WatchDog

WatchDog is a Windows-based on-premise service that monitors local folders for incoming documents, uploads them to the DocBits Cloud for processing, and exports finished documents back to local folders or ERP systems.

Key Features

• Automatic folder monitoring — watches local paths and UNC network paths for new PDFs

• Multi-config support — multiple import/export configurations per instance

• 6 export methods — Local Folder, Infor IDM, Infor BOD, ION API, GLS840MI, REST API

• Auto-Update — automatic version updates with rollback on failure

• Remote management — restart, update, and configure via DocBits UI

Quick Start

1. Download WatchDog

Download WatchDog.exe from Settings → Document Processing → WatchDog → General Tab in the DocBits application.

2. Configure via API Key

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

WatchDog.exe -api YOUR_API_KEY

Note: The API Key is available in your DocBits Settings under the WatchDog General Tab. This connects WatchDog to your DocBits organisation.

3. Install as Windows Service

WatchDog.exe install
WatchDog.exe start

4. Create Configurations in DocBits

All import and export configurations are created directly in the DocBits application:

Settings → Document Processing → WatchDog → Configurations Tab

• Import Configurations — define watch folders and document types

• Export Configurations — define export destinations, XSLT templates, and export methods

Important: Export configurations require a document type (doc_type). Configurations without a document type will be rejected.

5. Auto Start (Optional)

To start WatchDog automatically on boot:

1. Open Services (Win + R → services.msc)

2. Find WatchDog in the list

3. Set Startup Type to Automatic (Delayed Start)

Command Reference

Command	Description
WatchDog.exe -api KEY	Configure API Key and connect to DocBits
WatchDog.exe install	Install as Windows Service
WatchDog.exe start	Start the service
WatchDog.exe stop	Stop the service
WatchDog.exe debug	Run in console mode for troubleshooting
WatchDog.exe --version	Show current version
WatchDog.exe --list-folders	List configured watch folders
WatchDog.exe remove	Uninstall the service

Further Resources

• WatchDog Installation

• WatchDog Configuration

• WatchDog Admin FAQ