Creating test cases for defining transfer rules in a Managed File Transfer (MFT) system ensures that your workflows—such as automating file pickups, routing files to specific folders, or triggering alerts—function correctly under various conditions. Below are detailed test cases to validate this process. Each test case includes a description, preconditions, steps, expected results, and potential edge cases to consider.

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Test Case 1: Automate File Pickup from Partner’s Server

Objective: Verify that the MFT system successfully retrieves files from a partner’s server according to the defined schedule or trigger.

• Preconditions:
  • Partner’s server is accessible (e.g., SFTP server with IP, port, and credentials configured).
  • A test file (e.g., testfile.txt) is placed on the partner’s server.
  • Workflow is configured to check the partner’s server every 5 minutes.
• Steps:

• Start the MFT system scheduler.
• Wait for the next scheduled pickup (within 5 minutes).
• Check the MFT system logs or dashboard.

• Expected Result:
  • The file testfile.txt is retrieved from the partner’s server and appears in the designated internal landing folder.
  • Logs show a successful transfer with no errors.
• Edge Cases:
  • File is missing at pickup time → Should log “no files found” and not fail.
  • Partner server is down → Should retry (if configured) and log an error.

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Test Case 2: Route Files to Specific Internal Folders Based on File Name

Objective: Confirm that files are routed to the correct internal folders based on naming conventions or metadata.

• Preconditions:
  • Workflow is set to route files: e.g., files starting with INV_ go to /invoices, and PO_ go to /purchase_orders.
  • Test files INV_001.csv and PO_002.csv are uploaded to the MFT pickup folder.
• Steps:

• Trigger the file pickup or manually upload the test files.
• Wait for the workflow to process the files.
• Check the destination folders /invoices and /purchase_orders.

• Expected Result:
  • INV_001.csv is in /invoices.
  • PO_002.csv is in /purchase_orders.
  • Logs confirm correct routing with no errors.
• Edge Cases:
  • File with no matching prefix (e.g., random.txt) → Should go to a default folder or trigger an error.
  • Duplicate file names → Should append a timestamp or overwrite based on settings.

Test Case 3: Trigger Alerts on Transfer Completion

Objective: Ensure that the system sends a notification (e.g., email or system alert) when a file transfer completes.

• Preconditions:
  • Workflow is configured to send an email to testuser@company.com upon successful transfer.
  • A test file alert_test.txt is ready on the partner’s server or pickup folder.
  • Email server is configured in the MFT system.
• Steps:

• Trigger the file pickup or upload alert_test.txt.
• Wait for the transfer to complete.
• Check the inbox of testuser@company.com.

• Expected Result:
  • An email with details like “Transfer of alert_test.txt completed at [timestamp]” is received.
  • Logs show the alert was sent successfully.
• Edge Cases:
  • Transfer fails → No success alert should be sent; a failure alert (if configured) might trigger instead.
  • Invalid email address → Logs should show an error, but the transfer completes.

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Test Case 4: Handle Large File Transfers

Objective: Verify that the workflow processes large files without errors or interruptions.

• Preconditions:
  • Workflow is set to pick up files and route them to /large_files.
  • A 1GB test file largefile.zip is placed on the partner’s server.
• Steps:

• Trigger the pickup process.
• Monitor the transfer progress and completion.
• Check the /large_files folder.
• Expected Result:
  • largefile.zip is fully transferred to /large_files.
  • No timeouts or partial transfers occur; logs confirm success.

• Edge Cases:
  • Network interruption mid-transfer → Should resume or retry based on settings.
  • File exceeds size limit (if set) → Should reject the file and log an error.

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Test Case 5: Process Multiple Files Simultaneously

Objective: Confirm the workflow can handle multiple files at once without conflicts.

• Preconditions:
  • Workflow is configured to pick up files and route them based on prefixes (e.g., DATA_ to /data).
  • Five test files (DATA_01.txt, DATA_02.txt, etc.) are placed on the partner’s server.
• Steps:

• Trigger the pickup process.
• Wait for all transfers to complete.
• Check the /data folder.

• Expected Result:
  • All five files are transferred to /data.
  • Logs show successful processing of all files with no overlaps or errors.
• Edge Cases:
  • High volume (e.g., 100 files) → Should process all without crashing; may queue if limits apply.
  • Identical file names → Should handle per overwrite or append rules.

Test Case 6: Error Handling for Invalid File Types

Objective: Ensure the workflow rejects or handles files that don’t meet specified criteria (e.g., wrong format).

• Preconditions:
  • Workflow allows only .csv files and routes them to /csv_files; others go to /rejected.
  • Test files valid.csv and invalid.exe are uploaded.

• Steps:

• Trigger the pickup or upload both files.
• Wait for processing.
• Check /csv_files and /rejected folders.

• Expected Result:
  • valid.csv is in /csv_files.
  • invalid.exe is in /rejected.
  • Logs note the rejection of invalid.exe.
• Edge Cases:
  • Corrupted file → Should move to /rejected or quarantine with an error log.
  • No file type specified → Should follow default rules.

Test Case 7: Scheduled Workflow Execution

Objective: Validate that the workflow executes at the scheduled time.

• Preconditions:
  • Workflow is set to run daily at 9:00 AM, picking up files from the partner’s server to /daily.
  • A test file schedule_test.txt is on the partner’s server.
  • System clock is accurate.
• Steps:

• Wait until 9:00 AM (or simulate the time if possible).
• Check the /daily folder and logs after 9:00 AM.

• Expected Result:
  • schedule_test.txt appears in /daily after 9:00 AM.
  • Logs show the workflow ran at the scheduled time.
• Edge Cases:
  • Server offline at 9:00 AM → Should retry or log an error.
  • Multiple schedules overlap → Should execute independently without interference.

General Notes

• Tools: Verify outcomes using the MFT system’s logs, dashboards, or a file explorer.
• Pass/Fail Criteria: A test passes if the expected result matches the actual outcome; fails if errors occur or results deviate.
• Documentation: Record results, including logs or screenshots, for each test to support troubleshooting or audits.

These test cases cover functionality, reliability, and error handling for transfer rules, ensuring your workflows are robust and ready for real-world use. Adjust them based on your specific MFT system’s features or partner requirements.