Metadata can direct RoboFlow to rename files, making directives clear.

Automated asset and metadata processing, folder/catalog synchronization and more

Canto has announced the immediate availability of Canto Roboflow, an add-on product that enhances Canto Cumulus with “watch folder” auto-cataloging and catalog synchronization, and scriptable asset and metadata processing.

Among the product’s features is the ability to synchronize Cumulus catalogs with file folders and ftp sites. This enables users to work with files directly, without needing to manually update Cumulus or even have Cumulus accounts. Likewise, when asset records are renamed, moved or deleted from inside Cumulus, RoboFlow updates their corresponding folders accordingly.

RoboFlow can be configured to ignore certain file types or specific folders, ensuring Cumulus catalogs remain clutter free. In addition, file naming conventions can be used to direct RoboFlow on the fly. This enables users to add “temp” or other flags to the names of files that aren’t ready to be cataloged. RoboFlow uses file names to determine file destinations and processing options too, so “.mov” files can always be added to a video catalog, and the files of one customer can be kept out of the catalog of another.

RoboFlow also manages scheduled metadata and asset imports and exports. External systems can refresh metadata inside Cumulus, and Cumulus can export assets to external software, like content management systems. Specific output formats, file names and locations can be defined.

Users can be sent customizable status updates at any production stage. Links to relevant assets are included, which helps keep production and approval workflows in motion.

More information: http://canto.com/roboflow

More Cumulus add-ons can be found in the Canto Marketplace: http://canto.com/marketplace