The FTP Import connection allows you to automatically import CSV files from your FTP or SFTP server into Mintsoft. You can import orders, despatch updates, Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs), and stock updates. This guide explains how to configure your connection settings and set up the required directory structure.
Important: Mintsoft does not provide FTP hosting. You'll need to use an external provider such as Drive HQ, or check if your website includes FTP hosting.
Prerequisites
Before setting up your FTP Import connection, you must create the correct directory structure on your FTP server.
Within your path directory, create two additional subfolders:
processed – Successfully imported files are moved here
failed – Files that fail during import are moved here
Creating these folders prevents the system from continuously attempting to import files that have already been processed.
Example directory structure:
/neworders/
/neworders/processed/
/neworders/failed/
/ASNs/
/ASNs/processed/
/ASNs/failed/
Note: For FTP connections, Mintsoft automatically creates these folders if they don't exist. For SFTP connections, you must create these folders manually before configuring your connection.
Configuration settings
The following table explains all available settings when configuring your FTP or SFTP Import connection:
Setting | Description | Example |
Frequency (Minutes) | How often the connector runs to check for new files. The next run occurs when LastRun + Frequency is less than or equal to the current time. Minimum 15 minutes, maximum 1440 minutes (24 hours). | 15 |
Client | (3PL Only) Orders and updates from this connection will be created for the selected client. | Client ABC Ltd |
Warehouse | Default warehouse applied where required by the template. | Main Warehouse |
Channel | Order channel to assign to imported orders. | Website |
UploadSpreadsheetType | What spreadsheet type will be imported. | MultiLineOrderTemplate |
Host | The IP address or hostname of your FTP or SFTP server. | ftp.mintsoft.co.uk |
Port | Port used to connect. 21 = Standard FTP or FTPS (Explicit TLS), 22 = SFTP (SSH), 990 = FTPS (Implicit TLS) if supported by your server. | 21 or 22 |
SFTP | Enable to connect over SFTP (SSH). Usually used with port 22. If your server requires a key, upload the private key below. | Checked or Unchecked |
Private Key (SFTP) | Upload if your SFTP server requires key-based authentication. The system supports standard SSH private key formats. Username and password may still be required depending on your server configuration. | Upload .pem or private key file |
UserName | The username required for connecting to your FTP or SFTP server. | mintsoft |
Password | The password required for connecting to your FTP or SFTP server. | password |
Path | Where the file is located on your server. | /neworders/ |
ResultPath | Destination folder where Mintsoft will upload a results file after each run when Export Results is enabled. Choose the desired format in Result Spreadsheet Type. Required if Export Results is enabled. | /neworders/processed/ |
EncryptionMode | What level of encryption will be used. FTP/FTPS only, not used for SFTP connections. | None |
DataConnectionType | What connection will be used for FTP. FTP/FTPS only, not used for SFTP connections. | AutoPassive |
Export Results | If enabled, Mintsoft will generate a results file after processing orders and upload it to the ResultPath location. Choose the desired format in Result Spreadsheet Type. | Checked or Unchecked |
Result Spreadsheet Type | Format of the results file when Export Results is enabled. OrderDespatchMethodTrackingExport: CSV file with OrderNumber, TrackingNumber, Courier, Updated columns. ZyncSage50UKGDN: Individual XML files per order with goods despatch note format. XMLStatusExport: XML file with order status updates including Shopify order ID, tracking, carrier, weight. | OrderDespatchMethodTrackingExport |
Move Without Rename (FTP Only) | Keep the original filename when moving files to processed or failed folders. If disabled, a timestamp is appended to the filename. SFTP always appends timestamps regardless of this setting. | Checked or Unchecked |
Suppress Duplicate Order Errors | Suppresses error logging for duplicate orders to reduce noise. Duplicate orders are still ignored during import. Useful if files are re-uploaded multiple times. | Checked or Unchecked |
Active | Must be enabled for the connector to run. Only active connections are processed by the system. | Checked or Unchecked |
Set up your FTP Import connection
To add an FTP Import connection, follow these steps:
Click Connect, then click Order Integrations.
Click FTP Import, then click Create Account.
(3PL Only) Select the Client from the dropdown.
Configure all connection settings according to the Configuration settings table above.
Click Test Connection to verify your FTP or SFTP credentials and server connectivity before activating.
Success message: You'll see 'FTP Connection Successfully Established!' or 'SFTP Connection Successfully Established!'
Common errors: 'Timed out trying to connect!', 'No such host is known', 'Cannot set root directory'
Turn on the Active toggle once you're ready for the connection to start running.
Click Add.
Test your connection
After configuring your settings, you can test your connection before activating it.
Click Test Connection to verify your credentials and server connectivity.
Success messages:
FTP Connection Successfully Established!
SFTP Connection Successfully Established!
Common error messages:
Timed out trying to connect! – Check your host, port, and firewall settings
No such host is known – Verify your host address is correct
Cannot set root directory – Check your path exists and permissions are correct
How files are processed
After Mintsoft processes a file:
Successful files:
Files are moved to the /processed/ subfolder
A timestamp is appended to the filename (format: filename-DD-MM-YYYY-HH-MM)
FTP Only: If Move Without Rename is enabled, files are moved without the timestamp
Failed files:
Files are moved to the /failed/ subfolder
A timestamp is appended to the filename (format: filename-DD-MM-YYYY-HH-MM)
Note: For FTP connections, the system automatically creates /processed/ and /failed/ folders if they don't exist. For SFTP connections, you must create these folders manually as described in Prerequisites.
Supported file types
The FTP Import connection supports the following file types:
Orders
Using standard or custom templates to import orders to be shipped.
Multi-Line Order Template
Single Order Per Line Template
Custom Template
Review the Custom Order Template Wizard to learn more about creating custom templates.
Despatch Updates
Using this template will mark orders as dispatched with the tracking number provided on the file, typically by third parties or drop shippers.
Despatch Update Template
ASN
Used to import Advanced Shipping Notices or Purchase Orders for your warehouse to receive.
ASN Template
Stock Update
Using this file will completely overwrite stock levels in Mintsoft with the values on the file.
Warning: This will only work without multi-location management in use.
Stock Update Template
Note: To get a copy of any of the templates mentioned in this article, please download the document provided at the end of this article.
Troubleshooting
Errors importing CSV spreadsheets
If you receive an error message like An Error Occurred when attempting to: ProcessingxxxSpreadsheet Error: Input string was not in a correct format. File:, there are several possible causes. One common issue is Excel automatically converting long numeric values (such as SKU numbers or EAN/UPC codes) into scientific notation (for example, 9.35741E+12). Improperly saved CSV files and loss of leading zeros may also cause similar errors. To prevent this from happening, follow these steps:
Select the cell or column where you will enter the SKU.
Right-click, then click Format Cells.
Click the Number tab.
Select Text, then click OK.
Enter the SKU number again.
Note: The "xxx" in the error message may vary depending on the type of file you're importing (for example, ASN, Despatch update, Stock update).
Connection automatically deactivated
If authentication fails (incorrect username or password), the system will automatically deactivate the connection and log an error. To resolve this issue:
Update your credentials in the connection settings.
Turn on the Active toggle.
Click Test Connection before saving to verify your credentials work.