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To ensure a custom data table always has the most recent data, you can set up an automated workflow. Here one system, for example a CRM system, periodically downloads data to a FTP server, and then SmartHub can be set up to pick up files from the FTP server instead of performing manual uploads.
To set up an automated workflow:
You must first set up the custom table with the correct data types etc. by performing a manual file upload (Creating a Table).#
Go to Custom Data in the sidebar and open the table you wish to set up an automated workflow for.
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Click the Schedule Import button at the top-right.
The FTP upload overlay opens.
Figure 1 - Example of the FTP upload overlay
The overlay allows you to specify the name of the file to upload, which should be placed under the specified FTP path (folder). You can enable scheduling to specify when the file should run, and how often. The upload will run as a recurring task.
The FTP upload will validate that the data matches the definition of the table (correct fields etc.) and that the data is according to the data types set for the fields. The upload will fail if there are validation errors. If validation is successful, data will be imported and will overwrite and replace any existing data in the table. The FTP upload will not change any fields or field settings (remove, add or update). It will however add new answer values (categories) for single choice fields. After a successful upload, the file will be removed from the FTP server so you don’t upload the same file over and over again.
Note: Uploading from an external FTP server is not supported; only the Forsta Plus FTP server is currently supported.
The FTP upload runs as a regular task, so details of the task instances, task log etc. can be found in the tasks system in Professional Authoring. Search for the “Hub Entity import” task type. It is also possible to set up email alerts in the event tasks fail.