Scheduling Imports from SFTP

Overview

Source Formats can be configured to automatically import files from the SFTP server attached to each instance. This configuration is managed using the Import Automation tab of the Source Format. Adding an Import Path/Mask to a Source Format tells Slate which files should be imported to that 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.

Adding an import path/mask

1. In Slate, navigate to Database → Source Formats.

2. Open the source format you want to automate.

3. Select the Import Automation tab.
   

4. In the Import Path/Mask field, enter the path and filename mask for your files (see Formatting the import mask below).
   

5. Save the source format.

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.

Format the import path/mask

Specify the full path from /incoming/, including any subfolders, followed by the filename mask. You can use wildcard characters in the filename:

• A question mark ? matches any single character.

• An asterisk * matches any number of characters.

For example, if your files are stored in a subfolder called Banner and follow the naming convention SIS_to_Slate[date].txt, your mask would be:

Banner/SisToSlate_*.txt

Import masks must include a meaningful prefix or suffix. Don't use open-ended masks like *.txt or *_SisToSlate_*.txt — these are too broad and may pick up unintended files.

📝 Note

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.