FTP Import allows the system to import CSV files from FTP or SFTP connections.
Mintsoft does not provide any FTP hosting. You'll need to use an external provider for that. Some websites come with FTP hosting, so check that or look at an external provider such as Drive HQ.
Note: To get a copy of any of the templates mentioned in this article, please raise a new case online and reference the title of this article as well as the file(s) you require.
Prerequisite - Directory structure
Within your path directory, you'll need to place two additional subfolders so that files that have been imported can be moved to if they have been successfully processed or if they have failed. This will stop the system from trying to continually import files that have already been processed.
The additional folders you must create are processed and failed.
e.g.
/neworders/
/neworders/processed/
/neworders/failed/
/ASNs/
/ASNs/processed/
/ASNs/failed/
Setting Up - Adding an account
To add an FTP Import connection, please do the following:
Click Connect then Order Integrations.
Next, click FTP Import then Create Account.
(3PL Only) Select the Client.
Configure the connection to your requirements:
Setting | Description | Example |
UploadSpreadsheetType | What Spreadsheet Type will be imported. | MultiLineOrderTemplate |
Host | The IP Address or Host of the FTP Server. | ftp.mintsoft.co.uk |
Path | Where the file is located. | /neworders/ |
ResultPath | A file containing confirmation of what was imported will be added to this location. | /neworders/processed/ |
UserName | The username required for connecting to the FTP Server. | mintsoft |
Password | The password required for connecting to the FTP Server. | password |
Port | Port used to connect. | 21 = Standard FTP Port 22 = Standard FTP Port |
EncryptionMode | What level of encryption will be used. | None |
DataConnectionType | What connection will be used for FTP. | AutoPassive |
Make the connection Active once you are ready.
Finally, click Add.
What files can be imported?
The FTP Import connection supports the following files:
Orders
Using standard or custom templates to import orders to be shipped.
Multi-Line Order Template.
Single Order Per Line Template.
Custom Template.
Please review Custom Order Template Wizard to learn more.
Despatch Updates
Using this template will mark orders as dispatched with the tracking number provided on the file typically by 3rd parties or drop shippers.
Despatch Update Template.
ASN
Used to import Advanced Shipping Notices / Purchase orders for your warehouse to receive.
ASN Template.
Stock Update
Using this file will completely overwrite stock levels in Mintsoft with the values on the file.
Note: This will only work without multi-location management in use.
Stock Update Template.
Errors importing CSV Spreadsheets
If you receive an error (An Error Occurred when attempting to: ProcessingxxxSpreadsheet Error: Input string was not in a correct format. File:) when trying to import CSV files using FTP Import, the issue is often caused by Excel automatically converting long numeric values (such as SKU numbers) into scientific notation (e.g., 9.35741E+12).
To prevent this from happening, follow these steps:
Select the cell (or column) where you will enter the SKU.
Right-click and choose Format Cells.
Go to the Number tab.
Select Text and click OK.
Enter the SKU number again.
Note: The "xxx" in the error message may vary depending on the type of file you are importing (e.g., ASN, Despatch update, Stock update, etc.).