You’ve just about had it with that antiquated time and attendance solution that’s producing unreliable reports and driving everyone, from: the HR manager, CFO and CEO up the walls. So, what’s the solution? Move to something else. Using a software solution that’s not working for your company, can detrimental to its financial health. The selection of a new system also comes with its own set of challenge which will include: the Internet search, selecting an internal project lead, the demos… and the list goes on.
So how should you go about selecting a new time and attendance solution? Here are 5 tips:
1) Document your business requirements
Before scouring the Internet and evaluating prospective vendors, you should identify your requirements and underline potential “showstoppers”. It’s very easy to get enamored with fancy software features and lose sight of your requirements. For example, how easy is the product going to be for users? Can the solution interface to your current ERP, HR and Payroll software? Is the solution robust and flexible enough to grow with your business? Make a comprehensive list and divided them into categories to include; functionality, vendor experience, deployment timelines, age of product, yearly updates etc. And, don’t forget to choose a time and attendance solution, that has employee self-service capabilities. After all, who wants to manage employee vacation and other personal time off (PTO) requests with spreadsheets?
2) Adaptability to regulatory rules in your jurisdiction
Workforce compliance and regulations differs depending on the jurisdiction in which your company operates, and so, your time and attendance solution should readily adapt. If you are in manufacturing, healthcare or transportation industry, you may have compliance requirements that are specific to your industry. And, since your company has to adhere to those requirements, so should your time and attendance.
3) Embrace the world of analytics
Analytics and Big Data should be included in your list of requirements. Translation, your time and attendance system has to be in lockstep with the realities of the way in which today’s businesses operate and should-encompass, The Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and real-time analytic reporting. These types of capabilities have become critical business components that 21st century time and attendance solutions must possess.
4) Forget what the ‘Jones’ are using
It is very easy to assume that what your competitors are using will work for your organization because you want to keep up with them. Your focus should be on your company’s business requirements, instead of installing the same features as your competitors. How do you know they are happy with the flashy “bells and whistles” they paid for? When deciding to make a change, do it for the benefit of your organization.
5) Don’t rush the implementation and invest in training
When implemented properly and, if updates are maintained on a yearly basis the shelf life of a good time and attendance should exceed 7 years. So, why not take time to make sure it is implemented properly. Unrealistic expectations can leave everyone frustrated. For example, if your project is conservatively slated to be completed in seven weeks, add an additional 2-3 weeks to it. Some companies will overlook the importance of training in enabling the success of implementation. Training should be delivered in stages. At first, project leaders (HR, Payroll and Finance) should be trained during different stages of the implementation. It should follow a methodical approach which maps the company’s way of doing business, using your data. The second and third phase (if applicable) of training should be rolled out and populated to the rest of the users ahead of the system “going live.”
Finally, when it comes to comparing time and attendance options, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. If you only focus on the price and not the actual functionality, you will likely get what you pay for. Also keep in mind the cost of doing nothing can also be detrimental to your business operations as well.
In conclusion, growing companies like yours need a robust time and attendance solution that works, well. Your workforce management solution needs to be user-friendly, flexible, and powerful. As you grow, your business demands a wider range of capabilities—without adding unnecessary maintenance, deployment time, and cost.
ATS provides a variety of implementation and business process improvement services. Our business and consulting arm employs highly skilled and tenured employees, with unmatched experience in the world of workforce management that spans every vertical industry.
To learn more, go to our website, where you can download pre-recorded demonstrations or register for one of our monthly webinars.
