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Setting Up SFTP Automation

SFTP Automation lets your organization set up an automated, recurring import of employee data into AirMason over SFTP, no call to book, no manual help needed from our team.

Before you start

Do you have access to this feature?

SFTP Automation is currently rolling out to select organizations. If it's enabled for your org, you'll see the self-serve setup wizard described below.


If it's not yet enabled, the SFTP tile on your Integrations page will show "Request integration" and link you to a booking page instead of the wizard. If that's what you see, just click through to schedule time with our team and we'll get you set up.

Who can set this up?

Collaborators with the appropriate permissions, typically Owner, Integration Admin, or Configuration Admin.

Some steps require server access (like whitelisting IPs or uploading a PGP key). If that's handled by a technical colleague, you'll see a "Send to coworker" option throughout the wizard so you can hand off just those steps.

How to access SFTP Automation

  1. Go to Integrations.

  2. Click the SFTP tile.

    • If you're already connected, this opens "Your SFTP" — your management and overview screen.

    • If you're not connected yet, this launches the setup wizard.

Setting up SFTP: the 5-step wizard

Step 1: Confirm your SFTP settings

Enter your current HRIS (for example, BambooHR, ADP, or Workday).

You'll also see two optional settings:

  • Enable PGP encryption — turn this on if your organization requires encrypted files. (Optional.)

  • Use your own SSH key — provide your own key if you'd prefer. If you leave this off, AirMason will generate a username and password for you. (Optional.)

Step 2: Save your connection details

AirMason will display your Host, Port, Username, and Password (or note that an SSH key is in use).

Copy these somewhere secure right away. The password is shown only once. If you lose it, you'll need to regenerate your credentials.

⚠️ Store your credentials in a secure location before continuing.

If you enabled PGP encryption in Step 1, you'll see an extra prompt here to download the PGP public key, upload it to your SFTP server, and then confirm before moving on.


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Step 3: Whitelist your IP addresses

Add the IP address(es) allowed to connect to AirMason.

  • You can enter a single IP address or a /24 CIDR range.

  • At least one IP address is required to continue.

  • Enter the address and click Add.


Step 4: Validate your upload

Select the file (or up to 5 files) you want to import, then validate it.

  • Need a starting point? Download the employee sample template to see the expected format. (Insert sample file link here.)

  • If you're importing multiple files, they must all share the same header row.

  • After validation, you may see errors or warnings:

    • Errors must be fixed before the file can sync.

    • Warnings flag potential issues but won't block the sync.

Step 5: Select a sync time

Choose the time of day for your daily sync. Times are shown in Eastern Time.

Then click Save & Finish.

Managing an existing connection ("Your SFTP")

Once you're set up, clicking the SFTP tile opens your "Your SFTP" management screen. From here you can:

  • Enable or disable the sync.

  • View connection details and reveal the password (you'll need to re-enter your account password to do this).

  • Edit your selected file(s), daily sync time, and whitelisted IPs.

  • Request or download the PGP key.

  • Check the "Last run" timestamp to confirm your most recent sync.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

I don't see my file when AirMason tries to sync.

Confirm your IP address is still whitelisted (Step 3), and if you're using PGP encryption, make sure the current PGP public key is uploaded to your SFTP server.

My file failed validation.

Review the validation errors on Step 4. Errors must be resolved before the file will sync; warnings won't block it. Compare your file against the sample template to check your headers and formatting.

Connection refused.

This usually means the connecting IP address isn't whitelisted. Add it under Step 3 (or the "Your SFTP" screen) and try again.

I lost my password.

The password is only displayed once during setup. If you didn't save it, you'll need to regenerate your credentials from the "Your SFTP" screen.

Note: The sync time is currently displayed in Eastern Time.

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