FTP integration & automation experts
We can help you automate your business with FTP and hundreds of other systems to improve efficiency and productivity.
What you can automate with FTP
The FTP node in n8n connects to FTP and SFTP servers to upload, download, list, rename, move, and delete files programmatically. It authenticates with a hostname, port, username, and password (or private key for SFTP), and handles both active and passive transfer modes. The node works with binary file data, so files retrieved from an FTP server can be passed directly to other n8n nodes for processing, storage, or delivery. FTP may seem like old technology, but it remains deeply embedded in many business operations. Suppliers send EDI files via SFTP. Accounting systems export reports to FTP directories. Government portals require SFTP uploads for compliance submissions. Legacy systems that can’t use modern APIs often have FTP as their only integration option. The FTP node lets you connect these systems into modern automated workflows without replacing the underlying infrastructure. At Osher, we use the FTP node in system integration projects where a client’s suppliers, partners, or legacy systems rely on FTP for file exchange. We’ve built workflows that poll SFTP directories for new files, process the data through transformation and validation steps, and push the results into modern databases or cloud applications. Our automated data processing team handles the full pipeline from file retrieval to downstream delivery.
FTP FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how FTP consultants can help with integration and implementation
How it works
We work hand-in-hand with you to implement FTP
As FTP consultants we work with you hand in hand build more efficient and effective operations. Here’s how we will work with you to automate your business and integrate FTP with integrate and automate 800+ tools.
Step 1
Process Audit
We review your current FTP/SFTP usage: which servers you connect to, what files are transferred, how frequently transfers happen, and who currently handles the process manually. We document server connection details, directory structures, file naming conventions, and any authentication requirements.
Step 2
Identify Automation Opportunities
We identify which file transfer tasks are repetitive and time-sensitive enough to warrant automation. We assess file volumes, transfer schedules, downstream processing requirements, and the potential for errors in manual handling. We also check whether FTP or SFTP is required and whether the remote server supports the necessary operations.
Step 3
Design Workflows
We design the n8n workflow, including the trigger type (schedule for polling or webhook for event-driven transfers), FTP/SFTP node operations (list, download, upload), file deduplication logic, data parsing steps for the file contents, validation rules, and integration with downstream systems like databases or cloud applications.
Step 4
Implementation
We configure the FTP/SFTP credentials in n8n with the correct protocol, host, port, and authentication method. We build the file listing, download, and processing nodes, implement file tracking to prevent duplicate processing, and connect the parsed data to the target system. We test against the actual remote server.
Step 5
Quality Assurance Review
We test with real files on the FTP/SFTP server, verifying correct directory listing, file download, data parsing, and deduplication. We test error handling for connection failures, missing files, and malformed file contents. We confirm that processed files are handled correctly (archived, renamed, or deleted per your preference).
Step 6
Support and Maintenance
We monitor transfer workflow execution for connection errors, update credentials when server passwords or keys change, adjust file parsing logic when vendors change their file formats, and add new FTP sources as your supplier or partner network grows.
Get in touch
Ready to automate FTP?
Tell us what you want FTP to talk to and we’ll map out the build, the cost and the payback.
Transform your business with FTP
Get in touch for a free consultation to see how we can automate your operations with FTP.
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