Shoabe Shariff

We’re excited to share a new feature in the Finch API, called Request Forwarding. 

Request Forwarding enables Finch developers to make direct requests to employment systems, and access any functionality that is natively supported by a provider’s API. Even those outside of the scope of our standardized data models.

With Request Forwarding, you get the benefits of direct integrations with employment systems like Bob, Personio, Gusto, UKG Pro, and more. Data is requested and returned in the provider’s native format, giving you greater flexibility to access unique data in these systems. This also means you can exercise any functionality, read or write, that is supported by their public APIs. 

How it Works

Standard Finch API Request

Each of Finch’s 200+ integrations is built to our standardized data model. This data model helps unify the information coming in from each employment system so that developers aren’t required to manage nuances between providers.

When a developer sends a standard request to the Finch API, it goes through two key steps before reaching the data: data transformation and authentication. The data transformation process converts the request from our standardized data model to that of the system where data is stored. The authentication step then confirms that the employer has the correct permissions to access the data requested. Once the data is retrieved, it then moves back through the transformation layer to be returned in the expected format. This whole process ensures developers get a consistent request and response structure to work with, regardless of the system you’re extracting data from.

Finch Request Forwarding

Now, developers have the option to bypass the data transformation step and retrieve data in the original format of the provider. With the raw data exposed by an integration, the data mapping is completely in your control. 

Finch enables this by leveraging an employer’s existing secure connection with the provider that was established via Finch Connect, forwards the request to the provider, and then forwards the provider’s response back to your application. 

Abacum unlocks new value with Request Forwarding

Abacum, an automated FP&A tool that helps finance teams with revenue forecasting, headcount planning, and OPEX breakdowns uses Request Forwarding to gather expanded data sets from their customers' systems of record. "The ability to perform deep, nuanced analyses on HR and payroll data unlocks a higher level of value for our customers, " said Barbara, Senior Product Manager at Abacum. "Strong performing integrations is one of our main competitive advantages, and we can maintain a great level with Request Forwarding."

“The ability to perform deep, nuanced analyses on HR and payroll data unlocks a higher level of value for our customers. Strong performing integrations is one of Abacum's main competitive advantages, and we can maintain a great level with Request Forwarding."

Ultimately, Request Forwarding gives our developers complete control over the data that matters to them, without building and maintaining one-off integrations. In order to make a request to one of these providers’ public API endpoints, you’ll just need to use our new /forward endpoint. 

Request Forwarding is available now for all customers on a Scale plan. Check out our documentation for a complete list of supported providers, and details on how to get started.