Introduction

EDI files can be imported into Sigma using the Importing Activity.  This allows you to have the EDI files sent to an email address or to a folder on your server and Sigma will then automatically collect the file and import the data.

There are two steps to setting up the Importing:

1.  Create a POP3 email account (such as Gmail)

     OR

     Create a Folder on your own Server (FTP)

2.  Set up the Importer in Sigma

**Click here for a pre recorded training session for additional help and guidance - EDI Automation which includes how set up EDI Automation, view the automatic schedule and email notifications

Using a POP3 Email Account

Set up a POP3 Email address, or ask Support about how we can help with Email Accounts.

Each time Sigma goes to the Email account, it will look for any unopened emails (with an attachment).

It is important to ensure the settings on the Email Account are set to mark the message as read when accessed by Sigma.   

Below is an example of a Gmail Account.

You can see that it is set so that:  When messages are accessed with POP - mark Gmail's copy as read

Using FTP 

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is a standard method for transferring computer files over local networks and the internet.

A Folder will need to be set up on your own Server. It is suggested that you contact your IT department for more information on where the Folder should be located.

Once this has been established, EDI files would then need to be saved into the folder and Sigma would periodically go to the folder to retrieve them.

More information in importing via FTP can be found here.

Opening Importing Activity

• Open the Importing Activity

Adding the Importer

• Click Schedule to open the Choose Importer screen

• Click 
• Type EDI in the Data Source

• Click Search to open the data Source Search Results screen
• Highlight the EDI File Importer

• Click OK to open the Importer Selector screen

• Click Next
• Click Finish to return  to the Importer Activity

Setting up the Import

• Highlight the EDI File Importer

• Click Next to open the Importer Options screen

There are 5 sections to complete:

• General Options
• Batch Name Options
• Accept Batch Options
• Load Batch Options 
• Notification Options

General Options

Batch Name Options

Tick to allow Sigma to use the original filename to name the Batch that gets created when the EDI file is being loaded and processed.  This can help with business processes, ensuring the name visible within the Sigma screens is the same as the file loaded.

Alternatively, unticked, allows the name to be left as is ie, the batch name is system derived.

Accept Batch Options

Load Batch Options

Notification Options

For more information on Notifications emails, click here.

Once completed

• Click Next to open the Source Options screen

Source Options - Choosing POP3 or Import via FTP

Choose either Import via POP3 OR Import via FTP

Import via POP3

• Tick Import via POP3

• Enter the POP3 email details:

Note:  If you add a Sender Address AND a Subject, the email will need to contain BOTH in order for it to be loaded.  

Import via FTP

• Tick Import via FTP

• Enter the FTP details:  (you may need to contact your IT Department for assistance with this)

• Click 

If successful, you will get the following prompt:

If unsuccessful, you will get the following prompt:

 (Contact your IT Department for advise if the FTP connection could not be established)

Completing the set up

Once you have selected POP3 or FTP:

• Click 

Notification Options

Recurrence Pattern

Range of recurrence

Once completed: 

• Click  to open the Finish screen
• Click  to activate the schedule
• Click  to complete the set up

Using more than one EDI Supplier with POP3

If you have more than one EDI Supplier, you do not need to set up anymore email accounts, but you will need additional Schedules.

Ensure you enter Sender Address and or Subject in each schedule to reflect the Supplier.

For example, if you receive EDI files from 4 separate Suppliers, you will need to do the following:

• Set up one Email address
• Set up 4 separate Schedules (one for each Supplier)
  • Enter the Sender Address (or partial address) and / or Email Subject (or partial email subject) in each schedule

Using more than one EDI Supplier with an FTP

If you have more than one EDI Supplier, you will need more than one Folder and Schedule.

For example, if you receive EDI files from 4 separate Suppliers, you will need to do the following:

• Set up 4 Folders (one for each Supplier)
• Set up 4 Schedules (one for each Supplier, and configured to look at the relevant folder)

Forcing the Importer to run

For example, you may have your Importer set to collect EDI files from your Email account once a day at 03:00.  A file has been sent to you and you urgently want to load that file.

Complete the following:

• Open the Schedule Management Activity

• Right click on the Schedule
• Click Run Now

This will activate the Schedule so that Sigma goes to the Email Account and looks for any unopened emails.

If there are any unopened emails (with an attachment), Sigma will download them, providing they meet the criteria that has been set as if the schedule was running automatically (i.e. the Sender and/or Email address match).