wildcard character.

• An asterisk * denotes any number of characters.

For example, to identify all files that start with SisToSlate_ and end with .txt, the import mask could be SisToSlate_*.txt.  

Import masks must include either a prefix or suffix without spaces or special characters, except for underscores. For example, never use *.txt or *_SisToSlate_*.txt as a mask. A prefix or suffix ensures you're specifically targeting the files.

When Slate picks up and processes a file, the file is moved into a /processed/ subdirectory within the /incoming/ directory. If a file with that name already exists, the existing file within the /processed/ directory is overwritten.