add records to cloud database via SFTP / XML

Hi, 
Of course, direct access to the database in the Appian Cloud is not possible. The options you might have from an architectural perspective:
Creating an API or user interface where you can upload the .zip file containing the xml. Then unzip the file (there is an plug-in at the AppMarket) storing the content in a folder and receiving an doc-id. This doc id can be used to retrieve the file content into a process model which converts xml into CDT and writing into the database.

So - yes you can achieve this. Depending on your source system, you can even automate the whole procedure.

Hi, 
Of course, direct access to the database in the Appian Cloud is not possible. The options you might have from an architectural perspective:
Creating an API or user interface where you can upload the .zip file containing the xml. Then unzip the file (there is an plug-in at the AppMarket) storing the content in a folder and receiving an doc-id. This doc id can be used to retrieve the file content into a process model which converts xml into CDT and writing into the database.

So - yes you can achieve this. Depending on your source system, you can even automate the whole procedure.

Hi juergeng,

thank you for the reply, I can unzip the file and store it in a location maybe google drive or sharepoint.

I'm just starting with Appian and I'm not sure about how to connect and pick up the XML and write it to the Appian database

if I try to import the XML into the table I get an error, The XML file specified was either malformed or incomplete

my XML format is like this

<NewDataSet>
<Table>
<machine_name>Name of the machine</machine_name>
<model>Model of the machine</model>
<machineSeTime>Date and tme of a transaction</machineSeTime>
<card_string>card number used</card_string>
<seValue>The value</seValue>
<payment_method_id>Number code</payment_method_id>
<recognition_id>Number code</recognition_id>
<machine_group_descr>Machine group name</machine_group_descr>
<seTime>Date adn time of transaction</seTime>
<payment_method_id_enc>Number code</payment_method_id_enc>
</Table>
</NewDataSet>  

Hi Paul,

For an overview of the basic functionality in Appian, I recommend the available training videos:
https://community.appian.com/training/

This will help you to save a lot of time compared to figuring stuff out by yourself.

I assume the intent of having the information in the xml file available in Appian is related to be able to report on it or use it in other applications. 

XML files are no substitute for database records. I recommend the digitalization of the XML file content. You can store the XML files on the Appian file system leveraging the Appian Knowledge Center.

1. Create a process model which executes the following steps:
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/process_modeling.html

2. The UI component 'File Upload Component' can be used to receive a file in the UI - even a .zip file
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/File_Upload_Component.html

3. Unzip the file using Appian function provided by https://community.appian.com/b/appmarket/posts/advanced-unzip
and store it in the Appian Document Folders - a doc id will be returned

4. Fetch the xml file using the document ID and with Appian function xpathdocument() and  xpathsnippet()
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/fnc_scripting_xpathdocument.html
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/fnc_scripting_xpathsnippet.html

you can extract the information from the XML file and store it in a CDT
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/Custom_Data_Types.html

5.) Write the CDT containing the data into a database (Datastore in Appian)
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/Data_Stores.html

6.) Create a Dashboard or a report (with filters) to have an overview about the data 
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/Dashboard_Layout.html
https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/20.4/Form_Layout.html

I hope this helps to get started. 

Thanks,

Juergen