Is it possible to update or insert custom object records outside of a custom workspace?

Summary

Looking for a simple way to automate creations or updates of records defined in a custom object.

Content

Hello all you OSvC gurus out there,

I have defined a custom object and I'm looking for a way to automate the creation and/or update of the records in the CO.  The data is to be updated based on some processing of data from an external source.  Currently, I have an external process that creates a csv file that I then import manually.  I'd like to automate that process.  There does not appear to be any API functionality for adding or saving a custom object record.  Am I missing something?  Is there a way to automate the import process?