SFTP is a reliable way to move data into Avid AI without relying on manual uploads or unsecured transfers. Many organizations generate reports or exports daily from internal systems, and having an automated pipeline ensures that this data is delivered consistently, securely, and on time. By connecting SFTP, you reduce the risk of human error, avoid delays from manual file handling, and guarantee that sensitive data moves over encrypted channels. Once the connection is established, every file delivered through SFTP is automatically picked up, processed, and included in your data blend, so your team always has the freshest information without extra effort.
Add an SFTP connection in Avid (Settings → Connections → + Add System)
You can connect files to Avid in two ways:
- SFTP (Avid-hosted). We give you an SFTP inbox. You push files to us. Fastest for most teams.
- Remote SFTP (your server). We pull files from your SFTP on a schedule. Use this if you already have an SFTP service.
Supported file types: csv, txt, xlsx, zip, 7z. Compressed files are extracted before processing. After files arrive, you’ll map columns to a dataset and the data is included in your data blend automatically.
Which option should I choose?
• Pick SFTP (Avid-hosted) unless you already maintain an SFTP server and want Avid to fetch from it.
• Pick Remote SFTP when data must remain on your infrastructure or you want a nightly pull.
Set up SFTP (Avid-hosted)
Go to Settings → Connections → Add System → SFTP.
Note the connection details shown:
• URL (host): sftp.avidai.com
• Port: 2022
• Username: value shown in the modal (unique to your account)
• Password: set or paste a strong secret
• Data Qualifier (optional): a tag Avid stores with each file to help with routing or filtering.
Leave blank if you don’t need it.
• Server Host Key/Fingerprint: ssh-ed25519
Use this to verify you’re connecting to Avid when your SFTP client asks.
In your SFTP client, connect using the URL, port, username, and password above and upload files to your home directory. Use SFTP, not FTPS. After your first file arrives, open the connection in Avid to complete or adjust column mapping. Future files with the same layout auto-map.
Set up Remote SFTP (your server)
Go to Settings → Connections → Add connection → Remote SFTP.
If your firewall uses allowlists, permit Avid’s IPs:
• 35.184.153.118
• 35.238.235.148
• 35.225.16.95
Fill the fields:
• Host: your SFTP hostname or IP
• Port: usually 22
• Username and Password: credentials Avid should use
• Path: folder where files appear, for example /exports/avid
• File Pattern: what to pick up, for example .csv or orders_.zip
• Data Qualifier (optional): tag stored with each file
• Key Exchange Algorithm (optional): only set if your server requires a specific KEX; otherwise leave blank
• Delete files once processed (optional): enable if you want Avid to clean up after a successful pull
How syncing works
• Remote SFTP pulls every day at 8:00 AM CST. You can also trigger a manual run from the Connections tab.
• SFTP (Avid-hosted) processes files shortly after upload.
• Each file is validated, extracted if compressed, mapped to your dataset, and added to your data blend. You can edit mappings later.
Best practices
• Use consistent filenames and include dates, for example sales_2025-09-29.csv.
With Remote SFTP, set File Pattern accordingly.
• Prefer UTF-8 encoding and a header row for column names.
• Large batches compress well into a single zip or 7z.
• If sending multiple sources with the same layout, use the Data Qualifier to tag them.
Troubleshooting
• Cannot connect (Avid-hosted): confirm host sftp.avidai.com, port 2022, and that you’re using SFTP. If your client prompts for host verification, check the ssh-ed25519 fingerprint shown in the modal.
• Cannot connect (Remote): confirm firewall allows the three Avid IPs and that the port matches your server. If negotiation fails, specify your server’s required key-exchange algorithm.
• Auth failed: verify username/password, account is unlocked, and SFTP (not FTP/FTPS) is enabled on the server.
• No files picked up: check the Path and File Pattern, that the files are in supported formats, and that the service account can read the directory. For Remote with deletion enabled, ensure the account also has delete permission.
• Mapping issues: open the connection and review the column mapping; reprocess if you change it.
That’s it. Once the connection is saved and your first file lands or is pulled, Avid handles processing and blends the data into your workspace automatically.