Automated Transfers

SFTPPlus MFT can operate both as a file transfer server and as a file transfer client, allowing it to automatically move files between systems without manual intervention. This automation helps maintain consistent and reliable data exchange across local and remote environments.

Automated File Monitoring and Transfer ​

SFTPPlus can monitor source directories for new or updated files and automatically trigger transfer operations. The source files can be located on local file systems or remote servers.

Supported remote systems include:

  • SFTP, FTPS, and FTP servers
  • Windows network shares
  • SharePoint
  • Azure Blob Storage
  • Advanced sources such as Outlook mailboxes, Oracle Databases, or IBM MQ message queues

Once a new file is detected, SFTPPlus ensures it is reliably transferred to the defined destination. If an error occurs, the system will automatically retry the transfer according to configured settings.

Recursive Transfers and Source Cleanup ​

SFTPPlus can recursively transfer a directory tree while preserving its folder structure at the destination. This supports workflows where files arrive in nested directories rather than a single monitored folder.

Source cleanup is optional. After a file is transferred successfully, SFTPPlus can delete the source file and, for a recursive transfer, its source directory. If a transfer fails, neither the source file nor its directory is removed, so the workflow can be retried without losing the original data.

There are plenty of options available to configure a transfer. Check the dedicated documentation page for more details.

Tune Transfer Performance ​

SFTPPlus lets administrators configure the size of the file chunks transferred over the network. This can help fine-tune throughput for a specific remote server based on network latency, connection error rates, and the server's own behaviour.

There is no single chunk size that works best for every connection. Administrators can test different values for important transfer routes and select the setting that provides stable performance in that environment.

Auditing and Alerts ​

All transfer activities are fully audited. Each step of a transfer is recorded in the audit log, allowing administrators to track file movements and verify successful operations. For each client-side file transfer, the audit event records the file name, its size at transfer time, and the transfer duration.

If a transfer fails, SFTPPlus can send alerts through email or other notification systems. When a transfer completes successfully, it can trigger follow-up actions such as archiving the file or sending confirmation messages.

Administrators can also define the minimum number of files expected to be transferred within a time interval. This is configured for each transfer using the minimum_transfer_count and minimum_transfer_interval options.

Scheduling and Batch Transfers ​

Transfers can run continuously or follow custom scheduling rules. Schedules can be based on:

  • Time of day
  • Day of the week
  • Day of the month

Files can be transferred immediately upon detection or batched together for grouped transfers once multiple files are ready. This provides flexibility for workflows that depend on timing or grouped data delivery.

You can read more about available scheduling options and check some examples as part of the dedicated documentation page

Data Integrity and Conflict Handling ​

SFTPPlus prevents accidental data loss by checking whether a file with the same name already exists at the destination. The transfer can fail, skip the new file, deliberately replace the destination, or preserve both versions with timestamped names. See file overwrite protection for the available conflict policies.

To improve coordination with external systems, files can also be transferred using temporary names. This indicates to receiving systems that a file is still in progress and not yet ready for processing, preventing premature use of incomplete data.

Summary ​

The automated file transfer functionality in SFTPPlus MFT enables consistent and secure movement of files between local and remote systems. With support for multiple protocols, retry mechanisms, full audit logging, scheduling, and safe transfer options, SFTPPlus provides a reliable foundation for end-to-end file automation in enterprise environments.