Run EnsLib.FTP.InboundAdapter on demand

Yes, it is possible to create a process that reads an FTP directory on demand using InterSystems IRIS or Ensemble, instead of relying on automatic execution upon file upload. This can be achieved by customizing or using an API service to trigger the execution when needed. Here's how you can implement this:

1. Custom Schedule Control:

   • By default, the EnsLib.FTP.InboundAdapter acts as a daemon and automatically processes files whenever they are uploaded. If you want to execute file reading manually, you can implement an API or script to invoke the process directly rather than relying on its active schedule.
   • The FTP Inbound Adapter has methods like OnProcessInput() that handle the input processing. You can override or modify this behavior for manual triggering via external instructions such as APIs [1][2].

2. Call the Service Manually Using an API:

   • You can create a custom API endpoint in your production that, when called, retrieves files from the FTP directory and processes them. This is particularly useful if you only want the FTP service to execute upon external request instead of on a periodic polling schedule [1][2].

3. Example Business Process Setup:

   • You could set up a business service based on EnsLib.FTP.PassthroughService or EnsLib.FTP.InboundAdapter with an execution action controlled by a custom operation or external trigger. Modify the service to accept a triggering parameter to initiate file processing [1][2].

4. Example Implementation:

   • Create a custom business service class extending the desired FTP adapter (EnsLib.FTP.InboundAdapter) and configure a method that processes files only when a message is received or when a custom trigger is invoked.

   • For instance:

     Class CustomFTPService Extends EnsLib.FTP.InboundAdapter
     {
      Parameter ADAPTER = "EnsLib.FTP.InboundAdapter";
     
      Method TriggerFileProcessing() As %Status
      {
        // Custom logic to process FTP files
        Quit $$$OK
      }
     }
     

   • Additionally, the actual invocation of the adapter's file handling methods such as NameList or GetStream can be customized for manual setups [1][2].

5. Usage of Management Portal:

   • Add and configure the above operation or method inside your InterSystems Production using the Management Portal. It allows you to create an appropriate API or external service to control the process [2].

If you need additional detail or guidance on specific implementation steps (e.g., invoking external systems or handling the adapter operations), further exploration of the FTP adapter methods is recommended, as they support flexible configurations and manual triggers [1][2].

Sources:

You could consider using SemaphoreSpec and allow the folks placing the file in the FTP directory to also place the semaphore file in the directory on their external instruction.