With regards to any data integration, I can define how we work. With reference to third party applications, I can provide you with general integration principles and parameters. So, generally speaking, the mainstream ways that applications pass data is using XML. Flatfile (like csv) SQL Scripts (DTS – Very Old way of doing things). Passing of information can be done on a routine basis, e.g. export/import based on the time, and selected data.
I can relate this to a Recruitment to Payroll. When new employee is employed and they become status = employee, on change of status, send these fields to Payroll: First Name, Surname, Job Title, Start Date, DOB, Address Details. If the third party application sits in-house, and the product has import/export facility (or ODBC) it’s simple to send this data and also receive data back if required (note: customers need to speak with their payroll providers about ability to import and export in the application if question does not utilise ODBC).
In a hosted Environment, because we cannot have access to the application/database, we are more restricted by the capabilities of the provider and their service/application. In a Hosted environment, we would usually use XML, but can also provide CSV integration (Middleware). Once again, the outsourced provider/application host would need to let you know how they can send and receive data in an Automated way.
A hosted Preceda solution would have (XML integration ability) to allow for data to be sent and received. Their In-house solution would have the ability to send and receive data (though you will need to check with them to see if you need to purchase this module separately or if it is already included). Their Bureau service, I am not sure. It may be that they can receive data in XLS and also send back in XLS. Bureau services are usually less able to automate sending and receiving data automatically and thus resort to manual processes.
They key message here to summarise is that, because Subscribe-HR has been designed specifically to be very good at communicating with other systems, we can cater well for any scenario though we are restricted by the ability of other applications to reciprocate.
