Trigger Automator App Remotely?

Question

I've got a simple file server on my LAN (no remote access) that syncs daily with an FTP server via an iCal event/Automator workflow. On occasion I'd like to 'force a sync' remotely from either a Mac or PC. Is it possible to trigger my 'sync app' via email or web page?
The file server on my LAN has it's own email account using Mail. My hope is to have either an Apple Script or Automator workflow that checks for email with a specified keyword, then if true, runs my 'sync app'.
Is this the best approach? Is remote triggering even possible?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Since you're using Mail, you might be able to have Mail do it.
You can set up a rule in Mail in its preferences to match an email with unique characteristics, such as certain content or a certain subject exactly. You might want to add a few conditions and "match all" to make sure you don't accidentally match something else.
Anyways, you choose to have the rule run an AppleScript. I haven't tested it by referencing an Automator workflow, but it might work. You might try a quick test first with a simple workflow.
You'd have to be logged in and have Mail automatically check for email, perhaps every minute or every five minutes. If you don't want to be logged in, likely you'll need to use a web page, like you suggested. I'm not sure what you need to do for that to work.