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Simplifying Cloud File Management: Meet the ACG SaaS Uploader

If you work with IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) in the cloud, you know that managing files can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. Whether you're uploading large reports, organizing data across multiple folders, or simply trying to keep your workspace tidy, the process can be time-consuming and repetitive. 

That's where the ACG SaaS Uploader comes in. It is a practical command-line tool designed to make your file management tasks easier and more secure. 
 
 

Filling a Gap 

If you've recently moved from Planning Analytics On Cloud to Planning Analytics SaaS, you may have noticed something missing: SFTP access. The On Cloud version included SFTP functionality that made it easy to transfer files programmatically and automate file management workflows. Unfortunately, PA SaaS doesn't include this feature, leaving many users without their familiar automation tools. 

The ACG SaaS Uploader was created specifically to fill this gap. 
 
 

What Does It Do? 

At its core, the ACG SaaS Uploader is a specialized utility that helps you move files between your local computer and your TM1 cloud environment, essentially restoring the file transfer capabilities you may have lost in the transition to SaaS. Think of it as a bridge that connects your desktop to the cloud, with some features built in to save you time and headaches. 

Here's what makes it useful: 

  • Upload Files with Ease: Send files from your computer to TM1 with a simple command. No need to navigate through multiple screens or deal with slow web interfaces. 
  • Download Files Quickly: Pull files back down to your local machine just as easily, whether it's for backup, analysis, or sharing with colleagues. 
  • Organize Automatically: Create folder structures on the fly, including nested folders (like "Reports/2024/Q1"), so you can keep everything organized without manual clicking. 
  • Smart Compression: The tool can compress files during transfer to speed things up, or store them compressed in the cloud to save space. 
 

Why Should You Care? 

If you're working with data and reports regularly, you're probably dealing with some common frustrations. If your internet connection isn't very fast, uploading a 50MB report might feel like watching paint dry. Or perhaps you're managing dozens of files across different folders and losing track of where everything lives. If you previously relied on SFTP scripts to automate your file transfers, migrating to PA SaaS has taken you back to manual processes. 

The ACG SaaS Uploader tackles these pain points head-on. By compressing files during transfer, you can cut upload times significantly, sometimes by more than half. And with its ability to create nested folder structures in one command, you can organize files the way you actually think about them, not the way a web interface forces you to. Most importantly, because it's a command-line tool, you can integrate it into your existing automation scripts and scheduled tasks, restoring the workflow automation that SFTP previously provided. 
 
 

Security First 

In today's world, data security is essential, not optional. The ACG SaaS Uploader takes this seriously by including built-in encryption features for your credentials. Your API keys and tenant information are encrypted using industry-standard methods, keeping your access secure even if someone gets their hands on your configuration files. 
 
 

Who Is This For? 

This tool is perfect if you: 

  • Recently migrated from Planning Analytics On Cloud to PA SaaS and miss SFTP functionality 
  • Need to automate file transfers as part of scheduled processes or workflows 
  • Regularly upload reports, data files, or documents to TM1 
  • Work with large files that take forever to upload 
  • Need better control and organization of your cloud files 
  • Value security and want your credentials protected 
  • Are comfortable using a command line (or willing to learn) 
 

How It Works: A Simple Example 

Let's say you have a large quarterly report that needs to go into a specific folder structure in TM1. Instead of opening a browser, navigating through folders, waiting for pages to load, and then uploading the file, you can simply type: 

ACG_SaaS_Uploader upload quarterly_report.csv "Reports/2024/Q1" --compress-transfer 

The tool creates the folder structure if it doesn't exist, compresses the file for faster transfer, uploads it, and confirms when the upload is completed. 
 
 

The Bottom Line 

The ACG SaaS Uploader isn't trying to revolutionize cloud computing or replace existing systems. It's a straightforward tool that makes file management with TM1 easier and more efficient. 

For teams that work with data regularly, small improvements in everyday tasks add up quickly. Saving a few minutes here and there on uploads and downloads can mean hours saved over the course of a month. And when those files are automatically organized and securely managed, you're freeing up mental energy for the work that actually matters. 

Whether you're a data analyst who lives in spreadsheets, a finance professional managing monthly reports, or a system administrator keeping everything running smoothly, having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. 

Sometimes the best solutions aren't flashy but practical. Tools that help you get your work done with less friction. The ACG SaaS Uploader is exactly that kind of tool. 
 
 

Getting Started 

Ready to streamline your PA SaaS file management? The ACG SaaS Uploader is open source and completely free. Both the source code and ready-to-use bundled executables are available on GitHub: 

Source Code: https://github.com/ACG-Code/ACG-PASaaS-Uploader.git 

Bundled Executable: https://github.com/ACG-Code/ACG-PASaaS-Uploader/tree/V2.0.0.9/dist 

Whether you prefer to run the tool from source code or use the pre-built executable for your platform, you have options. The repository includes complete documentation, setup instructions, and examples to help you get up and running quickly. No licensing fees or registration required— just download and start using it. 

The ACG SaaS Uploader is a Python-based utility that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It requires Python 3.7 or higher and uses standard libraries for secure operation.