How to automate imports and download reports in Jostle – Support Center

System Admins can can create, update, delete, and pull reports on user data using our SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) site. This saves them the task of logging into Jostle to run import files and allow them to automate/schedule a task in their server to run user imports/deletions into the Jostle platform.

Overview

Here're the steps to use the SFTP site:

Generate public and private keys to access the SFTP folders
Contact Jostle so we can configure a SFTP account for you.
Send the public key via File transfer
Allow time for Jostle to then setup your account
Complete setup after receiving an email confirmation from Jostle.
Access the SFTP server, update the contents of the "setup.txt" file and then begin testing.

Setup & Use

The main steps of this process are explained in further detail below, with links to the appropriate articles for further information and/or instructions.

Initial setup

SFTP works by having a client (on your side) send files to a secure server (managed by Jostle). The client may be built into a tool like your HRIS system, or it could be a standalone client you run on your computer. During the setup phase it can be useful to have a local client. For information on how to get setup with some example client packages, see: SFTP: Setup (Window/macOS).

Configuration

Once the SFTP account has been created and you have accessed it, there is a small amount of configuration that you need to do on the server side in order to use your SFTP instance. How to do this can be found in SFTP: General setup.

File naming, importing data and downloading reports

The name of the files will tell Jostle what type of action you are triggering and you’ll need to prepare CSV files in the format that Jostle is expecting. Many of these are the same as the files you may have uploaded in the initial stages of setting up your platform. For more information go to SFTP: Files and folder structure/Creating your input file.

Scripting/Automation

Notes on scripting and automation and how to import data from HR systems can be found in
SFTP: Scripting and Automation/ Importing data from your HR systems.