Pair tags with Xero tracking options
Post every Xero timesheet line with the tracking option of its tag, pair options one by one or all at once, and create tags from your Xero tracking options.
Xero tracking categories split your wages by things like department, venue or region. If you use one, pair the tags in one of your Shiftly categories with its options. Every timesheet line Shiftly posts to Xero then carries the tracking option paired with that timesheet's tag, so your Xero reports split labour the same way Shiftly does. This guide covers the Xero tracking options page, pairing a single tag, and the Tags to tracking step of the Xero setup.
Who this is for
Owners and managers using the Shiftly web platform who use tags and have a tracking category in Xero. You need permission to edit settings to change pairings.
Before you start
- Your business needs to be connected to Xero, and your Xero organisation needs at least one tracking category with options.
- You need at least one category of tags in Shiftly, for example Department. See Track labour cost with tags. Once the category exists, the setup step below can create its tags for you from your Xero options.
How pairing works
- One category, one Xero tracking category. You pair the tags of one Shiftly category with the options of one Xero tracking category, because a Xero timesheet tracks against a single category. Shiftly refuses pairings that mix options from two Xero tracking categories.
- Each option pairs with one tag. An option already paired with another tag shows that tag's name in the list and can't be picked again until you unpair it.
- What posts. When you post timesheets to Xero, each line carries the option paired with the timesheet's tag in the paired category. A timesheet with no tag in that category, or one whose tag isn't paired, posts untracked. Nothing is held back.
- Switching category. Pairing tags in a different Shiftly category moves Xero tracking to that category. In the other categories, a tag's form says which category Xero tracking is paired with instead of offering options.
Pair on the Xero tracking options page
Open the page
Open the account menu (your initials, top right) and select Tags. Select Xero tracking options at the top of the page. The button only shows when you're connected to Xero.
Choose the category
Showing tags in starts on the category already paired with Xero, or your first category if none is. Change it to pair a different category. The table lists that category's active tags with their Code, and counts how many are paired and not paired.
Pick an option for each tag
Open the Xero tracking option menu beside a tag and pick an option. Options are grouped under their Xero tracking category. The pairing saves straight away and Shiftly confirms with Pairing saved.
Change or remove a pairing
Pick a different option to change a pairing, or Not paired to remove it.
Archived tags aren't listed here.
Pair one tag at a time
When you add or edit a tag in the paired category, the Xero tracking option field sets the same pairing. Leave it on Not paired if the tag has no matching option. See Track labour cost with tags.
Create tags from your Xero options
The Tags to tracking step of the Xero setup works the other way round: it starts from your Xero tracking options.
Open the step
Go to Integrations, select Manage connection on the Xero card, then Tags to tracking. The step only appears when your business has at least one category and your Xero organisation has tracking options.
Choose the category
Pick the Shiftly category in Category that maps to Xero tracking. The table lists each option with its Xero tracking category, Xero tracking option and paired Tag.
Tick the options you want
- An option already paired with a tag shows that tag's name. Select the × on it to unpair it.
- A ticked option with no tag is marked New. It becomes a new tag with the same name in the chosen category, with a code based on the name.
- An unticked option is left alone.
Tick options from one Xero tracking category only.
Save
Select Save and next (Complete configuration if it's the last step). Only then are the new tags created and the pairings, including any you unpaired, saved.
Until you pair a category, timesheet lines post to Xero untracked.
Related
Manage or disconnect your Xero connection
Reopen the Xero setup, reconnect when Shiftly can't reach Xero, refresh your leave types, switch organisation or disconnect.
What syncs with Xero
Which information moves between Shiftly and Xero, in which direction, and when, including what happens if you disconnect.