By Todd Doerr
Ad hoc file transfer isn’t the only MFT trend to watch for this year. In today’s world of tight IT budgets, reduced workforces, and security mandates, it’s only natural for us to expect that companies will turn to MFT solution providers who offer intelligent file-centric automation capabilities.
Today’s automation differs from the automated functionality available in the past. We’re no longer talking about just moving files from point A to point B. It’s not enough to rely on homegrown solutions (like custom scripts) built in the past. We’re talking about seamlessly moving files into back end systems while providing full audit tracking, robust monitoring capabilities, and the ability to react to anomalies, which can trigger alerts.
What’s driving this demand?
For starters, the ever-present pressure to quickly and properly deal with the exceptions and errors that come with data in motion and critical business processes. One could easily argue that the 80-20 rule applies to file processing as much as any other system. Optimizing the most tedious and costly portions of your processes can often yield the biggest results. Making the investment to clean up those processes and then ensure that all exceptions are properly dealt will certainly yield great results.
Companies are also looking for ways to reduce risk through automation around their MFT systems. Many IT departments have realized that homegrown automation solutions, such as custom scripts written by various employees, do not provide the reliability and audit trails required in today’s tight regulatory and security environment.
Human error causes many of the daily headaches. How many times have we seen improperly coded information cause a hiccup in the flow of data? Countless companies wrangle daily with a decentralized web of scripts that require urgent support attention, presenting a maintenance nightmare. IT departments have grown weary of putting out fires and want to spend their time on more important support tasks.
In the coming months, we can expect to see companies embracing automation solutions that produce smart automation “agents” without being script-driven, along with providing the centralized orchestration needed in today’s challenging business landscape.
