Rippling is powerful out of the box — but the real magic happens when you start extending it.

As a Rippling consultancy, we frequently help clients go beyond default functionality to integrate their own forms, workflows, and systems using Rippling’s API and Custom Objects. One of our recent projects exemplifies how Rippling can serve as the nucleus for powerful, bespoke HR automation.

📌 The Challenge: A Performance Review Workflow That Didn't Fit the Box

A fast-growing software client approached us with a specific problem:
They had an established performance review process powered by JotForm, involving both self-assessments and manager reviews, including qualitative feedback, scoring rubrics, and a two-tiered approval process involving both HR and a calibration manager.

The client had just adopted Rippling’s Performance Management module but quickly realized it didn’t fully support their unique process. Rather than forcing the team into a rigid flow, we helped them create a hybrid solution:
Leverage JotForm’s flexibility on the front-end, and store results in Rippling using Custom Objects and the Rippling API for centralized access, reporting, and compliance.

🛠️ Our Approach: JotForm + Rippling API + Custom Objects

Here’s how we connected the dots:

1. 📋 Custom Form Logic in JotForm
   We configured dynamic JotForm assessments for both employees and managers, including conditional logic, scoring, and real-time validation.
2. ⚙️ Client-Side Scripting
   Using JotForm’s client-side scripting hooks, we captured completed assessments and structured the output into a JSON format matching Rippling’s API schema.
3. 🔐 Secure API Integration
   Leveraging the Rippling API, we authenticated with scoped access and wrote data directly to a Custom Object we created — structured around Employee ID, Review Cycle, 9-box rating, manager notes, and HR calibration status.
4. 🗂️ Custom Object Structure
   Our object tied directly to both Employee and Review Cycle entities, allowing the HR team to report across reviews, track approval stages, and view historical performance data in a single pane of glass.
5. ✅ Approval Workflow
   We embedded a two-stage manual approval process within the custom object’s lifecycle using workflow automations:
   • Stage 1: HR Review
   • Stage 2: Calibration Manager Sign-off

🔍 The Outcome: A Seamless Performance Process (That Still Feels Native)

This integration enabled the client to:

• Preserve their existing, tailored review process
• Maintain a centralized, auditable system of record in Rippling
• Enable ongoing reporting and trend analysis using Rippling’s native analytics
• Reduce confusion across departments by syncing status and results with Employee records

Most importantly, it empowered HR to focus on coaching and calibration, not chasing down PDFs and spreadsheets.

💡 Why This Matters

Rippling’s architecture — especially its API access and Custom Object model — gives consultancies like ours a platform to meet clients where they are without compromising system integrity or future scalability.

Whether you’re looking to integrate LMS completions, applicant scoring, time tracking inputs, or custom benefit workflows, Rippling can handle it — with the right expertise.

🤝 Need Help With a Custom Integration?

We’re a certified Rippling partner specializing in implementation, integration, and workflow design. Whether you need to connect external systems, streamline compliance, or scale your HR/IT processes — we can help.

👉 Let’s talk about your next project.

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