Streamline Your Benefit Feed Setup with Benefit Cloud

At Benefit Cloud, we believe that setting up a new benefit feed doesn't have to be complicated. We've streamlined the entire process to make it smooth and stress-free. From your initial request to production delivery, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most.

Whether you are dealing with 401k feeds, ancillary benefits, or complex insurance data, this guide will walk you through our proven 7-step process.

Step 1: The Simple Initiation

Submit Your Feed Request

The journey to automation begins with a single click. We don’t burden you with paperwork before we even start.

The first step is incredibly simple: navigate to the "Feed Request" page within the Benefit Cloud portal once you are logged in. This dashboard is your command center. It captures the essential information we need to kick off the project without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

Think of this as booking a flight. You don’t need to know how the engine works; you just need to tell us where you want to go.

Step 2: Providing the Essentials

Give Us What You Know (And Don't Stress the Rest)

One of the biggest psychological barriers to starting a tech project is the fear that you don't have enough information yet.

We only need the "really important" information to get the ball rolling. Specifically, we need four key data points:

• Client Name: Who are we building this for?

• Feed Type: Is this an EDI 834 insurance feed? A 401K feed? An ancillary benefit feed?

• Vendor Name: Which carrier are we connecting to?

• Vendor Contact: Who should we talk to at the carrier (Name and Email)?

  
  

Here is the best part: If we have these four pieces of information, we have enough to go off of. Don’t worry if you don't have technical specs or account structure details. We will work with the carrier to get everything we need.

Step 3: The "Handoff"

Benefit Cloud Leads Carrier Communication

This is the moment where the magic happens—and where you get your time back. Once we receive your feed request, Benefit Cloud takes over and leads the conversation with the carrier. You don't need to be involved in these discussions—we handle it all on your behalf.

While you go about your day, our team is working in the background to:

• Get connected (establishing the link if we aren't already connected with that carrier).

• Obtain the complex file specifications required for the build.

• Get the specific account structure for your client.

  
  

This eliminates the "middleman fatigue" where you are constantly forwarding emails between technical teams who speak different languages.

Step 4: Secure Data Access

Connecting the Pipes

To build the feed, we naturally need access to the source data. If we don't already have access to your client's data, we will guide you through the connection process.

We send you a guide with clear instructions on what we need, which typically involves:

• Setting up secure data connections.

• Providing necessary credentials or permissions.

• Configuring access to your HRIS or payroll system.

  
  

We make this process as straightforward as possible with step-by-step instructions. Security is paramount, and we ensure these connections are established safely.

Step 5: The Build

Mapping and Formatting the Test File

This is where our expertise really shines. Once we have the client data access and the file specs from the carrier, we start building the test file. This isn't just about copying and pasting data; it requires precise engineering.

Our process involves:

• Data Mapping: Aligning your data fields to the carrier's required format.

• File Creation: Building the actual file according to the rigid specifications.

• Quality Assurance: Ensuring all required fields are properly formatted to prevent rejection.

  
  

Because we know how to format files correctly for each carrier, we avoid the common "trial and error" loops that plague internal IT teams.

Step 6: The Testing Phase

You Wait on the Sidelines (Happily)

Testing is usually the most frustrating part of an integration. Files get rejected for minor syntax errors, leading to weeks of back-and-forth.

With Benefit Cloud, we enter the testing phase with the carrier and handle that back-and-forth email chain until the testing is done.

Your role during this phase?

• Your team can confidently wait on the sidelines.

• We handle all carrier communication.

• You can relax: We will only contact you if we need something specific, like filling in missing data.

  
  

Otherwise, sit back and let us handle the testing process. This is the ultimate peace of mind.

Step 7: Go Live!

Production Approval & Cadence

The finish line is in sight. When the file is approved for production, we will let you know and pick a cadence to deliver the production files.

This final step ensures reliability moving forward:

1. Confirming Approval: We verify everything is green-lit by the carrier.

2. Scheduling: We determine if the delivery should be daily, weekly, or monthly.

3. Automation: We set up automated production file delivery.

   
   

Once production begins, your feed runs automatically according to the agreed-upon schedule. No manual uploads. No reminders. It just works.

Why This Process Works Better

You might be wondering, "Why can't I just do this myself?"

You certainly can, but by having Benefit Cloud lead the carrier communication and handle all technical aspects, we ensure that files are formatted correctly, naming conventions are followed, and timing requirements are met.

This streamlined approach eliminates confusion and significantly reduces the chance of errors. Our direct relationships with carriers, combined with our expertise in file formatting and data mapping, means faster setup times and smoother operations for you and your clients.

Ready to Simplify Your Benefit Feeds?

Setting up feeds can involve unique situations and carrier-specific requirements. You shouldn't have to navigate that maze alone.

If you have questions about this process or need assistance with a tricky integration, our team is here to help. We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the strategy behind your benefits, not the syntax.

Stop wrestling with file specs. Start automating with Benefit Cloud.

Book a Demo.

The Benefits of Automation

Automation is not just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. By automating your benefit feeds, you can save time and reduce errors. Imagine a world where data transfers happen seamlessly, without the constant manual oversight.

Efficiency at Its Best

With automation, you can streamline your processes. No more waiting for approvals or chasing down information. Everything flows smoothly, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives rather than mundane tasks.

Accuracy You Can Trust

Manual data entry is prone to errors. Automation minimizes these risks. When you trust Benefit Cloud with your data transfers, you can be confident that everything is accurate and timely.

Scalability for Growth

As your business grows, so do your needs. Automated systems can easily scale with you. Whether you're adding new benefits or expanding your client base, Benefit Cloud adapts to your evolving requirements.

Conclusion: Embrace the Future

In today's fast-paced world, efficiency and accuracy are key. By choosing Benefit Cloud, you're not just simplifying your processes; you're embracing the future of employee benefits. Let's work together to make your benefit feeds as effortless as possible.

Ready to take the leap?

Book a Demo.