In this blog, we’ll explore SFTP automation and its different automation methods, focusing on the best approach for complex, high-volume file transfer needs. We’ll also walk you through implementing a streamlined, scalable solution to automate your SFTP file transfers and make your job easier.
What Is SFTP Automation?
SFTP automation refers to the process of streamlining and scheduling file transfers between systems without manual intervention. By automating SFTP transfers, businesses ensure secure, consistent and efficient data movement while reducing human errors and operational overhead.
Common Approaches to SFTP Automation
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Custom Scripts »
- Developed and maintained in-house
- Created by a third party for specific needs
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Free or Open-Source Software (FOSS) »
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Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions »
Scripts to Automate SFTP File Transfers
Using scripts is still a common method for automating file transfers between systems. Scripts can be scheduled to run at specific times, ensuring timely file transfers while improving efficiency and reducing errors.
While scripts offer a way to automate basic file movements, they require constant maintenance and oversight to remain functional. As business needs evolve, creating, modifying and troubleshooting scripts becomes an ongoing burden, consuming valuable IT resources. Worst of all, without proper documentation, critical knowledge about the scripts leaves with departing employees, creating gaps that can disrupt operations.
For businesses requiring secure, reliable and scalable file transfers, relying solely on SFTP scripts is not a sustainable long-term solution.
FOSS to Automate SFTP File Transfers
Free or open-source software (FOSS) offers basic automation features such as automating uploads, downloads and synchronization tasks. While FOSS solutions can be highly flexible, they come with challenges:
- Often require technical expertise to set up and maintain. If poorly written, excess time may be spent troubleshooting and correcting problems.
- Limited support consists of community-driven updates, so may not be maintained in a timely manner or may not be supported at all. Outdated code can introduce vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
- May not include advanced security or compliance features needed for enterprise environments.
Organizations using FOSS for SFTP automation must ensure proper script maintenance, error handling and security updates to prevent disruptions or vulnerabilities.
MFT to Automate SFTP File Transfers
For organizations with complex, high-volume file transfer needs, a managed file transfer (MFT) solution offers a more secure, scalable and compliant alternative to scripts or FOSS tools. MFT solutions simplify SFTP automation by providing a centralized system for secure and auditable file transfers.
MFT offers several features to ensure seamless, secure automation:
- No- or low-code file transfer workflow creation
- Multilevel security including authentication, access control and encryption
- File processing such as scheduling, triggers, filtering, etc.
- Monitoring and error handling
- Tracking, activity logs and audit logs
- Alerts and notifications
- Integration with existing systems, applications and workflows via connectors and APIs
- Streamlined partner onboarding
Benefits of Automating SFTP File Transfer with Thru’s MFT
In addition to improved security, some of the key advantages of using Thru’s MFT to automate SFTP file transfers include
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Simplified File Transfer Setup »
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More Efficient File Transfer Process »
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Tailored Automation for Your Use Cases »
1. Simplified File Transfer Setup
Opting for custom integrations and file transfers means relying heavily on knowledgeable, technical experts. If that knowledge leaves, your team may face difficulties maintaining the system and resolving issues.
MFT solutions, on the other hand, centralize everything in an easy-to-use online portal with a graphical interface (GUI). Your IT team can quickly get up to speed, usually within a few hours, and can access support whenever needed.
2. More Efficient File Transfer Process
Automation removes the human factor that incurs more time and more likelihood of errors:
- Faster Onboarding – Add internal teams and partners to workflows in less than 30 minutes.
- Easier Maintenance and Scaling – Eliminate server setup and maintenance costs with a cloud MFT solution that auto-scales.
- Simplified Oversight – When something goes wrong, receive an automatic alert with the reason it happened. Fix the issue in minutes.
3. Tailored Automation for Your Use Cases
Thru supports your use cases with file processing features such as
- Trigger or Semaphore Files – Prevent premature batch file transfers by ensuring files are ready before sending.
- Scheduling – Define how frequently the system checks for new files to streamline processing.
- File Name Filters – Control which files are included or excluded based on specified file types.
- Learn about the other types of file processing within Thru workflows »
How to Automate an SFTP File Transfer Using Thru
Thru is a no-code cloud MFT service based on the publish-subscribe (pub/sub) model, so you don’t need to manage hardware or scaling. Everything you need is in a web-based interface. Mastering Thru’s file transfer capabilities requires a clear understanding of how these four components work together:
- Flows
Unlike traditional file- or folder-based file transfer systems, Thru is flow-based. A flow is a pathway created to transfer files between endpoints of source and target organizations. You can modify flows at any time by adding or removing organizations or endpoints. - Organizations
Organizations represent businesses or entities that exchange files. They can represent internal teams, departments or other companies. - Endpoints
Endpoints are exactly what they sound like. They define where the files will be picked up and dropped off. Organizations can have multiple endpoints. Because Thru can act as a client or server, you have the flexibility necessary to satisfy business or security requirements. - Flow Endpoints
The Flow Endpoint is where the file processing features are configured.
The illustration below depicts how these terms relate to each other.
5 Steps to SFTP Automation in Thru
Step 1: Create organizations
Create enterprise (Source) and partner (Target) organizations.
Step 2: Associate SFTP client and/or server endpoints to organizations
Select an organization and create an endpoint. Name it and pick a type. Add the necessary credentials. Do this for each endpoint in its associated organization.
Step 3: Create a flow and subscribe organizations
Create and name the flow. Add organizations. You can subscribe as many organizations as you need because of how Thru is designed.
Step 4: In Flow Studio, add source and target flow endpoints
Choose specific source and target flow endpoints to add from the subscribed organizations. Configure the flow endpoint settings.
Step 5: Test and then begin transfers with monitoring
Now you can start transferring files! If something goes wrong, you’ll receive automatic email or text alerts, including the reason for the alert so you can quickly fix it.
For detailed instructions, refer to our user guide: Getting Started – Quick Start »
Watch a demo for a walkthrough: Getting Started with File Transfer Flows »
How a Leading Supplier Automated Its File Transfers
Blackwoods, a leading industrial equipment supplier, sought to upgrade its legacy file transfer system, which relied on multiple SFTP servers managed by its IT department. By migrating to Thru’s MFT service, Blackwoods automated and streamlined file exchanges with banks and vendors while enhancing efficiency and security.
Read the complete case study »
Streamline and Secure Your SFTP Transfers with Thru
Thru’s cloud-native MFT solution allows organizations to automate SFTP file transfers securely and efficiently. With robust automation, centralized monitoring and seamless integration capabilities, Thru helps businesses eliminate manual file transfer challenges and enhance security.
Contact us to learn more about automating SFTP file transfers with Thru »
