SFTP
Quick answer
Use file/SFTP integration for batch data exchange, partner integrations that use files, and legacy systems, especially where real-time is unnecessary.
Key takeaways
- File/SFTP integration writes or reads files (CSV, XML, IDoc-XML, etc.
- File adapters (SFTP/FTP/file) in the middleware.
- Formats: CSV, XML, fixed-length, IDoc-XML.
- Watch out: Wrong tool for the integration style.
What SFTP / file integration does
File/SFTP integration writes or reads files (CSV, XML, IDoc-XML, etc.) to/from a secure file location, with middleware (PI/PO or CPI) picking them up, transforming and routing. It is a reliable, low-tech mechanism for batch and partner data exchange where real-time APIs are not available or needed.
Key aspects
- File adapters (SFTP/FTP/file) in the middleware.
- Formats: CSV, XML, fixed-length, IDoc-XML.
- Polling & scheduling for pickup.
- Security: SFTP/encryption, and integrity checks.
When to use it
Use file/SFTP integration for batch data exchange, partner integrations that use files, and legacy systems, especially where real-time is unnecessary. It is simple and robust, but plan for scheduling, security and error handling (partial/failed files).
Common pitfalls
- Wrong tool for the integration style.
- Ignoring monitoring/error handling.
- Point-to-point instead of governed integration.
Want to learn this properly?
Our live, instructor-led SAP Training covers this hands-on, with real projects and a certification path.
Check your understanding
Which statement is true of SFTP?
- A. ) to/from a secure file location, with middleware (PI/PO or CPI) picking them up, transforming and routing.
- B. Transport errors block or corrupt the movement of changes through the landscape.
- C. SAP messages are the system’s coded notifications, errors, warnings, information, each with a class and…
Show answer
A. ) to/from a secure file location, with middleware (PI/PO or CPI) picking them up, transforming and routing.
Covered in the “What SFTP / file integration does” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to SFTP?
- A. It is a reliable, low-tech mechanism for batch and partner data exchange where real-time APIs are not…
- B. Inaccurate BOM, wrong planning/production/costing.
- C. Using float (f) for money, use packed/currency types.
Show answer
A. It is a reliable, low-tech mechanism for batch and partner data exchange where real-time APIs are not…
Covered in the “What SFTP / file integration does” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers SFTP?
- A. SAP Fiori
- B. SAP best practices
- C. SAP integration
Show answer
C. SAP integration
This lesson sits in the SAP integration section of the Learn SAP course.