Remote Lists

Note: This is an On Demand feature. If you would like more information about this feature, contact your account manager.

Remote lists allow automatic, one way, synchronization of data from a remote source into Adestra, at a specified time. This is useful if you are generating data and want to avoid having to import it into our system, as instead we can integrate with yours.

Remote lists supports HTTP and HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, and Salesforce.

On this page:

• Creating a Remote List
• Updating Contacts
• Remote List Management
• FAQ

Creating a Remote List

There are three stages to completing your Remote List setup: General Information, Remote Connection & Data File and Remote Source Information.

To get started, click 'Create Remote List' for the general information form to be displayed.

General Information Form

This requires the following details to continue:

Step 1: Prove a List Name

Provide a name for your remote list; this is its identifier and should be something memorable.

Step 2: Description

This is optional, but you can provide extra information on its purpose and associations.

Step 3: Owner User

Choose thehe list's owner. It will default to the current user.

Step 4: Select Core Table

Select the core table contacts will be added to.

Step 5: Select Update time

Select the time and timezone for automatic updates.

Step 6: Weekly Updates

If checked your updates will change from daily to weekly.

Step 7: Record History

If checked, additions and removals are tracked. Leaving unchecked will increase speed of updates but disable list activity reports.

Step 8: Tags

Provide list tags that allow for quick navigation and organisation.

Step 9: Inactivity Review

It is best practice to deactivate ongoing scheduled updates, this is so your account and lists run smoothly.

Choose from either 6, 3, or 1 month and if there is no list size change in the chosen period the scheduled update will be deactivated.

Step 10: Save and Next Steps

Click save and you will then be taken to the Remote Source connection form, the next part of your remote list setup.

Remote Source Connection and Data File Form

Step 1: Specify Remote Connection

Specify your remote source. You can either select a connection from the menu, which is already configured or add another.

When creating a new connection you will be asked to configure its details. To see how to do this, refer to our Remote Connection topic.

Step 2: Specify Data File

Provide a file path for your remote list, which will refer to your data (this is contextually aware)

If you are using a Salesforce Remote Connection the button will say: 'Select Campaign'. This is so you can import your Salesforce Campaign Members into Adestra.

Step 3: Choose Remote Source Owner

This will default to the current user.

Step 4: Save and Next Steps

Click save and you will then be taken to the next stage where you can map your data fields.

Remote Source Information

Upon saving the connection you will be taken to the Remote Source Information tab.

Step 1: Choose Field Separator

Choose the character that separates the fields. This defaults to Comma.

Step 2: Choose Dedupe Field

You must apply a dedupe field from this section to save. We recommend email.

This option may be locked to a default by your account preferences. In this case, the field is not available for selection.

Step 3: Field Mapping

Complete the field mapping. Guess matching should have already taken place if possible, any further empty fields wanted within the remote list should be mapped here.

Step 4: Save and Next Steps

Upon saving you will be taken to the Remote Source Tab Overview, showing the general information for the Remote Source.

You can now use your remote list.

Updating Contacts

After setting the remote source information you are able to update the list manually by clicking 'Update' from the overview, this will show a progression bar and also give you an estimated completion time.

Remote List Management

Tabs

Remote Lists have their own tab, called the Remote Source tab.

Remote Source

Under the remote source tab there are three further tabs.

• Overview: details the connection, path and owner.
• Settings: here you can change the connection or create a new one, change the path and owner.
• Remote Source Information: here you can change the field separator, dedupe field and how columns are mapped.

The administrative actions differ slightly with a Remote List. The available options are defined in the Lists topic.

Incomplete Remote Source Notification

Without completing the set up of a remote source you will be unable to use a remote list with it. If a remote source's setup is incomplete a notification will warn of this on the overview page.

List Expiry Warning

If you schedule your Dynamic List updates you will be asked to input an inactivity period (mentioned above).

If your list is soon to be deactivated you will see the following warning when you are within the Data tab.

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FAQ

Why am I getting an Unsub List Warning

Because Remote lists are an integration to data outside of Adestra contacts cannot be removed from them. This means that users who click an unsub link in an email will still receive content. An associated unsubscribe list solves this by suppressing the contact at launch.

Why am I getting duplicate records?

If you have multiple lists to set up to retrieve the same file at the same time, this can cause duplicates by forming a race condition. To prevent this from happening you can schedule your list updates at different times.