Integrations at SAP Fieldglass consist of two overall components; the code to extract or populate the data (the connector) and the method for which the data file is passed to or from SAP Fieldglass to an external system. Since you have an understanding on using connectors, let’s review the second component – the file transfer method.
SAP Fieldglass uses 3 different methods of file transfer:
- Manual
- SFTP (secure file transfer protocol)
- Web Services
Manual
When a user performs the data integration themselves within the User Interface. The manual transfer method simply means that the upload or download will be run manually through the UI by a user. For example, manually downloading the data file of all job posting templates to audit or uploading a bulk update to input new values for many custom fields at once.
- This method is performed directly in the UI through the Upload Data or Download Data sections of the Admin Menu in SAP Fieldglass.
SFTP
The SFTP (secure file transfer protocol) method places a data file onto a client hosted server (the End Point). While they can be triggered on-demand, they are often paired with integration subscriptions to run on a schedule. These are regular, repeatable transfers of data such as daily Worker updates, weekly invoice exports, or adding new project based cost objects to the system each month.
Web Services
Web Services methods are typically used in cases when you need the data transfers immediately. This is when SAP Fieldglass is configured and connected either directly to the client system or to middleware, in order to transfer data programmatically and near real-time. Use this method to create or update records as events happen.