Short answer:
Use Sql2Xink to automatically sync employee data from a SQL database to Xink by connecting your database, mapping fields, and scheduling regular updates.
This article explains how to use the Sql2Xink tool to pull employee data from a SQL database into your Xink account.
This is useful if your Active Directory is out of date and your HR data is managed in systems such as Workday or Dynamics 365.
Sql2Xink can run manually or be scheduled to keep your employee data up to date.
Install Sql2Xink
Download the installer and run Sql2XinkSetup.msi.
After installation, open Configure Xink Sql2Xink from the Start menu.
Step 1: Connect to your SQL database
Click Connect to the database.
Enter your connection string and click Test to verify the connection.
Example connection strings
SQL On-Premises:
Provider=sqloledb;Data Source=SERVERNAME;Initial Catalog=eMailSignature;User Id=eMailSignature_Superuser;Password=changemenow;
SQL Azure:
Provider=SQLOLEDB;Data Source=sqlserver.database.windows.net;Initial Catalog=eMailSignature;Authentication=ActiveDirectoryPassword;User ID=eMailSignature_Superuser;Password=changemenow;Use Encryption for Data=true;
Step 2: Connect to Xink Cloud
Click Connect to Xink Cloud and log in using your Xink API user.
Learn how to create an API user.
Step 3: Map fields from SQL to Xink
Click Map fields to align your SQL fields with Xink fields.
Enter your SQL SELECT statement and click Refresh fields.
If field names match, mapping will be done automatically.
Step 4: Test the configuration
Open Command Prompt and run:
Sql2Xink.exe update
Default installation path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Xink Sql2Xink
Step 5: Schedule automatic sync
Use Windows Task Scheduler to run the following command at regular intervals:
Sql2Xink.exe update
Optional: Remove departed employees
To remove users that no longer exist in your SQL database:
Sql2Xink.exe update --remove
Short version:
Sql2Xink.exe update -r
Help command:
Sql2Xink.exe help update
Preserve manual edits
Sql2Xink respects manual edits when "Do not update fields that were set or changed manually" is enabled in Xink.
Learn more: Preserve Manual Edits Feature.
Tips
- Test your SQL query before mapping fields.
- Start with a manual run before scheduling automation.
- Ensure your API user has the correct permissions.
