Time and Attendance Blog, Workforce Management Software

ATS Workforce Management Solution Helps Retail and Hospitality Industries to Thrive

By 2025 consumer attitudes towards retail will have dramatically changed. The rapid growth of robotics, cloud and artificial intelligence will permeate the retail and hospitality experience for both consumer and stakeholders. Anticipating consumer trends and deploying innovations that enhance employee and consumer experience and, simplify business operations will be vital to the long-term health and sustainability of retail and hospitality.

ATS Workforce Management for Retail & Hospitality provides these industries with an open, integrated, and best-of-breed application in the cloud, with state-of-art data collectors engineered to empower commerce. With ATS Workforce Management, organizations can streamline payroll costs and increase productivity, such as with a best-of-breed time and attendance, that’s demand-driven scheduling, and absence management software tools. Grocery operations, pharmaceutical, hospitality chains and retailers use ATS Workforce Management solutions to anticipate market changes, simplify businesses operations, and boost their bottom-line.

ATS Workforce Management Solution Helps the Retail and Hospitality Industry Thrive

Solution Benefits Include:

Employee Scheduling- ATS Workforce Scheduling, allows managers to easily leverage workforce data through an intuitive cloud-based interface, thus streamlining the scheduling process of their employees with roles-based self-service tools.

Workforce Analytics and Business Intelligence- ATS Intelligence (BI) analysis covers the macro picture down to the operating, financial and valuation information-and provides in-depth and economic factors that can impact decision-making.

Digital API Platform and Data Integration- ATS data integration tool, enables users to transfer data from one data source (such as text file, API, CSV or other data files) to an output destination. That output destination can be a text file, database, XML document, or another suite application. The key component of ATS Integration Manager is the interface that contains a set of steps, for the data transfer. By utilizing ATS data integration platform, companies can integrate to existing, ERP, Talent Management, HR, Payroll and CRM applications.

Budgeting and Forecasting- ATS Workforce Management for Retail and Hospitality, helps you eliminate costs, time, and errors with proper budgeting and forecasting on both short and long-term projections. The budgeting and forecasting module, allow you to integrate annual and periodic forecasting with weekly workforce management execution.

Next-Generation Data Collection- With ATS Workforce Management for Retail and Hospitality, you automate employee time and attendance processes to reduce payroll costs, comply with collective bargaining agreements and adhered to regulatory compliance. Some of ATS employee data collection include: face recognition time clocks, biometric hand punch, proximity and barcode time clocks and computer-based time clocks. ATS Workforce Management validates the collection of employee data, with up-to-the-minute reporting, to reduce overpayments.

ATS Workforce Management Solution Helps the Retail and Hospitality Industry Thrive

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To learn more, register for one of our weekly webinars, or download brochures or a pre-recorded demonstration. And, to speak to a representative, call; 866.294.2468.

Business Intelligence, CRM, Employee Self Service, ERP, HR, Payroll, Retail, Talent Management, Time and Attendance, Workforce Analytics, Workforce Management Software

5 Tips For Launching ATS Time And Attendance

Today, companies face rapid and unprecedented technological changes whose velocity and breadth will impact every area of their business. And, emerging technologies, like machine learning and artificial intelligence, means even your customers, are more connected than ever before- thus, staying with the status quo is no longer an option.

5 Tips For Launching ATS Time And Attendance

The cost of a poor time and attendance implementation isn’t just about underutilized investments and missed business goals. It’s about not being able to access meaningful data when you need it and figuring out if your people are being utilized properly. So, what are the ramifications of not having a successful implementation? Here are 5 tips:

Plan: Set out a reasonable implementation timeline and scope. Do you have a project leader? If not, assign one and give the person the requisite amount of time to see the project through completion. If, on the other hand, the project is another task on the ‘to do’ list, competing with other priorities, expect that your implementation may take more time. Make good use of the ATS Implementation Steps which encompasses; process – plan, education, testing, validate, deploy. Don’t underestimate the time and resources it will take to complete the project successfully.

Obtain Management Project Support: Identify an executive within your management ranks who can meets regularly with your internal project team. What are the team challenges? Your management executive may not need to know every minute detail, but they need to be aware of the challenges (if there are any) that are causing unnecessary delays to the project, and they need to help prioritize competing tasks.

Accurate Data: Are you coming from old data gathering processes? For example: spreadsheets, an antiquated punch clock and/or manual time sheets? If so, you may need to clean up your data and understand the importance of setup in your new system with your implementation analyst. Your time and attendance system is only as good as the data in it. Use this opportunity to decide what data conversions or interfaces you will need: ERP, CRM, HRIS, Payroll or two-way interfaces.

