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.

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.

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Summary:

• Supported Protocols: SFTP, FTP (with or without PGP), Amazon S3.

• Not Supported Protocols: FTPS, SCP, WebDAV.