The Importing activity allows you to import data into the database with various file formats. This data can be for Channels, Site information or Meter Readings. The importing can be scheduled to load at a desired frequency picking up data from an email account, FTP or FTPS. To manually import, click here.
You can choose to import data immediately or schedule it to import at a time suitable to you.
Below will show you how to schedule the import.
To import immediately, click here.
To schedule an Import:
If the importer isn't in the Favourites list, you need to add it in.
The Importer will now show in the Favourites list.
Once you have highlighted the Importer:
Amend the Import Options as necessary:
Sigma is able to pick up files to import from email mailboxes and is able to support both Encrypted and Non-Encrypted versions of POP3 connection. The secure version is often known as "Secure POP3" or "POP3S". When selected, Sigma's connection to the email inbox will be encrypted using SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security). When setting up an email importer, you will need to indicate whether the Encrypted or Non-encrypted version of POP3 should be used. You will also need to specify the Port Number to use. These details can be provided by your IT Team, but please see table below for commonly available email providers.
Gmail App PasswordsGmail has made a security change on 30th May 2022 which prevents Sigma accessing these inboxes using the regular password.
Email Import OptionTo use the email import option, tick Setup the configuration options as per the below:
It is recommended that you test the connection to the mailbox before the schedule is saved. This provides comfort that the system is able to connect before it runs for the first time and will not fail because of incorrect configuration and will provide details of why the connect was unsuccessful.
Scheduling the Importing via FTPFTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is a standard method for transferring computer files over local networks and the internet. The FTP works by having a program where the data is being transferred from known as a Server and another program that connects to the server known as the Client that requests the file(s) to be transferred and copies the data over. There are several different programs that work as either Server, Client or both. Sigma is able to support both FTP and FTPS. The main difference being the added layer of security for FTPS which ultimately ensures the secure transmission of files between the the remote server and Sigma. FTPS stands for "File Transfer Protocol SSL (Secure Sockets Locker)". The SSL reference relates to the security aspect - a cryptographic protocol that encrypts the data being transferred. Sigma has a built in FTP Client that can connect to an FTP Server to import data automatically via a schedule. To set up the automated importing an FTP Server will need to be set up. There are a large number of FTP Server Software providers offering a range of different functionality, TEAM would recommend that you pick the most suitable option for your business in line with your IT policies. The key configuration details for FTP are:
Contact your IT department for the above details
Implicit FTPS is actually more strict than explicit FTPS when it comes to establishing a secure connection. In fact, the entire FTP session is encrypted, in contrast to flexibility you have when using explicit FTPS
If successful, you will get the following prompt: If unsuccessful, you will get the following prompt: (Contact your IT Department or provider of the FTP server for advice if the FTP connection could not be established).
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The Import will now run at the specified time and frequency for either POP3 or FTP (depending on your earlier choice).
Note: Security is important to us so each file will be virus checked when loaded into Sigma. Files may be rejected if the anti-virus scan reports them as suspicious. Note: A file should only be loaded by the system once; a file with the same NAME and same SIZE as a previously successfully loaded file will not be loaded. |