Secure and faster file transfer in the field
12/05/2026
In industrial inspection environments, data integrity and reliability are essential. Inspection teams often operate in locations where internet connectivity is limited, inconsistent or unavailable. In these situations, secure and efficient file transfer is critical to maintaining productivity and ensuring confidence in inspection results.
The OmniScan X4 already features an embedded OneDrive solution for exchanging data over an internet connection (via WiFi or Ethernet). This free service enables users to manually synchronise data between the device and Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage.
The MXU 6.4 software upgrade introduces secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) file transfer support for the OmniScan X4 flaw detector, enabling secure and direct data download between the instrument and a computer over a local network. Connections can be established using either an Ethernet cable or local WiFi, without relying on internet access.
The OmniScan X4 flaw detector is widely recognised as a secure and dependable inspection platform. Inspectors rely on it to collect accurate data and customers trust the integrity of the results it produces. Data security is not an afterthought; it is fundamental to maintaining credibility, meeting compliance requirements and protecting sensitive inspection information. By adding SFTP capability, MXU 6.4 strengthens the secure ecosystem surrounding the OmniScan X4 flaw detector.
With MXU 6.4, the password is defined and managed by the user, providing full control over access credentials; there is no risk of losing a default or externally managed password and encrypted communication protects data during transfer over the local network.
In inspection workflows, trust is essential. Secure data handling helps reinforce confidence between inspectors, asset owners and stakeholders.
With MXU 6.4, inspection data can be transferred using SFTP over a dedicated local connection. This approach provides more predictable performance compared to workflows that depend on external internet access or unstable wireless networks.
Once SFTP is configured, file transfers over a local network are significantly faster than using a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive or secure digital (SD) card. This eliminates the need to manually export, physically transport and reimport files.
Unlike USB transfers, which may freeze or fail when a large number of files is selected, SFTP does not impose practical limits on the volume of files transferred. Large datasets can be moved reliably and efficiently.
All file types can be transferred, including set-up file, inspection data, images, reports and other associated files. This ensures complete data retrieval without additional handling steps.
File transfer via SFTP operates in parallel with other instrument activities. The OmniScan X4 flaw detector can continue performing other tasks while files are being transferred. This parallel transfer capability helps maintain workflow continuity and reduces idle time during inspections.
In many phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) inspection scenarios, such as offshore projects where analysts are located in a remote cabin, water tank inspections in which the analyst works from an office while the operator remains in the workshop or onshore pipeline projects where the analyst stays in a vehicle while operators work outside, the operator and analyst are physically separated. As a result, reliable remote data transfer is essential.
PC software also enables automation features that further streamline data management. Automatic transfer can be initiated from the PC to retrieve newly saved data from the instrument; real-time synchronisation of remote folders ensures newly created files are automatically copied and file transfers can be automated and scheduled.
For example, data can be configured to transfer overnight or during scheduled breaks. This allows inspection teams to start the next shift with files already available on their computer or network location.
While wireless transfer methods remain available, performance may vary when internet connectivity is required or when network conditions are inconsistent. By contrast, SFTP over a controlled local connection helps ensure stable, repeatable and high-speed data transfer in the field with features including a resume capability, which enables large files to continue transferring from the point of interruption, eliminating the need to restart the entire transfer after a network interruption, and checksums to verify that each received file matches the original, ensuring data integrity for critical PAUT inspections.
For inspection teams using the OmniScan X4 flaw detector, this enhancement supports operational efficiency while reinforcing data security and customer trust.
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