Customize Only If It’s Required: Customizations equates to higher costs. ATS TimeWork OnDemand contains a plethora of analytic reporting and business intelligence tools, and in most cases, does not require customizations. If you feel that you need the system to be customized, just remember that it needs to be scoped and tested prior to implementation.

Validate And Go-Live: Upon completing your validation and testing, you should conduct a ‘User Acceptance Test’ of the data configuration. Users (HR, Payroll and Operational Managers) should be able to demonstrate their system knowledge prior to system implementation. As soon as you go live, allow time for the system to ‘settle out,’ then tackle the important items that surface to continue your business process improvements.

At the beginning of every ATS time and attendance implementation, organizations typically start with a vision of how they see their organization utilizing ATS TimeWork OnDemand to its fullest potential. The vision is often focused on streamlining processes, ease of use and providing strategic value to increase employee engagement. During a time and attendance implementation, it is important to remain focused on the vision; however, many other key factors contribute to a successful implementation.

To learn more about ATS Time and Attendance, or to download a demonstration or attend a bi-monthly webinar, go to our website. To reach an account executive, call; 866.294.2467.

Artificial Intelligence, ERP, HRIS, Machine Learning, Payroll, Time and Attendance

CEOs Are Shifting Their Organizations Towards The Cloud

It wasn’t too long ago that getting CEOs to adopt the cloud took a lot of work, and many of these executives who resisted adopting a time and attendance in the cloud had good reasons, some of which included; a general fear of the unknown, privacy and availability of their data to name a few. It’s also noteworthy that some of the initial fear that senior executives had, emanated, from some IT personnel who were not yet comfortable with the idea of having data stored outside of the company’s domain. Eventually, as it became clear that migrating to the cloud offered superior advantages and streamlined costs, many CEOs began to pay attention- and embrace the technology, along with their IT personnel.

CEOs Are Shifting Their Organizations Towards The Cloud

If you are still on the fence about a cloud time and attendance here, are five outstanding benefits that might just change your mind:

Software Updates-Using a time and attendance that’s in the cloud means you no longer have to do software updates and patches. ATS applies updates to the application with no disruption to your daily operations. Your company can spend its time on other important matters, like growing the business.

Access the Application from Anywhere-With ATS TimeWork OnDemand— whether users are on a desktop computer or mobile device, the cloud provides instant access to data anytime, anywhere there is an Internet connection, 24/7 365 days a year.

Reduce Operating Costs –Adopting the cloud, means a company no longer have to worry about software equipment (like a Server), licensing and maintenance fees.

Easy Integration to ERP, Payroll, HR, Talent Management and CRM-ATS TimeWork OnDemand has a built-in integrator that’s compatible to all third-party applications for the purpose of transferring data. So, if you currently key employee hours manually from a spreadsheet into a payroll application, you can breathe a little easier, ATS TimeWork OnDemand makes that a thing of the past.

Cross-Functional Reporting and Business Intelligence-ATS TimeWork OnDemand allows you to align all levels of your organization with up-to-the-minute decision-making reporting. Senior executives, managers, and employees automatically see cross-functional analytics for historical, current, and forward-looking insights. ATS TimeWork OnDemand reporting tools provides financial data for a deeper view into your business.

ATS TimeWork OnDemand provides organizations with a best-of-breed workforce management solution that leverages robust cloud infrastructure technology, to deliver solutions that address specific industry challenges.

To learn more about ATS TimeWork OnDemand, go to our website. You can also register one of our bi-weekly webinars and hear from existing customers how they managed the transition from spreadsheets to cloud computing TimeWork OnDemand.

Analytics, Business Intelligence, Cloud Computing, CRM, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), HR, Payroll, Talent Management, Time and Attendance, TimeWork OnDemand, Workforce Management Software

Your Project Has Been Approved And You’ve Got The Power! Now What?

You’ve devoted the better part of a year espousing the importance a workforce management solution to replace your company’s, current manual process. You provided senior leadership with return on investment (ROI) charts, various business cases including tips on how you plan to phase in the implementation. And, finally after what seems like years in the making, you got the word that the executive management team has approved the project. You can finally rejoice you’ve got the power! Now what?

You’ve Project Has Been Approved And You’ve Got The Power! Now What?

Select a project lead (preferably someone in HR, finance and/or payroll) and if that happens to be you-that’s even better, and start by; reviewing, collecting, and discussing the type of data you want in your new system. Also, you should assemble your project team and start your discussion with some of the following questions:

Project Plans

How long is this going to take to implement?
How bad is your current, employee data capture?
What work needs to be done?
How many functional users need access to the software?
Do you have a list of the most pressing items that needs to be addressed?

