From Road Trips to APIs: Tugela People Embrace the Future of Sage People Payroll Integration
Who knew a day’s training at Sage in Newcastle could be so exciting?
When three members of the Tugela People team headed to Sage HQ in Newcastle, they didn’t expect to return quite so energised by APIs, testing tools, and even a few unexpected ‘consumer secrets’.
Louise Connah (our Payroll Bureau and Implementation Manager), Karen Gardener (Senior HRIS Consultant), and Bella O'Brien (HRIS Apprentice) attended a focused, hands-on training session exploring the brand-new Sage People to Sage Payroll API integration, and returned with a wealth of insight, enthusiasm, and a clear sense of momentum.
Between them, they brought a broad cross-section of experience from across Tugela People’s services, including payroll management, HRIS implementation, and managed services. Their reflections made one thing very clear: this integration could be a real game-changer for our clients.
“It’s genuinely got me excited about doing payroll integrations again,” said Karen. “And I don’t say that lightly.”
This new API integration is currently in the early adopter phase, and we’re already working closely with a client to implement it ahead of the general release. Once live, it will be available to both new and existing clients who use Sage People alongside Sage People Payroll, replacing the current Payflow integration method, which has been the go-to solution until now.
Why it matters
As the team explained, Payflow, the current integration method, relies heavily on CSV files, SFTP folders, and manual handling. It’s functional, but fragile. Even minor formatting issues can throw the whole process off.
“Payflow doesn’t always play nicely,” Louise explained. “It works, but there are a lot of blurred lines around what fields can be used. And as payroll professionals, we like clarity. And control!”
The new API-based integration is designed to address those frustrations, enabling a secure, consistent, and automatic data flow from Sage People to Sage Payroll. Crucially, though, it’s not a ‘black box’. It includes a holding area, providing payroll professionals with visibility and control before any information is committed to payroll.
“No payroll person wants data being loaded straight into the system without their say-so,” Karen pointed out. “The holding area is exactly what people have been asking for.”
Louise agreed: “We don’t just want a salary change pushed in. We want to see it. Check it. Validate it. And then we decide when it goes in.”
Why change is required
While Payflow has long been the default for Sage People to Sage Payroll integration, it hasn’t always been the most efficient or scalable option, particularly for growing clients with multiple payrolls and complex data requirements. It relies on multiple CSV files, SFTP folders, and a long list of fields that don’t always align neatly between systems.
“It works, but only because we’ve learned how to make it work,” said Karen. “There are too many places where things can fall over, and it’s different every time depending on the setup. The API gives us a standard, something we can rely on.”
Even something as simple as opening a CSV file to check it can corrupt the formatting or remove leading zeros, which then leads to failed uploads and extra work. Louise explained, “If a client opens the file and it defaults to opening in Excel, it can completely mess up the formatting. We’ve had issues where bank account numbers lose digits or salary fields convert to date formats. And when you’re uploading to payroll, one small mistake can have a big impact.”
That day-to-day complexity has driven the need for something more consistent, scalable, and robust. One that supports growth and flexibility, without starting from scratch each time.
A big shout-out to the Sage People team
It’s worth recognising just how much collaboration has gone into building this new integration. The Sage People product and development teams have clearly taken on board feedback from consultants, partners, and clients alike, building a tool that reflects the day-to-day realities of payroll operations.
Their focus on usability, commitment to listening, and drive to deliver something practical and scalable really stood out on the day and didn’t go unnoticed by our team.
What’s in it for clients?
Plenty. Once released, this new integration will offer:
- Faster processing – no more spreadsheet uploads or formatting tweaks
- Better security – secure key-and-secret setup instead of shared credentials
- Greater consistency – a reliable process, regardless of who’s running it
- Fewer errors – reduced risk from manual steps and corrupted files
- Improved scalability – particularly for clients managing multiple entities
Building our internal expertise
The training day also brought together a great mix of partners from across the UK and provided a collaborative setting to explore and discuss the integration with Sage’s team.
Since returning, Louise, Karen, and Bella have begun developing a detailed internal playbook, creating clear workflows, checklists, and tools that will support both internal knowledge sharing and consistent client delivery.
Karen said, “We’re mapping it out, creating client checklists, and even adding in enhancements on top of Sage’s base guidance.”
This clear, consistent, collaborative approach will:
- Help us test configurations more robustly (thanks, Postman!)
- Enable cross-training between teams.
- Eliminate single-person knowledge dependencies.
- And make sure every client, regardless of who delivers their project, gets the same high standard of service.
Bella’s presence added even more value, helping to broaden her understanding of payroll integration while reinforcing the importance of knowledge-sharing across roles and levels.
“It was a great learning experience,” Louise said, “and a reminder of why it’s so important to share knowledge across the team.”
Behind the scenes: The journey to Newcastle and what made the day memorable
What often gets overlooked in these kinds of deep-dive training days is the journey there; sometimes, that journey itself can set the tone for the experience! For Louise and Karen, their car journeys to Sage HQ in Newcastle were very much part of the story.
Karen’s journey was around four and a half hours, filled with some lively car karaoke to stay sharp on the road. “Singing at full volume definitely helped me stay awake!” she laughed. Louise’s drive was a steady three hours, giving her time to mentally prepare for the busy day ahead.
Once together at Sage, the team finally met the people behind the product, members of the Sage People development and product teams, some of whom joined remotely.
Karen said, “Meeting the Sage team in person was invaluable. They really get the day-to-day challenges we face and were genuinely eager to listen.” Louise agreed: “The atmosphere was electric. We left feeling part of something meaningful and ready to make a difference.”
The day left the team buzzing. Karen summed it up best: “It was absolutely worth the journey, the insights we gained are already making a difference, and I’d definitely do it again.”
Looking ahead
We’re already supporting a client through the early adopter implementation, and it’s clear how much more intuitive and scalable this new approach will be.
When the general release launches, all clients running both Sage People and Sage People Payroll will be able to take full advantage, whether they’re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade from Payflow.
In the meantime, we’ll continue refining our internal approach, supporting our early adopter client, and working closely with Sage to help shape this integration into something that delivers real, lasting value.
Ready to make payroll smarter, faster, and more scalable?
Whether you’re already using Sage People or exploring ways to streamline your HR and payroll processes, this new integration could be the missing piece.
- If you're an existing client and curious about what this could mean for your setup, let's talk.
- If you're new to Sage or exploring HRIS and payroll integration for the first time, we’re here to help you get started.
Get in touch today to explore how the new Sage People to Sage Payroll API integration could transform your payroll process. Reach out to us on +44(0)1908 030360 or info@tugelapeople.com. Alternatively, complete the ‘Get in touch’ form, and a member of our team will be in contact with you.