Edlink's SFTP integration is designed to produce rosters from flat files provided by schools or third-party systems. This document outlines the supported functionality, key features, and limitations of SFTP as a data source.
The SFTP integration enables Edlink to generate roster data, including people, classes, and enrollments, from regular flat file uploads (even if the files do not conform to a data standard). Unlike other integrations, SFTP does not interact with an API or platform, and therefore does not support features like coursework or grade syncing.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
If your files include emails and passwords, Edlink can enable Single Sign-On (SSO) functionality. This allows users to log in to connected platforms using the credentials provided in your flat files.
Rostering
Edlink processes flat files to produce core rostering data:
- People: Teachers, students, administrators, parents, etc.
- Classes: Course or class-level data.
- Enrollments: Relationships between users and classes.
Extended Rostering
For more complex use cases, Edlink supports extended rostering, which includes data models like attendance, incidents, etc. These can be synced with the custom file format if present in your files.
File Formats
Edlink supports standard file formats for SFTP integrations:
- CSV: Comma-separated values format.
- TSV: Tab-separated values format.
File Delivery
Files can be delivered via:
- SFTP Server: Secure file transfer protocol.
- Manual Upload: In some cases, files can be uploaded directly to the Edlink interface.
File Structure
Edlink supports OneRoster-compliant flat files, a widely used standard for exchanging roster data. Schools and systems that already generate OneRoster files can seamlessly upload them for processing.
For schools or platforms that do not use OneRoster, Edlink also has the capability to import custom file formats. These files can be tailored to match existing data systems, making it easy to integrate Edlink without requiring significant changes to your file setup. If you need assistance setting up a custom format, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager or Edlink support for guidance.
Limitations
While Edlink's SFTP integration is a powerful tool for generating roster data, it comes with some inherent limitations due to its file-based nature which you should keep in mind.
No Coursework or Grade Syncing
The SFTP integration only supports the production of roster data. Features such as assignment creation, coursework management, or grade synchronization are not supported because there is no platform or API to interact with.
Static Data
Roster data generated through SFTP is static and reflects the content of the uploaded files. To ensure accurate data, schools or administrators must regularly update and re-upload their flat files.
Recommendations for Successful Implementation
- File Formatting: Ensure files adhere to the expected format (e.g., CSV) to prevent processing errors.
- Regular Updates: Schedule consistent file uploads to keep roster data current.
- Consistent Naming: Use consistent naming conventions for files, especially when zipping multiple files together.
If you have additional questions or require help setting up your SFTP integration, please contact Edlink support or your Customer Success Manager.