Edlink's SFTP integration is designed to produce rosters from flat files provided by schools or third-party systems.
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 data models. The only two supported by SFTP currently are Departments and Subjects.
See below for the full list of supported models.
Coursework and Grade Management
File-based SFTP integrations only support the production of roster data. Features such as assignment creation, coursework management, or grade synchronization are not supported.
File Details
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.
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.