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How to Import a CSV from your HRIS

Upload employee data to Opus quickly using a CSV file from your HRIS or payroll system.

Ben Brunken avatar
Written by Ben Brunken
Updated yesterday

HRIS stands for Human Resources Information System. It's the system where you keep employee information like names, roles, and contact details. You might also call it your payroll system, HR software, or employee management system.

Uploading a CSV keeps your employee data in Opus accurate and up-to-date without manual entry. This helps you:

  • Get employees set up faster: Bring in multiple employees at once instead of adding them one by one

  • Keep data accurate: Import directly from your HRIS to avoid typos and errors

  • Assign training automatically: Once employees are in Opus, they can be assigned training based on their role

  • Track who's active: Employees with past termination dates get deactivated automatically

Use the CSV upload option when your HRIS isn't integrated with Opus or when you need to do a one-time bulk upload of employee data.

Before You Start

Make sure you have a CSV file ready from your HRIS with the right information. The CSV should include these columns:

  • Name

  • Phone Number

  • ID

  • Termination Date

  • Optional: Role

  • Optional: Location

💡 Your CSV column headers don't need to match Opus field names exactly. You'll be able to match them up during the upload process.

How to Upload Your CSV

1. In your Dashboard, head to Settings > HRIS

2. Prepare your CSV file

  • Ensure your export from your HRIS is complete.

  • Make sure column headers are clearly titled — you’ll match them to Opus fields during import.

    • Required fields: Name, Phone Number, ID, Termination Date

    • Optional fields: Role, Location

3. Upload your CSV

  • In the top-right corner, click Upload CSV.

  • Once uploaded, match each column in your CSV to the correct employee field in Opus.

    • Note: Column headers do not need to match Opus fields exactly — mapping is flexible.

4. Verify active employees

  • Review the list of active employees.

  • Any employee with a past termination date will be automatically deactivated in Opus.

5. Apply and confirm

  • Click Apply to confirm the import summary.

  • After confirmation, you’ll see which active employees from your HRIS haven’t been invited to Opus yet.

💡 When to Upload: Upload a new CSV whenever you have lots of employee changes (like during hiring sprees or seasonal staffing), or set up a regular schedule like monthly uploads.

Regular uploads keep your Opus data in sync with your HRIS, so employees always have the right training assigned and deactivated employees don't clutter your system.

FAQ

What if my CSV column names don't match Opus exactly?

That's totally fine! During the upload, you'll match your columns to Opus fields. The names don't have to be the same.

What are the required fields for CSV upload?

You need Name, Phone Number, ID, and Termination Date. Role and Location are optional.

What happens to employees who already left the company?

Anyone with a past termination date in your CSV will be automatically deactivated in Opus. They won't show up in your active employee list.

Can I upload a CSV if my HRIS is already connected?

CSV upload is best when you don't have an integration in place. Contact your Customer Success Manager to review your best option!

What happens after I upload the CSV?

You'll see which active employees from your HRIS haven't been invited to Opus yet. You can then invite them to download the app and start training.

Do I need to upload a new CSV every time someone is hired or leaves?

If you're using CSV uploads instead of an HRIS integration, yes. You'll need to upload an updated CSV whenever employee data changes. That's why an HRIS integration is recommended—it updates automatically.

What if I make a mistake during the upload?

You can upload a new CSV file to correct any errors. The new file will update the employee information in Opus.

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