Use SFTP to securely access, transfer, and manage large files (greater than 250 rows) and synchronize directly with Visitor Aware using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). In addition, you can automatically create accounts, map relationships between visitors and students, and leverage your student information system's ability to export data!
Syncing with SFTP provides a convenient way to push data to Visitor Aware from systems such as Skyward, Follet's Aspen, Synergy, SchoolSpeak, TylerTech, Ascender, and more.
Requirements:
- Your student information system must be able to set up an SFTP transfer to Visitor Aware.
- You must create a case with Singlewire Support via our Support Form to gain access to a dedicated SFTP server.
- You must format SFTP import files based on the file naming convention and the fields described in the Allowed Import Type table.
Import Frequency
Visitor Aware automatically imports hourly from your SFTP server. Contact Singlewire Support via our Support Form to manually activate imports upon request.
Allowed Import Types
This table contains the types of imports and their required filenames.
| Type | Required Filename |
| Ascender (SIS) Students | students_ascender.csv |
| Ascender (SIS) Visitors | Ascender (SIS) Visitors |
| Bus Schedules | bus_schedule.csv |
| Court Orders | court_orders.csv |
| Employees | employees.csv |
| PowerSchool Visitors | visitors_powerschool.csv |
| Students | students.csv |
| Users | users.csv |
| Visitors | visitors.csv |
| Volunteers | volunteers.csv |
Step 1: Prepare CSV Files for Export
You may export your data from most systems directly or by running SQL queries.
Note: If you cannot produce the required fields, please contact your SIS directly, as Visitor Aware cannot troubleshoot data exporting issues.
Step 2: Format Files
All files must be formatted as CSV according to the specific file formats. For information about file formatting, data requirements, and sample templates, see the article about Importing Resources.
Note: OneRoster imports require a ZIP file containing a CSV file.
Step 3: Transfer Files to Visitor Aware
Once you have prepared and formatted the CSV files in your student information system, you can set up an automatic recurring sync, or transfer your files manually whenever you need to update information.
Contact Singlewire Support via our Support Form to:
- Receive your secure SFTP endpoint, port, username, and password
- Request that we process your files immediately during testing to test your integration
- Create a case to request SFTP integration
Step 4: Keep Data Updated
Remember to update your data and exports when information for any of the import files is changed within your SIS. This will help ensure your files always contain all data. Visitor Aware handles all necessary additions, deletions, and updates, and will automatically notify you via email of any issues with synchronization, file format errors, import issues, etc.
Troubleshooting
In case of any errors or issues with automated SFTP sync, Visitor Aware sends automated email notifications that include information on the errors, such as the line, error, error reason, etc. Once files are processed (success or failure), they are securely deleted from the district's SFTP server and must be resubmitted for processing once the errors are corrected.