On-prem files refer to files and data stored within an organization's on-premises infrastructure. These files often reside on local file servers, shared network drives, or other storage systems managed within the organization. Such files include customer data, business documents, backups, logs, or critical configuration files. Managing on-prem files efficiently is critical for ensuring smooth operations, secure data handling, and integration with other systems.

Frends enables organizations to integrate and automate workflows involving on-prem files. By connecting file-based processes with other enterprise systems, cloud services, or automated tasks, Frends ensures that on-prem file management is efficient, secure, and seamless.

Business use cases

File Transfer Automation

Frends can automate the process of transferring files between local on-prem servers and external systems like cloud storage or trading partner environments. For example, Frends can monitor an on-prem folder for new invoices and automatically transfer them to an external partner's SFTP server, improving process efficiency and ensuring auditable file transfer.

Data Backup and Archiving

Regular backups and archiving of files are critical for data security and compliance. Frends can integrate on-prem file storage with backup systems, ensuring files are securely copied to archival locations or cloud storage. For instance, Frends can automatically back up sensitive files from a local server to an encrypted cloud environment on a predefined schedule.

Integration with ERP or CRM Systems

Many organizations store raw or processed data in on-prem files, such as customer information, orders, or inventory. Frends can extract data from these files (e.g., CSV, XML, JSON) and update ERP, CRM, or other business applications. For instance, sales data saved as CSV files in an on-prem network folder can be automatically imported into a CRM system, maintaining up-to-date customer and sales insights.

Secure File Sharing

In highly regulated industries, secure file sharing between departments or external partners is critical. Frends facilitates secure file-sharing workflows by monitoring on-prem directories, encrypting the files, and routing them to their destination securely. For example, Frends can watch a folder for confidential contracts, encrypt them, and share them with designated stakeholders securely.

Real-Time File Monitoring

Frends can monitor on-prem file directories for specific changes such as new file creation, updates, or deletions. When a change is detected, Frends can trigger predefined workflows. For instance, when a new financial report is added to a shared folder, Frends can send a notification email or archive it in a specified folder automatically.

Document Processing and Integration

Frends can automate the processing of files stored in on-prem environments. For example, when specific documents, such as invoices or purchase orders, are dropped into a shared folder, Frends can read the file contents, extract the required data, initiate workflows like approval processes, and store the records in business applications like NetSuite or SAP.

Log File Management

Many on-prem systems generate log files essential for monitoring and troubleshooting. Frends can automate the collection, aggregation, and archiving of these logs. For instance, Frends can aggregate logs from multiple on-prem systems into a central repository or integrate them with a cloud-based monitoring solution for better observability.

Hybrid Cloud Workflows

In hybrid environments, Frends can bridge on-prem files with cloud services. For example, when a file is updated or added to an on-premises server, Frends can replicate the change by uploading the file to a connected cloud service like Azure Blob Storage or Google Drive, ensuring data consistency between on-prem and cloud systems.

Compliance and Auditing

For organizations that require regular auditing, Frends can automate the retrieval and preparation of on-prem file reports. For example, Frends can consolidate compliance-related documents stored across multiple on-prem directories, encrypt and zipper files, and submit them to auditors as part of a workflow.

Data Transformation and Synchronization

Files stored on on-prem systems often require transformation before synchronization with other platforms. Frends can fetch file data, transform it into a compatible format (e.g., converting a CSV file into JSON), and ensure synchronization with external databases or applications. For example, employee data stored in on-prem spreadsheets can be regularly synchronized with a cloud-based HR system using Frends.

File Cleanup and Archival

Managing on-prem storage space efficiently is critical for IT operations. Frends can automate file cleanup processes by identifying and archiving older or unused files based on predefined criteria. For example, Frends can automatically move files older than six months to an archival server or delete redundant files to free up storage.

By integrating on-prem file management into workflows through Frends, organizations can streamline file-related processes, secure sensitive data, and reduce the need for manual intervention. Frends helps unlock the full potential of on-prem file storage by connecting it with enterprise ecosystems and enabling automation-driven efficiency.