Data Transfer Automation: Deciding When You Need Globalscape EFT Event Rules vs. Advanced Workflow Engine

Securely transferring data is generally the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a managed file transfer (MFT) solution. However, in addition to added data security, organizations can take advantage of the advanced data workflow automation functionality available in Globalscape EFT (Enhanced File Transfer) via EFT Event Rules and the Advanced Workflow Engine (AWE) module. These data management tools enhance your overall network productivity, efficiency, security, and compliance.  

Over the years, we’ve had many Globalscape customers who previously faced the challenge of constant network and organizational inefficiencies that stemmed from an outdated legacy file transfer solution. The legacy solution was expensive to maintain, limited in its capabilities, and oftentimes burdened an IT staff that was already at full capacity.

The foundation behind Globalscape EFT’s file transfer automation functionality is simple: an Event Rule specifies that when an event occurs, it causes an action to occur. In Globalscape EFT, when any one of more than 40 different events takes place, one or more of 17 different actions can occur. One such action is "Execute Advanced Workflow" which you can define in EFT using the AWE module.

How Do You Decide When to Use an Advanced Workflow?

Similarities between the actions available natively in Globalscape EFT and the actions that are available in AWE workflows include sending an email, invoking web services, and creating files and folders.

For example, users can create an email action in an AWE workflow, as well as create an email action in EFT. In AWE, however, users can also specify custom SMTP server settings, specify the email priority, require a Read Receipt, specify a proxy server, and add attachments to the email.

AWE Provides Advanced Scripting Functionality—Without Writing a Script

AWE also provides advanced scripting with drag and drop functionality. Simply dragging and dropping various actions into a workflow allows users to create advanced scripts that include:

• Conditional branching and decision-making within workflows
• Folder synchronization and backup
• File reading
• Fext manipulation
• XML parsing
• Loop and Flow actions
• If File/Folder Exists
• If Process Exists
• Compare Files

Users can also insert functions, constants, operators (<, =), and EFT variables (e.g., %USER.LOGIN%), into workflows. AWE even allows you to use BASIC scripts to access API calls or to perform other complex tasks.

Whether you should use AWE workflows in your EFT Event Rules depends on how complex and detailed your managed file transfer (MFT) system is—or how advanced you want it to be. Adding AWE workflows to EFT Enterprise Event Rules extends your MFT system to create a complex document-management system.

For examples of using AWE workflows in Event Rules, go to our Help document Using Advanced Workflows in Event Rules.

Interested in seeing Event Rules or AWE module? Contact us for a demo of Globalscape EFT!

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More Data Transfer Automation Resources

Managing large amounts of data in a high-volume environment is a common issue for organizations within any industry. Many IT teams turn to methods such as HTTP web-based transfers, Windows Task Scheduler, and outsourced data management tools to automate data transfers. Yet, each of these are common methods has important drawbacks to consider. 

In our guide "Common Ways to Automate Data Transfers: The Good, Bad, and Ugly," you'll learn: 

• The drawbacks of common methods of data transfer automation
• How to save time and money through scheduling events
• How to maintain data control and access