Marketing Cloud Engagement: Automate Data Extension Backups to SFTP Using Automation Studio (Data Extract and File Transfer)

Considerations

Please verify the following constraints and impacts before implementing this procedure.

• Resource Impact: This backup process consumes system resources. If the issue has low reproducibility, the resource load may outweigh the benefits. It is recommended to implement this only if the issue has a certain level of reproducibility.

• Processing Time and Scheduling: Large data volumes may require significant time for Data Extract and File Transfer, potentially affecting subsequent processes. Create a schedule with ample buffer time, considering future data growth.

Instructions

1. Create a Data Extract Activity

1. Log in to Marketing Cloud Engagement and go to Audience Builder > Contact Builder.

2. Click the target Data Extension on the Data Extensions tab.

3. Copy the External Key value.

4. Go to Journey Builder > Automation Studio.

5. Select the Activities tab and click Create Activity.

6. Select Data Extract and click Next.

7. Configure the Data Extract properties as follows, then click Next:

   Field	Value
   Name	Any descriptive name (e.g., DE Backup - [DE Name])
   File Naming Pattern	DataExtensionName_%%Year%%%%Month%%%%Day%%.csv Example: DEbackup_%%Year%%%%Month%%%%Day%%.csv
   Extract Type	Data Extension Extract

On the Extract Configuration screen, enter the External Key copied in step 3 into the DECustomer Key field, then click Next > Finish.

2. Create a File Transfer Activity

1. On the Activities tab in Automation Studio, click Create Activity.

2. Select File Transfer and click Next.

3. Configure the File Transfer properties as follows, then click Next:

   Field	Value
   Name	Any descriptive name (e.g., FT Backup - [DE Name])
   File Action	Move a File From SafeHouse
   File Naming Pattern	Enter the same pattern used in the Data Extract Activity
   Destination	Marketing Cloud Engagement Enhanced SFTP

4. Click Finish.

3. Configure the Automation

Add the backup activities to the automation (such as Import or Query activities) that populates the target Data Extension.

1. Click the target automation from the Overview tab in Automation Studio.

2. Click Pause > Pause on the Workflow tab.

   • Note: Running automations must be paused before editing.

3. Drag and drop Data Extract and File Transfer from the activity list on the left to the steps immediately following the activity that updates the target Data Extension.

   • Note: Ensure that the Data Extract and File Transfer activities are placed in separate steps (do not place them in the same step).

4. Click Choose on the placed Data Extract and File Transfer activities to select the activities you created.

5. Click Save > Active > Activate in the upper right corner.