# Automating Payroll File Transfers (FTP/SFTP)

### **Automating Payroll File Transfers with flaik**

To streamline your payroll process, flaik offers automatic file transfers via **FTP** or **SFTP**. This eliminates the need for manual file exports, reduces errors, and secures your payroll data.

### **How It Works**

1. **Before 10 PM**: Finalize payroll data in flaik.
2. **After 10 PM**:
   * Flaik generates a payroll file with all finalized data.
   * The file is sent to the payroll provider’s server via FTP/SFTP.
3. **Payroll Provider Action**: Ingest the file into your system to update timecards.

### **Setup Checklist**

To set up automatic payroll file transfers, follow these steps:

1. **Coordinate with Your Payroll Provider**:
   * Confirm that they can accept `.csv` files via **FTP** or **SFTP**.
   * Verify the current file format will work.
   * Confirm their system can automatically upload the transferred data.
   * Check for the possibility on their end of error logging or notifications in case of issues.
2. **Request an FTP/SFTP Account**:
   * Ask your payroll provider to set up an FTP/SFTP server and provide account details.
   * Inquire about fees, if applicable.
3. **Share FTP/SFTP Details with flaik**:
   * Send the credentials to flaik securely. For added security, share passwords through a secure channel.

### **Cheat Sheet for Payroll Providers**

Use this quick guide to communicate setup requirements:

**We’d like to set up an automated payroll file transfer using flaik. Please confirm the following:**

1. Can your system accept `.csv` payroll files via **FTP** or **SFTP**?
2. Do you support the current file format we’re using?
3. Can your system automatically ingest the data upon transfer?
4. Is error logging/notification available if file imports fail?
5. Is there additional fees to set this up?

**If possible, please provide the following information to our partner (flaik):**

* FTP/SFTP Server Address (URL or IP)
* Port Number (FTP: 21, SFTP: 22)
* Username & Password for the account
* Remote Directory Path (if applicable)
* Specify if PGP Encryption is needed, and include the Public Key if required

### **Information Needed from Your Payroll Provider**

| **Field**            | **Description**                          | **Notes**                                          |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **FTP Server**       | URL or IP address of the FTP/SFTP server | Do not include protocol prefixes (e.g., `ftp://`). |
| **FTP Port**         | The port number for the server           | Default ports: FTP (21), SFTP (22).                |
| **FTP Username**     | Username for the FTP/SFTP account        | Ensure this is secure and unique.                  |
| **FTP Password**     | Password for the account                 | Share via a secure method.                         |
| **File Name**        | Name of the payroll file                 | Leave blank if not applicable.                     |
| **Remote Directory** | Directory path on the server             | Exclude leading backslashes.                       |
| **SFTP**             | Specify if using SFTP                    | More secure option than FTP.                       |
| **PGP Encryption**   | Indicate if PGP encryption is required   | Highly recommended for FTP transfers.              |
| **PGP Public Key**   | Public encryption key, if applicable     | Needed only if using PGP encryption.               |

<figure><img src="/files/Sw19GxSAtuzFVb3M78Pb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Protocols Supported

Here’s a table summarizing the protocols flaik supports with or without PGP, based on your provided information:

| **Protocol**  | **Supported by flaik?**  | **Supports PGP?**   | **Notes**                                                      |
| ------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **SFTP**      | ✅ Yes                    | ✅ Yes               | Secure protocol with SSH-based encryption. PGP is optional.    |
| **FTP**       | ✅ Yes                    | ✅ Yes (recommended) | Legacy protocol; use PGP for encryption since FTP is insecure. |
| **FTPS**      | ❌ No                     | ❌ Not applicable    | Not supported by flaik.                                        |
| **SCP**       | ❌ No                     | ❌ Not applicable    | Similar to SFTP, but flaik does not support it.                |
| **WebDAV**    | ❌ No                     | ❌ Not applicable    | Not supported by flaik.                                        |
| **Amazon S3** | Not in the base product. |                     | Available with custom fees.                                    |

***

#### Summary:

* **Supported Protocols**: SFTP, FTP (with or without PGP), Amazon S3.
* **Not Supported Protocols**: FTPS, SCP, WebDAV.


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