>Accessing the CSV file is handled in the following way:
>
>if file(\\UPS\*.csv)
>use the UPS machine csv file
>else
>use the Server csv file
>endif
>
>This does the job. However there is a significant delay returning the file() value if the UPS machine has been shut down.
>
>Is there a more efficient way to do this?

Sounds like the delay is waiting for the timeout of the server not responding to the file request. You might try using the ADIR function instead of the FILE function:

IF ADIR(laFile,"\\UPS\*.csv") > 0
  *-*  UPS available
ELSE
  *-*  Server file
ENDIF