In today’s digital ecosystem, secure and reliable file transfer remains a critical component of enterprise integration scenarios. SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) offers the SFTP Adapter, enabling seamless and secure file exchange between cloud applications and on-premise or third-party systems. This article provides a comprehensive guide to implementing the SFTP adapter in SAP CPI, focusing on configuration, best practices, and common use cases.
The SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) Adapter facilitates secure file communication by enabling CPI integration flows to send or receive files via SFTP servers. It supports key operations such as file upload, download, directory listing, and deletion, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity through SSH encryption.
- Secure authentication: Supports password, private key (SSH key), and key pair authentication.
- File management: Enables file operations such as get, put, delete, and move.
- Polling capability: Supports scheduled polling to check for new files on the SFTP server.
- Flexible configuration: Allows specifying directory paths, file name patterns, and polling intervals.
- Error handling: Provides options to manage errors and retry mechanisms.
Ensure that the SFTP server is accessible from SAP CPI, with appropriate credentials (username/password or SSH keys). Confirm the directories for file exchange and access permissions are set correctly.
In SAP CPI Web UI:
- Go to Design → Artifacts → Integration Flow.
- Create a new iFlow or open an existing one where the SFTP adapter will be configured.
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Add a Sender channel and select SFTP Adapter as the adapter type.
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Set Adapter-Specific Parameters:
- Host Name: Enter the SFTP server address.
- Port: Default is 22 unless customized.
- Authentication: Choose between password or private key authentication.
- User Name: SFTP login user.
- Private Key: Upload private key file if using key-based authentication.
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Define File Processing Settings:
- Polling interval (e.g., every 5 minutes).
- Directory path to monitor.
- File name patterns (e.g., *.csv).
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Set File Handling:
- Move or delete files after processing to avoid duplicates.
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Optionally configure Proxy Settings if CPI requires proxy to access SFTP.
- Add a Receiver channel and select SFTP Adapter.
- Enter connection details similar to the sender adapter.
- Define the directory path on the target server.
- Specify file naming conventions or dynamic names using expressions.
- Set overwrite behavior and temporary file suffix if required.
¶ 5. Map and Process Files in the iFlow
- Use Content Modifier or Mapping Steps to transform or enrich data.
- Connect sender and receiver channels logically in the process flow.
¶ 6. Deploy and Test the Integration Flow
- Deploy the iFlow.
- Monitor the message processing using the Operations View.
- Check for successful file transfers and error logs.
- Secure Key Management: Store private keys securely using SAP CPI’s Keystore and avoid embedding credentials in plain text.
- Error Handling: Implement exception subprocesses to manage connection failures or file access issues gracefully.
- Efficient Polling: Set optimal polling intervals balancing timeliness and resource usage.
- File Naming Conventions: Use timestamps or unique identifiers to prevent overwriting files.
- Logging and Monitoring: Enable detailed logging during development and use SAP CPI’s monitoring dashboards in production.
- Batch File Exchange: Automated upload/download of order files, invoices, or reports between SAP and partner systems.
- Legacy System Integration: Bridging modern SAP cloud solutions with older on-premise systems using file-based integration.
- EDI Scenarios: Receiving and sending EDI documents securely via SFTP channels.
- Data Synchronization: Transferring master or transactional data files between heterogeneous systems.
Implementing the SFTP adapter in SAP Cloud Platform Integration is a reliable way to manage secure file transfers within complex hybrid landscapes. By following the configuration steps and adhering to best practices, integration developers can ensure robust, secure, and efficient file exchange scenarios that meet enterprise-grade requirements.