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FTP Node

The FTP node enables secure file transfer operations using FTP or SFTP protocols, allowing workflows to exchange files with remote servers. This is essential for logistics operations that require automated file exchange with carriers, vendors, and partner systems.

Overview​

The FTP node is essential when you need to:

  • File exchange - Transfer documents with carriers, vendors, and partners
  • Automated uploads - Send reports, manifests, and data files to remote systems
  • Data retrieval - Download tracking updates, invoices, and status files
  • File synchronization - Keep local and remote file systems synchronized
  • Batch processing - Handle multiple file operations efficiently
  • Legacy system integration - Connect with older systems that rely on FTP

Supported Protocols​

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)​

  • Standard FTP - Basic file transfer protocol

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)​

  • SSH-based - Secure file transfer over SSH
  • Key authentication - Public/private key pairs
  • Password authentication - Username/password credentials

Operations​

Upload Operation​

Transfer files from workflow to remote server:

  • Single file upload - Upload individual files

Download Operation​

Retrieve files from remote server to workflow:

  • Single file download - Download specific files

List Operation​

Retrieve directory listings and file information:

  • Directory contents - List files and subdirectories
  • File attributes - Get file sizes, dates, and permissions

Delete Operation​

Remove files and directories from remote server:

  • Single file deletion - Delete specific files

Configuration​

Connection Settings​

  • Protocol - Choose FTP or SFTP
  • Hostname - Server address or IP
  • Port - Connection port (21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)

Example Usage & Common Use Cases​

Carrier File Exchange​

Daily Manifest Upload:
  Generate manifest → FTP Upload → Confirm delivery

Configuration:
  Protocol: SFTP
  Operation: Upload
  Server: carrier-ftp.example.com
  Port: 22
  Authentication: SSH Key
  Remote Path: /incoming/manifests/
  Local File: daily_manifest_{{date}}.csv

Output: Upload confirmation with file details

Tracking Data Retrieval​

Automated Status Updates:
  Check for new files → Download updates → Process tracking data

Configuration:
  Protocol: FTP
  Operation: Download
  Server: tracking.carrier.com
  Remote Path: /outbound/tracking/
  File Pattern: tracking_{{container_number}}.xml
  Download Path: /temp/tracking/

Output: Downloaded tracking files for processing

Invoice Processing​

Vendor Invoice Collection:
  List new invoices → Download files → Extract data → Archive

Step 1 - List Files:
  Operation: List
  Remote Path: /invoices/pending/
  Filter: *.pdf, modified within 24 hours

Step 2 - Download:
  Operation: Download
  Files: {{listResults}}
  Local Path: /processing/invoices/

Step 3 - Cleanup:
  Operation: Delete
  Files: {{processedFiles}}
  Remote Path: /invoices/pending/

Report Distribution​

Automated Report Delivery:
  Generate reports → Upload to multiple partners → Confirm delivery

Loop Configuration:
  For each partner:
    Operation: Upload
    Protocol: SFTP
    Server: {{partner.ftpServer}}
    Credentials: {{partner.credentials}}
    File: weekly_report_{{partner.id}}.xlsx
    Remote Path: {{partner.inboxPath}}

Output: Delivery confirmations for all partners

Data Synchronization​

File Synchronization:
  Compare local/remote → Upload new files → Download updates → Clean old files

Sync Process:
  1. List remote files
  2. Compare with local inventory
  3. Upload missing files
  4. Download new remote files
  5. Delete outdated files

Output: Synchronized file system

Backup Operations​

Automated Backup:
  Collect important files → Upload to backup server → Verify integrity

Configuration:
  Protocol: SFTP
  Operation: Upload
  Server: backup.company.com
  Remote Path: /backups/{{date}}/
  Files: Critical workflow outputs
  Verification: Compare checksums

Output: Backup confirmation with file verification

Legacy System Integration​

EDI File Exchange:
  Receive EDI files → Process → Generate responses → Upload responses

Inbound Process:
  Operation: Download
  Pattern: EDI_*.txt
  Remote Path: /edi/inbound/

Outbound Process:
  Operation: Upload
  Files: Response files
  Remote Path: /edi/outbound/
  Cleanup: Delete processed inbound files

Advanced Features​

Error Handling​

  • Retry mechanisms - Automatic retry on failures
  • Detailed error reporting - Comprehensive error information

Security Features​

  • SSH key management - Secure key-based authentication
  • Host key verification - Prevent man-in-the-middle attacks
  • Encrypted transfers - All data encrypted in transit
  • Access logging - Detailed audit trails

Best Practices​

Security​

  • Use SFTP when possible - Prefer encrypted connections
  • Key-based authentication - Use SSH keys instead of passwords
  • Regular key rotation - Update authentication keys periodically
  • Network restrictions - Limit access by IP address when possible

Performance​

  • Parallel processing - Use concurrent transfers for multiple files

Reliability​

  • Implement retries - Handle temporary network issues
  • Verify transfers - Check file integrity after transfer
  • Monitor disk space - Ensure adequate space for operations
  • Graceful error handling - Continue processing despite individual failures

File Management​

  • Organized directory structure - Use logical folder hierarchies
  • Consistent naming - Follow standard file naming conventions
  • Cleanup procedures - Remove processed files to prevent accumulation
  • Archive strategies - Implement proper file archival

Integration Patterns​

With File Processing​

FTP Download → Spreadsheet Node → Process Data → FTP Upload (results)

With Conditional Logic​

FTP List → If Node (files exist) → FTP Download → Process Files

with Loops​

File List → Loop → FTP Upload (each file) → Collect Results

With Scheduling​

Cron Trigger → FTP Download → Process Files → FTP Upload → Cleanup

Troubleshooting​

Connection Issues​

  • Network connectivity - Verify server accessibility
  • Authentication failures - Check credentials and permissions
  • Firewall problems - Ensure required ports are open
  • Protocol mismatches - Verify FTP vs SFTP configuration

Transfer Problems​

  • File permissions - Check read/write permissions
  • Disk space - Verify adequate space

Performance Issues​

  • Slow transfers - Check network bandwidth and server load
  • Large file handling - Use appropriate settings for large files
  • Concurrent limits - Respect server connection limits

Debugging Tips​

  • Test connections manually - Verify FTP access outside of workflows
  • Check server logs - Review server-side logs for errors
  • Monitor network traffic - Use network tools to diagnose issues
  • Validate file paths - Ensure remote paths exist and are accessible

The FTP node provides essential file transfer capabilities for logistics workflows, enabling secure and reliable exchange of documents, data files, and reports with external systems and partners.