FTP Integration - Fabric
FTP Integration
The FTP integration allows suppliers to exchange transaction data with fabric Dropship using flat files over a secure FTP or SFTP connection. This option provides a semi-automated workflow that reduces the need for manual data entry in Dropship, while still offering flexibility for teams who prefer working with files. With FTP, you can send and receive structured CSV files to manage orders, shipments, invoices, and inventory. fabric provides standardized file templates for each transaction type, and your account is configured with dedicated FTP folders to organize each flow.
If you are not ready to connect via FTP during onboarding, the integration can be established later. Contact Dropship Support to request FTP access or re-initiate setup.
When to Use the FTP Integration
The FTP integration is ideal for suppliers who:
- Want to automate part of the Dropship workflow, but don’t have API or ecommerce platform integration in place.
- Are already using internal systems that support flat file exports.
- Prefer a repeatable, scheduled data exchange process over live UI interaction.
- Have technical operations or IT support capable of managing file delivery.
Supported Transaction Types
The following file types are supported through FTP. fabric provides import and export templates for each:
| Transaction Type | Direction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Orders | Outbound (fabric → you) | Orders are exported from Dropship and delivered to your /orders folder. |
| Shipments | Inbound (you → fabric) | Upload shipment confirmations and tracking details to /shipments. |
| Invoices | Inbound (you → fabric) | Upload invoice files for completed orders to /invoices. |
| Inventory | Inbound (you → fabric) | Upload updated stock levels to /inventory. You may use a fabric template or your own. |
How Files Move Through the FTP Integration
When an order is created in the supplier’s fabric Dropship account, fabric will automatically generate an Orders export and deliver it to your FTP/SFTP /orders folder. As the supplier, you are responsible for uploading the following CSV file types to their respective folders:
- Shipments →
/shipments - Invoices →
/invoices - Inventory →
/inventory
All files uploaded to fabric must be in .csv format.
Available Templates
Clicking a template link automatically downloads the file.
- Orders Template - The Orders file follows the standard Orders export that a supplier would receive when manually exporting orders from the platform.
- Shipments Template - The Shipments file is similar to the bulk Shipments import file used to upload shipments in the platform, with a few columns removed for FTP use.
- Invoices Template - The Invoices file is based on the bulk Invoices import file used in the platform, also with several columns removed for FTP workflows.
- Inventory Template - The Inventory file follows the standard inventory import structure used in the platform. If you prefer to use a custom inventory format, file a ticket with fabric Support to have your custom template configured.
Integration process
The FTP integration includes a multi-step onboarding and testing process.
- Complete supplier onboarding, which includes adding information such as your billing address, default fulfillment location, and primary contacts.
- Once onboarding is complete, file a ticket with Dropship support and request that they enable the FTP integration for your account.
- The support team will provision FTP credentials and work with you to confirm your folder structure.
- Send tests to validate your product data and SKUs.
- Send tests to ensure exchange of order, shipment, invoice, and inventory data.
- Simulate a complete transaction workflow.
Once you’ve successfully completed testing, Dropship Support will send an email confirming that your integration is active. At this point:
- You’ll begin receiving real orders through FTP.
- You’ll be responsible for exchanging shipment, invoice, and inventory files.
- You can continue using the test templates for live operations.