In this article, we’ll highlight key strategies to help you successfully implement MFT to replace SFTP in your business.
Defining Success: Why Replace SFTP?
When deciding to replace SFTP, work with key stakeholders to define success metrics and identify key questions, such as
- Why is SFTP no longer sufficient?
- What pain points does MFT solve that SFTP cannot?
- How does MFT increase security?
- How does MFT improve automation and efficiency?
- How will success be measured?
- Who will benefit?
- Where is the value?
Key Business Benefits of Moving from SFTP to MFT
Traditional SFTP servers require manual maintenance, scripting and limited security controls. MFT automates, secures and scales file transfers while integrating with modern business applications. Key benefits include
- Enhancing security with encryption, role-based access and compliance support, such as SOC 2, HIPAA and GDPR
- Improving visibility through dashboards, logging and real-time monitoring
- Eliminating reliance on custom scripts and manual processes with built-in automation
- Reducing IT workload by replacing complex SFTP configurations with centralized administration
- Scaling effortlessly with cloud-based or hybrid deployment options
Focus on High-Impact Features First
MFT solutions offer a broad range of features, but successful adoption requires prioritization. Initially, focus on a few key features that provide immediate value, such as
- Security and compliance controls that surpass SFTP’s basic encryption
- End-to-end monitoring with centralized dashboards for full visibility to system alerts and activity
- Audit trails and reporting for better governance and tracking
- Automated file transfers to replace SFTP’s reliance on scripts
- Seamless integration with existing business applications
- Scalability to support increasing file transfer demands
The expected benefits are typically owned by key stakeholders. Highlight specific features to articulate the benefits to respective teams in terms that resonate with their business function. For example, if security and compliance are a priority, highlight MFT’s features such as multi-layer encryption, data loss prevention (DLP) and audit logging. If teams are struggling with inefficient file exchanges, highlight features such as automation and integration with ERP, CRM and cloud storage platforms.
Phasing Out SFTP: Transition Planning
Transitioning from outdated systems like FTP / SFTP servers or ad hoc file-sharing methods requires a clear decommissioning plan. To ensure a smooth transition from SFTP to MFT, organizations should
- Identify legacy SFTP processes and create a migration roadmap »
- Communicate clear timelines for decommissioning old SFTP servers
- Demonstrate early success with pilot groups before full rollout
- Provide user training to highlight ease of use compared to SFTP
By emphasizing early success stories and showcasing MFT’s ease of use compared to SFTP, organizations can drive excitement and adoption.
Measuring Adoption and Success
Tracking adoption is crucial for demonstrating the value of replacing SFTP with MFT. Organizations should establish baseline metrics and continuously measure engagement through
- User adoption rates – Logging number of employees actively using MFT
- User manual activity – Documenting retirement of homegrown scripts and maintenance hours
- File transfer volume – Tracking efficiency gains in business operations
- Security compliance reports – Ensuring adherence to company policies and regulations
- Feedback surveys – Collecting insights from employees on usability and efficiency
Through dashboards and reports, businesses can monitor key performance indicators (KPI) and trends making it easier to showcase ROI.
Visibility & ROI: Monitoring MFT Adoption with Thru’s Reports
The Thru Audit System provides real-time monitoring and comprehensive reports, helping IT teams measure engagement and adoption compared to legacy SFTP usage. The following examples of KPI frameworks can be effortlessly monitored using Thru MFT’s intuitive dashboards, providing clear insights into user adoption and system performance.
Example 1:
Thru File Sharing KPIs – Transaction Log options within Audit & Analysis section
Example 2:
Thru File Sharing KPIs – User Log options within Audit & Analysis section
Example 3:
Thru File Sharing KPIs – Reports in Audit & Analysis section
The Reports dropdown provides access to a selection of predefined reports. These reports are created as needed, typically for recurring use or data aggregation, with various data filters available.
- Activity Dashboard Report
Refine report to display comprehensive file activity data in daily, weekly or monthly intervals. - User Analysis Report
Perform in-depth user analysis using multiple filters and convert into an Excel file for export. - Statistics by Tags
Generate reports on files and folders based on assigned tags.
Go to the File Sharing Administrative Guide to learn more about its auditing features »
Example 4:
Thru Automated File Transfer KPIs – Audit Log screen
The Audit Log offers comprehensive tracking of all user interface changes and system actions. This robust monitoring tool ensures accountability and maintains a detailed record of system modifications, easily refinable with extensive filtering options to match your audit review needs. The audit can be exported in CSV format.
Go to the Thru MFT User Guide to learn more about its auditing features »
Driving Engagement: Build Momentum
Successful MFT adoption requires ongoing engagement:
- Share before-and-after comparisons to showcase MFT’s benefits over SFTP.
- Provide users with quick start guides and best practices.
- Offer training sessions to encourage usage and answer questions.
- Highlight time savings and security improvements to gain executive buy-in.
By focusing on user benefits—less manual effort, better security and automation—businesses can drive adoption and maximize the impact of their SFTP-to-MFT transition. Engagement and adoption are about value. It is critical that the technology team work closely with the end-users to measure and showcase the business value of the new MFT solution. Sustain momentum by highlighting early successes, resolving challenges and consistently reinforcing the benefits of MFT.
Ensuring a Seamless Transition to MFT
Upgrading from SFTP to MFT is more than a technology shift—it’s a transformation in file transfer efficiency, security and scalability. By defining success, prioritizing key features, phasing out SFTP and tracking adoption, businesses can ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of MFT.
Thru: Secure, Scalable and Modern MFT Solutions
Thru empowers businesses to seamlessly transition from legacy SFTP to a modern managed file transfer solution. With a zero-trust security model, automation and real-time monitoring, Thru ensures reliable and efficient file transfers while simplifying IT management. Our intuitive platform enhances collaboration, reduces administrative overhead and provides deep visibility into file movement. By choosing Thru, organizations can confidently modernize their file transfer processes and maximize operational efficiency.
Start your transition from SFTP to MFT with a scheduled consultation »
