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Deliver reports by SFTP

Connect your SFTP server so the reports you schedule in Analytics are delivered to it automatically, as Excel files.

Written by Cody Iddings

With the SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) integration, Makeshapes delivers your scheduled reports to your organization's SFTP server automatically. You can then use the data in your own workflows or data warehouse.

Reports are delivered as Excel (.xlsx) files to a folder on your server. You can send a scheduled report to SFTP instead of by email. For how to create saved searches and schedule reports, see Saved searches and scheduled reports.

What is SFTP?

SFTP is a network protocol for transferring and managing files securely.

Benefits of SFTP integration

  • Automated delivery: reports arrive on your server on a schedule, so nobody has to download them.

  • Secure transfers: SFTP encrypts your data while it's sent.

  • Workflow integration: you can load report data into your business intelligence tools, databases or other internal systems.

  • Centralized data: your Makeshapes reports are stored on your own infrastructure.

Saved searches and scheduled reports are part of the Enterprise plan. Your Makeshapes account manager turns on the SFTP integration for your organization.

Set up the SFTP integration

  1. In Organisation settings, click the Integrations tab. The tab appears after your account manager has turned on an integration for your organization.

  2. On the SFTP Integration card, click Set up integration.

  3. Enter your server details:

    • SFTP Hostname

    • SFTP Port (usually 22)

    • SFTP Username

    • Target Directory Path, the folder reports are delivered to

  4. Under Authentication Method, choose one:

    • SSH Key (Recommended): Makeshapes shows a Public Key. Copy it and add it to the authorized_keys file on your SFTP server.

    • Password: enter your password in the SFTP Password field.

  5. Click Save configuration.

  6. Click Test connection. Makeshapes signs in to your server to check the details. It doesn't write a file. If the test works, you see "Connection successful". If it fails, check your details, and make sure your firewall allows connections from Makeshapes.

The SFTP Integration card lists the hostname and IP address that Makeshapes connects from. Your IT team might need to add them to your firewall's allowlist.

To change your settings later, click Manage configuration. To pause delivery but keep your settings, turn off Enabled on the card.

Schedule a report for SFTP delivery

After you've set up and tested the integration:

  1. In Analytics, click the Saved searches tab.

  2. Click Create new search, or find an existing saved search in the list.

  3. In the saved search's menu, click Add report schedule, or Manage report schedule if it already has one.

  4. Under Delivery method, select SFTP. The SFTP Destination shows the server and folder from the Integrations tab.

  5. Under What date would you like to start sending the reports?, choose a start date. Then, under How often do you want this report sent?, select Every week, Every 2 weeks, Every month or Custom.

  6. Click Schedule report.

Makeshapes then delivers the report to your server as an Excel file on that schedule.

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