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Understanding Relative Locations in SFMC FTP

Relative locations in SFMC FTP import activities are relative to the FTP user’s home directory. When an FTP user is created in a child business unit, the relative locations for import activities in that business unit will be relative to the child business unit’s FTP directory, not the parent business unit’s FTP directory.

The root cause of the issue is the change in the relative location’s reference point when an FTP user is created in a child business unit. This change affects all import activities in the child business unit that use relative locations.

To fix the issue, teams need to update the import activities to use either absolute locations or relative locations that point to the correct FTP directory.

Step-by-Step Solution

Here are the steps to fix the broken relative locations:

1. Identify the import activities that are affected by the change in the relative location.
2. Update the import activities to use absolute locations or relative locations that point to the correct FTP directory.
3. Test the updated import activities to ensure they are working correctly.

Best Practices for Using Relative Locations in SFMC FTP

To avoid similar issues in the future, teams should use absolute locations for import activities or ensure that relative locations are updated when FTP users are created in child business units.

Checklist for Using Relative Locations in SFMC FTP

• Use absolute locations for import activities whenever possible.
• Ensure that relative locations are updated when FTP users are created in child business units.
• Test import activities after updating relative locations.
• Document the relative locations used in import activities.
• Establish a process for reviewing and updating relative locations regularly.

What is the difference between absolute and relative locations in SFMC FTP?

Absolute locations are full paths to a file or directory, while relative locations are paths relative to the FTP user’s home directory.

How do I update the relative location for an import activity in SFMC?

To update the relative location for an import activity, go to the import activity settings and update the file location to use either an absolute location or a relative location that points to the correct FTP directory.

What are the best practices for using relative locations in SFMC FTP?

Best practices include using absolute locations whenever possible, ensuring that relative locations are updated when FTP users are created in child business units, and testing import activities after updating relative locations.

How do I avoid issues with relative locations when creating FTP users in child business units?

To avoid issues, ensure that relative locations are updated when FTP users are created in child business units, and establish a process for reviewing and updating relative locations regularly.