Workato enables no-code integrations between internal systems—for example, connecting Salesforce with Zendesk—but getting those files into a recipe to start the workflow can be a challenge depending on where they originally reside.
While Workato supports connecting to SFTP servers using the SFTP Connector--which Couchdrop can use as well--Couchdrop has a native outbound integration with Workato to simplify the process. When using this integration, Couchdrop allows you to securely send files from any platform into a Workato recipe for internal processing.
In this guide, we'll show you how to send files to Workato recipes with Couchdrop's Workato integration.
Setting up the Couchdrop Workato integration
Workato is configured in Couchdrop as an outbound connection. With this connection, you link a Couchdrop folder to a Workato recipe via a webhook trigger. Whenever a file is uploaded into that folder, it is immediately and securely delivered to Workato, which then runs the recipe you have defined.
To create this outbound folder and connect it to a Workato recipe, follow these steps:
- Step 1 - Create a Workato recipe that is triggered by a webhook
- Step 2 - Configure Workato integration in Couchdrop
- Step 3 - Conduct operations on the file
Step 1. Create a Workato recipe that is triggered by a webhook
In Workato, create a new recipe that is triggered from a webhook. Workato should generate a webhook address that will be used as an activation trigger. This address will need to be copied into the Couchdrop configuration.
If authentication is enabled for the webhook, take note of the username/password or token.
Step 2 - Configure Workato integration in Couchdrop
In Couchdrop, choose to connect platforms and then choose Workato from the list.
Since the recipe is triggered via webhook, you don't need to authorize with the platform directly; instead, you simply need to name the integration, a name for the folder you want to drop files into to send to Workato, and the Webhook URL. Ensure the authentication method in Couchdrop matches the webhook configuration in Workato.
It's also important to make sure the Webhook Type matches the content of the expected payload. For example, for plain files, "unicode text data" will get the file contents.
Step 3 - Conduct operations on the file
When you send the file to Workato, you unlock the full potential of Workato to act on that file. For instance, after the file is transferred, you could upload it to a CMS or another solution to then be processed.
Once configured, make sure to test the recipe in Workato and ensure everything is working as expected.
SFTP and ETL with Workato using Couchdrop Automations
Alternatively, many of these steps can be done from within Couchdrop using Couchdrop's automations. Workato does have some limitations for file processing, specifically, such as a 5mb limit, that Couchdrop automations don't have.
These automations include many file actions, including moving, renaming, encryption/decryption, firing a webhook, and more. Depending on the types of files you're working with and how they need to be processed, keeping everything within Couchdrop can sometimes be more efficient.
You can also use Couchdrop automations to move files into the Workato folder automatically. For instance, you could check a remote SFTP server for files daily, then transfer those files into the Workato folder, which will submit them into the Workato recipe, all without any manual intervention. The same process applies to files that need to be transferred from any of Couchdrop's 30+ storage integrations, enabling you to fully automate SFTP and ETL workloads by combining Couchdrop and Workato.
Want to try this combination for yourself? You can test configuring Workato using Couchdrop by starting a free 14-day trial. Get instant access without having to add a credit card or go through any hoops.
For more information about using Couchdrop and Workato or any other questions, feel free to book a personalized demo.