You have finally decided to replace your manual time sheet and equip your company with a 21^st century time and attendance solution. Of course, you want to get the best bang for your buck! Before we continue, it is important to note, that the cheapest is not always the best. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. At the same time we are not suggesting that you “give away the farm” but that you get a system that will meet your requirements.

Once you have compiled a list of requirements you are ready to start!

Do some research: Start by trying to find a solution that matches the requirements on your list. Ask your work associates and other companies within and outside your vertical, what system they are using.

Keep it simple: Over the years, time and attendance has grown to include HRMS, Overtime Equalization, Employee Self-Service, Job Costing, Labour Forecasting and a range of other modules. If you are deploying a time and attendance system for the first time, the basics will likely do. If you are switching vendors, it’s likely you are familiar with some core features as well as other workforce management modules. If that’s the case, a more comprehensive system may be needed and that will also depend on the size of your organization and work rule policies.

Data Integration: The Payroll, ERP or HRMS interface. Many of today’s applications have import files. Some vendors are still stuck with a 1980s mentality and they will tell customers that their payroll software cannot integrate to any other product unless it is certified by them or a partner of theirs. If companies are still selling software (Payroll, ERP and/or HRMS) that cannot be integrated with other applications, you should steer clear of them.

Timelines: If you think you have found the product and company, ask for timelines. Most experienced companies will be able to give you an approximate timeline.

Support: The length of time a company has been in business and the number of awards it has on its walls has no bearing on the quality of service it renders to its customers. Providing quality service is a corporate philosophy that’s either ingrained within an organization’s DNA or it’s not. When choosing a system that meets your needs, focus on this important aspect.

For example:

• How long does it take to get a response when you call support?
• What happens to sales person after you purchase the product?
•  If you require additional training and/or configuration of your software, (several months after the implementation) will you be redirected to watch online videos?

There are a number of inherent factors that can contribute to cost savings of an automated Time and Attendance Solution. Some of these factors include: reducing payroll processing errors, eliminating manual data entry, and lost time or from long lunches and breaks, tardiness and early departures.

To determine how much your company can save with an ATS Time and Attendance Solution, go to our website. Download a copy of our white paper on “Finding the Right Time and Attendance for your Organization”.