Smart Folder Scan Import - Scan subject data without images

Commerce

The Folder Scan Import method is one of our options for importing subjects and photo data into a session. It can also be used to create subjects and galleries without images so you can create subject passwords ahead of time or use password searches in pre-pay stages.

By using FileZilla or Goodsync with a specific folder naming hierarchy, we eliminate the need for a data file. We simply use a folder structure along with a specific folder naming structure.
When the process is followed correctly it is a quick and easy method of automated uploading. 

Jump to:

• FileZilla and Goodsync
• Create a Session in Commerce

Note: If you have images for your subjects, please see: Uploading images and subject data using the file scan method

FileZilla and Goodsync

1. First, you will need to add a new job folder to your FileZilla or Goodsync Fotomerchant Root folder. 
   • Create a parent folder in the root Fotomerchant folder, the name of this parent folder should be relevant to the client involved (i.e. school). The name will need to match exactly what the External Reference for the session will be. The External Reference for the session should be entered into the reference field when creating/editing a session.
   • Inside the parent folder, create sub-folders to represent either a Gallery or a Subject. These sub-folders should contain the subject name and any relevant data associated with the subject e.g. password, email address phone number. For example:
     • If you only have the subject name it would be:
       • Amy Smith 
     • If you had their name and password it would be:
       • Amy Smith --- YFDR85MG
     • For further folder naming examples please see these examples:
2. You will then need to insert a text file into each subject/gallery folder so the system will recognize the folder and create the subject and gallery when it is uploaded into Fotomerchant. At this point, the content doesn't matter, it can be completely blank, the system just needs a non-image file inside the folder to use as a placeholder.
3. When all folders are ready press the Sync button on your FileZilla or Goodsync to FM. 

Create a Session in Commerce

If you haven’t already, create a session using the relevant template for the session type. Make sure the session's External Reference exactly matches the name of the parent folder exactly.

1. Go to the Files tab in the session, if all information is correct you should see the name of the folder that has been included with the following message: We've detected a folder that corresponds with the external reference for this Session. Click the button below to initiate a scan of the folder specified below.
2. Press the blue Scan for new files button to start the scan.
   • It can take several moments for all of the subjects and galleries to appear. Soon you will have the empty subjects and galleries which you can use for individual password searches in pre-pay stages.