HRIS Integration

Learn how to integrate the Shifts platform with your Human Resources Information System (HRIS) using API connections, webhooks, and data exports to streamline workforce management and eliminate duplicate data entry.

Overview

The Shifts platform provides multiple methods to integrate with your existing Human Resources Information System (HRIS), allowing you to synchronize employee data, attendance records, and scheduling information. This integration eliminates duplicate data entry, ensures consistency across systems, and streamlines your workforce management processes.

Integration Methods

The Shifts platform offers three primary methods of integration with HRIS systems:

1. API Integration

Direct, programmatic access to Shifts data using our secure REST API:

• Secure Authentication: API tokens with granular permissions
• Real-time Access: Immediate access to current data
• Comprehensive Endpoints: Access to employees, schedules, attendance records, and more
• JSON Format: Standard data format compatible with most systems

2. Webhook Notifications

Real-time notifications sent to your HRIS system when events occur in Shifts:

• Event-Based: Notifications triggered by specific actions (check-ins, schedule changes, etc.)
• Secure Delivery: HMAC signature verification for security
• Configurable Events: Subscribe to only the events you need
• Automatic Retry: Built-in retry mechanism for failed deliveries

3. Data Exports

Scheduled or on-demand data exports for manual or automated import into your HRIS:

• CSV Format: Compatible with most HRIS import tools
• Customizable Fields: Select the data you need
• Scheduled Exports: Set up regular, automated exports
• Historical Data: Access to historical records

Compatible HRIS Systems

The Shifts platform can integrate with most modern HRIS systems, including but not limited to:

• ADP Workforce Now
• Workday
• BambooHR
• Gusto
• Paychex Flex
• QuickBooks Payroll
• UKG Pro (formerly UltiPro)
• Paylocity
• SAP SuccessFactors
• Oracle HCM Cloud

Setting Up API Integration

To integrate using the API:

1. Navigate to Admin Settings > API Tokens
2. Click Create New Token
3. Provide a descriptive name for the token
4. Select the appropriate permissions for HRIS integration
5. Set an expiration date (optional)
6. Click Generate Token
7. Copy and securely store the generated token
8. Use the token in API requests with the Authorization: Bearer <token> header

Key API Endpoints for HRIS Integration

• /api/v1/employees - Employee data
• /api/v1/attendance_records - Time and attendance data
• /api/v1/shifts - Scheduled shifts
• /api/v1/leave_requests - Time-off requests and approvals

Configuring Webhooks

To set up webhook notifications:

1. Go to Admin Settings > Integrations > Webhooks
2. Click Add New Webhook
3. Enter the URL where your HRIS can receive notifications
4. Select the events to trigger notifications (e.g., attendance.check_in, shift.created)
5. Copy the generated secret key to validate incoming webhooks
6. Test the webhook using the Send Test Event button
7. Implement signature verification in your receiving system using the secret key

Important Webhook Events for HRIS

• attendance.check_in - Employee clocks in
• attendance.check_out - Employee clocks out
• leave_request.approved - Time-off request approved
• shift_assignment.created - Employee assigned to shift
• shift_assignment.cancelled - Employee removed from shift

Setting Up Data Exports

For data export integration:

1. Navigate to Reports > Exports
2. Select the export type (Employees, Attendance, Shifts, etc.)
3. Configure the date range and filters
4. Select the export format (CSV recommended for HRIS)
5. Choose one-time export or set up a schedule
6. Click Generate Export
7. Download the file or configure SFTP delivery (if available)

Best Practices for HRIS Integration

1. Start Small: Begin with one-way data export before implementing real-time integration
2. Maintain ID Mapping: Create a mapping between Shifts user IDs and HRIS employee IDs
3. Use Webhooks Judiciously: Subscribe only to events relevant to your HRIS
4. Test Thoroughly: Validate data in a test environment before production implementation
5. Monitor API Usage: Review API token usage to ensure efficient integration
6. Set Up Alerts: Configure notification of integration failures
7. Document Your Integration: Keep detailed documentation of your integration design

Troubleshooting Common Integration Issues

• Authentication Errors: Verify API token is valid and has appropriate permissions
• Webhook Delivery Failures: Check URL is accessible and correctly processes payloads
• Data Synchronization Issues: Verify ID mapping between systems is correct
• Rate Limiting: Ensure API calls are efficiently batched to avoid limits
• Missing Data: Check that export filters or API query parameters are correctly configured

Getting Support for Integration

For assistance with HRIS integration:

1. Contact your Shifts account representative
2. Submit a support ticket through the Admin Dashboard
3. Consult our API documentation at /api/documentation
4. Check API status and known issues on our status page

Related Resources

• Payroll Integration
• API Tokens
• Exporting Reports
• Webhook Notifications

This article should be updated when:

1. New integration methods are added
2. API endpoints change or new endpoints are added
3. Additional HRIS systems become officially supported
4. Webhook event types are modified
5. Export formats or options change