This allows you to specify the exact name of the file when running the automation. The File Drop Starting Source is an automation activity that allows you to specify the source of the File Drop as either a Scheduled or Manual event. This allows you to control when the data is imported from the Enhanced FTP file.

To set up their automation to import the data from the file on a nightly basis, Northern Trail Outfitters should use two ways to start their automation:

• File Drop Starting Source. This is a trigger that starts an automation when a file is dropped in an Enhanced FTP folder or an external SFTP location.
• Scheduled Starting Source. This is a trigger that starts an automation at a specified date and time or at recurring intervals.

%%BASEFILENAME_FROM_TRIGGER%% and %%BASEFILENAME_FROM_FILEDROP%% are not starting sources, but variables that can be used in file transfer or import activities to reference file names. References: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.mc_as_automation_studio_triggers.htm &type=5

To query Marketing Cloud for send data across SMS, Push, and email, Northern Trail Outfitters should use _Send Data Views. Data Views are system-generated tables that store tracking and system data for different channels and platforms in Marketing Cloud. _Send Data Views contain information about email sends, SMS sends, and push sends across different business units and accounts. References: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.mc_as_data_view_send.htm &type=5

A send log is a data extension that captures information about each email send, such as subscriber key, email name, subject line, and send time. It can also capture custom fields that are populated at send time, such as email address or personalized content. A send log can be used to analyze which email addresses receive which emails and when. References: https://help.salesforce.com/articleView?id=sf.mc_es_send_logging.htm &type=5

To inform NTO’s marketing manager if more than 1,000 records are ever imported through this automation, and prevent the sendable data extension from being updated that day, the consultant should place a Verification Activity between the import and SQL Query activity. A Verification Activity is an activity that allows marketers to verify if certain conditions are met before proceeding with the next activity in an automation. For example, a Verification Activity can check if the number of records in a data extension is above or below a specified threshold, and send an email notification or stop the automation based on the result. References: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.mc_as_verification_activity.htm &type=5

An auto-suppression list populated with the known email addresses can be used to ensure none of these competitors receive their emails. An auto-suppression list is a type of exclusion list that prevents subscribers from receiving certain types of messages based on criteria such as email address, subscriber key, or domain. References: https://help.salesforce.com/articleView?id=sf.mc_es_auto_suppression_lists.htm &type=5

One of the considerations for upgrading Marketing Cloud Connect to Multi-Org is that once an account is upgraded to Multi-Org, it cannot be turned off. This means that the account will permanently have separate integrations for each business unit and Salesforce org, and some features may not work as expected in Multi-Org mode. References: https://help.salesforce.com/articleView?id=sf.mc_co_multi_org_account_considerations.htm &type=5

To use a custom sending domain and maintain deliverability for Cloud Kicks, Northern Trail Outfitters should use a Sender Authentication Package (SAP) for Cloud Kicks. A SAP is a tool that allows marketers to authenticate their emails with their own domain name and branding elements, such as links and images. A SAP also helps improve deliverability by increasing sender reputation and avoiding spam filters.

A new SAP for NTO is not needed, as they already have one for their existing brand. A private domain is not recommended for Cloud Kicks, as it does not provide full authentication or branding benefits as a SAP does. References: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.mc_es_sender_authentication_package.htm &type=5