What is SFTP and How do I Connect?

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This page covers the specifics of Panorama's Manual SFTP Import data integration process, including frequently asked questions about how you can connect your data to the Panorama server. This page does not apply to nightly student information system data files.

Student Success and Enhanced Social-Emotional Learning empower school districts to use existing data to better support students. This requires integrating data from your current systems into Panorama. You can view a full list of the supported systems and access methods we have available. If you have questions further about this information, please reach out to your project team, as they will be able to discuss what is best for your specific needs.

What is SFTP and How does Panorama use SFTP?

SFTP stands for secure file transfer protocol (SFTP). This is an access method that sets up nightly exports from your information systems to Panorama’s SFTP folders, which are then pulled into your Panorama Platform. With SFTP Import, you or your tech team can manually upload administration files to Panorama’s SFTP folders.

Connecting to Panorama with SFTP client

For manual uploads, use a separate SFTP client to upload the files. SFTP Clients that we recommend include:

How to set-up SFTP

A username and password will be provided by your Panorama project team. Once this is received, you can use the SFTP Client of your choice to connect to the Panorama server. We can use FileZilla as an example below:
    1. Open the SFTP Client and select the site manager, this should be located on the top left of the toolbar (Figure 1.). 

(Figure 1.)
    1. Next, click New site (Figure 2.).

(Figure 2.)
  1. Next, enter the username and password and click Connect (Figure 3.). Your username and password will have been provided to you by Panorama. You can refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below on where to find your username and password.

(Figure 3.)
  1. Once you hit Connect, you will see a home directory (Figure 4.). Create a new directory, by right-clicking on the folder. Your Student Information System (SIS) data will be uploaded to the new directory you are creating.

(Figure 4.)
  1. Create your directory and year-scoped folders for your SIS files by right-clicking on the folder and selecting Create directory (Figure 5.).

(Figure 5.)

Once your files have been manually imported into the SFTP server, you can reach out to your Panorama project team member to let them know your data files are ready! Your project team will provide a timeline as to when your SIS data will be available to view in the Panorama Platform.  

Your project team can provide specific details about secure methods of sending the information to our servers, however, you can get ahead by reading more about various systems and methods of data integration we support in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I create a new folder in SFTP for each school year?

Right-click on the folder in your directory to create a new folder for each school year (Figure 6.). Then, title the new folder with the school year you are adding.

(Figure 6.)

Once you click OK, the folder will be ready for you to add your data files (Figure 7.). The files should be added to the year-scoped folder that you have created. 

(Figure 7.)
Can I connect to SFTP through a web browser?

For manual uploads, you will want to use a separate SFTP client rather than a web browser to upload the files. SFTP Clients that we recommend include:

How do I find my username and password?

Your username and password will be provided to you by Panorama:

  • Your username can be found in a credentials document that your project team will provide. 
  • Your password will be sent to the email address provided by you or your technical team and can be found in your inbox. 
I’m running into the following error message: “connection timed out after 20 seconds of inactivity…” How do I get around this?

We’ve found that the issue there is usually with an outgoing firewall. Ensure that your district does not have an outgoing firewall. As a next step, you may need to allowlist our IP address: 18.235.217.90.

I’m trying to use the “Quickconnect” option and it’s not working. Any other suggestions?

Quickconnect will not allow you to enter the directory. Instead, add your login credentials using the Site Manager. 

Do I need to work with my SIS company/vendor to set this up?

Most SISs allow district SIS administrators to set up these exports on their own. Panorama has ample experience working with SIS vendors and we are happy to work with yours in the rare instance an SIS vendor needs to enable exports for you.

What if something goes wrong or doesn’t work?

Our technical support team reviews all exports and will provide help if you run into any roadblocks.

Is this secure?

Yes. Panorama takes data security & privacy very seriously. SFTP ( Secure File Transfer Protocol) is fully encrypted, meaning that your data will stay secured when exported.

Additional Resources:

You can learn more about the process for data integration into Student Success in the below Panorama Articles:

      1. Integrating Data into Student Success
      2. Supported Systems and Methods of Data Integration
      3. Preparing Your Technology for Student Success

Student Success

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