Data providers enable automatic or manual data import from external sources, such as FTP/SFTP servers or email. They form the link between Zero Friction and external data systems that supply files, such as meter readings or other bulk data.
You can find this component via Configuration → Jobs → Data Providers.
Correct configuration of data providers is essential to:
receive measurement data automatically and on time
to automate import processes
reduce manual uploads and errors
What does this part show?
The Data Providers page shows an overview of all configured data providers.
For each data provider you will see:
Name – Your chosen provider name
File Format – The format used to read files
Communication Type – FTP, SFTP, FTPS or Incoming Email
Disabled – Whether the provider has been temporarily deactivated
Automatic Processing – Whether import jobs are processed automatically or require manual approval
If no data providers exist yet, an empty status is shown with the message "No data providers found" and a button to create a new provider.
Layout
General information
When creating or editing a data provider, you configure:
Name – Unique and recognizable name (e.g. Main FTP meter data)
File Format – Built-in or custom format from Configuration → Jobs → File Formats
Communication method
You choose one fixed method for file delivery:
FTP – Standard file transfer
SFTP – Secure transfer via SSH
FTPS – FTP with SSL/TLS
Incoming Email – Files as Email Attachments
The communication type cannot be changed after creation. A new data provider must be created for a different type.
Connection settings (FTP / SFTP / FTPS)
For server-based providers, configure:
Host – Server address (e.g.,
ftp.example.com)Port – Default 21 (FTP), 22 (SFTP)
Username
Password – Securely stored, never visible
Directory – Path where files are retrieved
Scheduling (FTP / SFTP / FTPS)
You determine how often Zero Friction checks for new files:
Recurrence:
Every 5 minutes
Every 30 minutes
Every hour
Daily
None (manual only)
Next Processing Date – Time of the next check
Processing options
Automatic processing
Enabled: Import jobs are processed immediately
Disabled: Import jobs await manual approval
Disabled
Temporarily pause without deleting
Incoming email providers
For email providers, the system automatically generates a unique email address, for example:
Files sent as attachments to this address:
are automatically received
lead to an import job
are processed according to the Automatic processing setting
Actions
Users with appropriate rights can:
create data providers
change existing providers
temporarily disable providers
remove providers (soft delete)
Deleted providers are hidden by default but remain for historical purposes.
Behaviors & Logic
Automatic processing
When a provider is active and receiving files:
Files are being downloaded or received
An import job is being created
Depending on the setting:
directly processed, or
queued for manual approval
Import jobs are visible via Jobs → Import.
Planning and repetition
For scheduled providers, the system automatically checks for new files
After a successful check, the next execution time is calculated based on the set repetition
Example
Last run: 2:00 PM
Recurrence: every hour
Next run: 3:00 PM
Changes
You can at any time:
adjust connection data
change the schedule
turn automatic processing on or off
select a different file format
Not editable:
the communication type (FTP/SFTP/FTPS/email)
Use in Jobs
Data providers are used for:
automated import of meter readings
bulk imports via scheduled or manual jobs
email-based data delivery
Important: If the file format in use is deleted, the data provider will be automatically disabled to prevent errors.
Why isn't my planned provider working?
Check that the provider is not disabled, has a repeat, and is approaching its next execution time.
Can I change FTP to SFTP?
No. Create a new provider with the desired type.
What happens if I delete a file format?
The provider is disabled; you need to associate a new format.
How do I change only the password?
Leave the password field blank when editing to keep the existing password.
Can I use multiple providers on the same server?
Yes, for example with different directories or file formats.
Which reruns are available?
Every 5 minutes, 30 minutes, every hour, daily or none (manual).
Data provider – Link to an external data source
Import Job – Registering a file import
Repetition – Frequency of automatic checks
Automatic processing – Direct processing without manual approval
File Format – Rules for Reading Files
Communication Type – Data delivery method (FTP, SFTP, FTPS, email)
Soft delete – Delete without permanent deletion