Answer
Lightning Payroll supports several types of data import. The options available depend on whether you are using the desktop app or the online (web/mobile) app.
Importing Employee Records
You can import employee records from a CSV file. The easiest way to create an import-ready file is to export employees from an existing Lightning Payroll database using Export For Import (CSV), then import them into the new company.
In the desktop app: open the Employee List and use the Import employee data from CSV file button.
In the online (web/mobile) app: go to Employees >> Actions >> Import Employees / Historic Gross CSV.
For full instructions, including the required CSV columns and how to prepare your file, see:
Importing Time and Attendance Data
Lightning Payroll can import time and attendance data from an external CSV or JSON file to create pays. This is useful when you use a third-party rostering or time-tracking system.
In the desktop app: use Import/Manage Time And Attendance Data from the Rosters screen or the Pays screen.
In the online (web/mobile) app: go to Pays >> Import Pay Data (JSON/CSV).
For full instructions on file formats, CSV columns, and the JSON schema, see:
Importing Timeclock and Employee Portal Shifts
If you use the Lightning Payroll timeclock app or the Employee Portal, employees' clocked shifts and timesheet entries are synced automatically. Access these via Import/Manage Shifts on the Pays or Rosters screen (desktop), or the Timeclock/Portal Sync option in the online app.
Entering Year-To-Date Figures From a Previous System
Lightning Payroll does not import payroll history directly from other payroll software. If you are switching mid-year, the recommended approach is to include your employees' year-to-date (YTD) figures directly in the CSV file when you import them (see Importing Employee Records above). The manual per-employee YTD adjustment in the Employees section is only available in the desktop app - it is not available in the online (web/mobile) app.
