OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud-based file storage and synchronization service that enables organizations and users to store, share, and collaborate on files securely. As part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, OneDrive integrates seamlessly with Office applications and enterprise environments, making it a widely used solution for document management, collaboration, and file sharing. OneDrive supports personal and business accounts, offering features such as versioning, granular sharing controls, and synchronization across devices.

Frends can integrate with OneDrive to streamline file-related workflows, enabling automatic synchronization, data exchange, and orchestrating tasks across connected systems. By combining Frends and OneDrive, businesses can ensure seamless collaboration and enhanced efficiency in managing files.

Business use cases

Automated File Synchronization

Frends can automate file synchronization between OneDrive and other local or remote storage systems. For example, Frends can monitor an on-premises folder for new files and automatically upload them to a OneDrive folder, ensuring that files are always backed up and accessible to teams working remotely or in hybrid environments.

Document Approval Workflow

OneDrive is frequently used to store documents that require approval. Frends can automate document approval workflows by integrating OneDrive with approval systems, such as Microsoft Teams or email. For instance, when a new document is added to a designated folder in OneDrive, Frends can notify approvers, track their feedback, and move the file to an "Approved" folder upon successful approval.

Integration with ERP or CRM Systems

Frends can connect OneDrive with ERP, CRM, or other business systems to automate data flows. For example, customer-generated forms uploaded to OneDrive can be automatically processed by Frends, with relevant details extracted and stored in a CRM like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics 365. This reduces manual data entry and ensures quick updates.

Secure File Sharing

Frends enhances secure file sharing by orchestrating workflows between OneDrive and external systems. For instance, when a user uploads a confidential file to a restricted folder in OneDrive, Frends can automatically encrypt the file and send it to external stakeholders via secure protocols like SFTP, ensuring compliance with data security regulations.

Backup and Archiving

Businesses often use OneDrive as a backup or archival solution. Frends can automate this by periodically transferring files from on-prem systems or other cloud storage services to OneDrive. For example, Frends can back up invoices from an accounting system into a specific OneDrive folder, tagging the records by month for easy organization and retrieval.

Real-Time Collaboration Updates

In collaborative environments, Frends can ensure teams are notified of changes to shared OneDrive files. For example, when a file is updated in a shared OneDrive folder, Frends can automatically send notifications to Microsoft Teams channels or via email to relevant team members for real-time collaboration.

Hybrid Cloud Workflows

In hybrid environments, Frends can act as a bridge to integrate OneDrive with on-premise systems. For instance, when a machine-generated report is saved to a local network drive, Frends can upload the report to a designated OneDrive folder to make it accessible to cloud-based applications and remote teams.

File Monitoring and Processing

Frends can monitor specific folders in OneDrive for new or updated files and trigger workflows based on detected changes. For example, when a user uploads a new order form to a OneDrive folder, Frends can process the file, extract the order data, and create a corresponding entry in an ERP system, such as SAP.

Compliance Reporting

For businesses with compliance reporting requirements, Frends can automate the process of consolidating and sharing documents stored in OneDrive. For instance, Frends can gather financial data from specific OneDrive folders, compile it into a unified report, and email it to auditors or regulatory bodies, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.

Content Migration

Frends can streamline the migration of content to or from OneDrive during platform upgrades or system transitions. For example, Frends can transfer files from legacy storage systems, such as SharePoint 2010 or Google Drive, to OneDrive, ensuring a smooth and secure migration process.

File Cleanup and Lifecycle Management

Frends can automate file lifecycle management in OneDrive by identifying and archiving or deleting files based on predefined criteria. For instance, Frends can move files older than one year from active OneDrive folders to an archival folder, ensuring that file storage remains organized and within quota limits.

By integrating OneDrive with other systems using Frends, organizations can automate file-related workflows, enhance collaboration, and ensure secure and efficient file management. Frends enables seamless connectivity between OneDrive and enterprise environments, unlocking greater productivity and operational efficiency.