This article lists best practices when importing your data from your HR system(s) to Jostle via SFTP.
If you need help, please email us at support@jostle.me.
Using private and public keys
If your HR/payroll system needs its own key, you still must have another key to connect to the SFTP account. It is required so you can connect and set up the configuration.
Do not share private keys with us. Share private keys with your IT department so they can log in at any time.
Setup to be notified of failures
We recommend setting up the alerts in the config/setup.txt file, it will notify you if the imports are failing.
Import tips
If users have Employee IDs, use the EmployeeID field as identifier to create and update users. This will allow you to update usernames when needed (for example, a user gets married and changes their name). With EmployeeID use this import file: jostleContributorsById<>.csv.
If you’re planning to use SFTP to create/update users AND Charts. Do it in two different import files, one for user import and one for Chart import.
Order of import
This is the order we recommend when sending the files:
- Delete user import
- User import
- Chart import
Deleting users
Note: Once an account is deleted it cannot be recovered.
Even when you can delete users using an import file (deleteContributors<>.csv). We recommend suspending/disabling the account and then manually deleting them in Jostle. This allows you to confirm the deletion. To suspend/disable an account just include the "AccountState" column in the Contributor Import file.
Frequency
Even when you decide the frequency we recommend running your files out of business hours. Specially if you have over 100 users.
Using multiple sources
You can use SFTP to update your data from different sources. Keep in mind that the last import will override what the previous one already sent.
Testing configurations
Before you automate the imports we recommend testing everything with test/fake accounts before using real data. First try uploading your candidate import file manually and then test it via SFTP. This will help you understand the process and become familiar with it.
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