You can submit CSV files to EchoInk using automated or manual methods, as described in the following sections.

Note the following processing behavior:

• When you submit a file containing user accounts that already exist in the system, EchoInk processes only changes to those accounts.
• When a file contains multiple rows for a user account, EchoInk processes the most recent data if a timestamp or another incremental integer field is present.
• You can submit files as often as you like. EchoInk places any concurrent file uploads in an import queue.

Upload to the SFTP Server

Inkling supports importing and updating user data using a SFTP server, offering import on-demand and PGP encryption. Inkling encrypts CSV files both during transit and while on the server, and expunges the files after seven (7) days on the site.

The process on Inkling’s side is automatic and can be initiated at any time by placing a file on the server. Customers can choose to set up automated exports from the user data system or manually upload files using an FTP client, such as Cyberduck.

To upload user data to the SFTP server

1. Create Inkling login credentials to access the SFTP server.

   Your Inkling representative validates that your login credentials are active.

2. Implement a file upload method.

   You can automatically export the data from your company’s user data system to a CSV file, manually upload the file using an FTP client, or implement both methods.

3. Upload the CSV file to the SFTP server using your upload method.

4. Rename the file and append .ip.

   

5. After renaming the file to .ip, rename the file once more by removing .ip from the file name.
6. Inkling performs a pre-import validation check to confirm that the file contains the required fields.
7. Inkling imports valid records in the file while excluding any erroneous records.
8. Inkling sends you an email when the import process is complete that shows one of three states:
   • Success
   • Failure

   • Contains errors: One or more records have errors; other records were successfully imported.

     The email also includes instructions on how to access and review the import logs on the SFTP server.

9. Correct all errors for any file with a Failure or Contains errors state and reimport.

Send to Your EchoInk Representative

If you choose not to submit a CSV file via SFTP, contact your Inkling representative for alternative file transfer methods.