Data migration is an important step that should not be overlooked. After all, since you about to deploy a workforce management solution, you should avail your company with the 21^st century tools that complements the product.

Data Migration and Analytics

Other than your payroll, ERP, CRM and HRIS software are there any other interfaces that will be required?
How much history are we going to migrate and do we really need all that history or can we save it in the cloud or a disc?
Are there specific reports that will be of value to your everyday life and if so, what are they?

The “training wheels” will, have to come off at some point, which means you and other functional users will have to start making use of the training that you were provided during the implementation. Hopefully, your trainer is readily available to answer your questions and provide additional support as needed.

Post Project

Does the project lead (that’s you) remains the main point of contact?
Who’s going to be your back-up when you are on vacation?
Are all functional users fully trained?

For tips on how to successfully deploy a workforce management solution, go to our website. You can also register for a weekly webinar or download a pre recorder demonstration.

Analytics, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), HR, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Payroll, Workforce Management Software

Can Cloud-Based Time And Attendance And Lean Manufacturing, Work Together?

Lean manufacturing is about a set of process that helps the elimination of waste. The fundamental principle of lean is adding value. The “value” is described by Wikepedia in this way “Working from the perspective of the client who consumes a product or service, “value” is any action or process that a customer would be willing to pay for”.

So, what’s the correlation between lean manufacturing and a cloud-based time and attendance? Using a cloud time and attendance solution means; a company does not have to purchase software licenses, or have a Server dedicated on which to host the application. While there are other similarities, it’s clear the adoption of cloud-based solution gives lean manufacturing companies-a distinct advantage over their competitors.

According to IDC Manufacturing Insights, more than 22% of surveyed manufacturers said they are running cloud services in their organizations and another 44% said they are currently implementing or intend to implement cloud computing to enable process optimization and cut cost. The survey also showed that the percentage of companies managing traditional infrastructure spending will fall to about 38% from 54.8%. Although the number of cloud adopters in recent years has increased, a significant portion of manufacturing companies are still missing the benefits of things like; workforce analytics and efficiency improvement that the adoption of cloud software can create.

Today’s lean manufacturing operations are also adopting cloud-based strategies for its 24/7 mobile access and its ability to provide seamless integration to; Talent Management, Payroll, ERP and CRM applications, thus optimizing workforce allocations across local, regional and global manufacturing centres.

Bottom Line:
The goals for implementing lean manufacturing standards and that of a cloud-based time and attendance are the same, value. That’s why many organizations are now adopting a cloud-based solution like ATS TimeWork OnDemand to streamline key areas of their business, and allowing management to focus on growth activities, not just operational tasks.

You might also like:

Ye Shall Practise And Embrace Lean Manufacturing

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Can Cloud Time And Attendance And Lean Manufacturing Work Hand In Hand?

ATS TimeWork OnDemand, Cloud Based Time and Attendance, CRM, ERP, Lean Manufacturing, Payroll, Talent Management

Removing The Complications Out Of Employee Time Tracking

We at ATS continually espouse the benefits of an automated time and attendance, but we have also stressed that it does not have to be a complicated process. And, while it’s true that an organization with multiple locations, different collective bargaining agreements, and its adherence to regional and federal work rules can increase the complexity and amount of time it takes to install such a system, sticking starting with the basics can make a world of difference.

Here three simple rules to follow once you have decided to deploy a time and attendance:

Reports
Find out which reports are most important to you. For example, if you need a report that shows which or how many hours employees worked on a; daily, weekly and monthly basis, this should suffice as a starting point. Other simple reports may include; exceptions, overtime, daily time in and out and, a few payroll reports to ensure you have the proper information before exporting employee hours to your payroll, CRM, ERP, HR or talent management software. This, however, is not to suggest, you should not explore the full library of reports within a time and attendance system, or look for a solution that has the capability to provide analytics and Big Data tools to support your organizational growth.

Employee Time Clock
When deciding which time clock to use, think about your organizational philosophy and, more importantly, your actual work environment. Would biometric face recognition be better suited or would or a proximity or magnetic time clock avail itself as the better option? These are considerations that should be given once you decide which time and attendance to deploy.

Project Manager
Traditionally this role has fallen to the IT manager or consultant. But, in actuality, HR and/or the payroll practitioner and to some extent, finance personnel are responsible for the management of employee time tracking. So, would it not make sense that such a project be headed by one of these individuals? That’s not to say the role of IT is less important, it just means that the very people who manage the daily tracking of employee hours would know more, than anyone else, about your company’s time and attendance requirements. And, so, it stands to reason, that their role when choosing a solution should be elevated- in short, they are the ones that should be your project managers, with the understanding that they seek assistance and/or guidance from other departments including; IT and other operational managers.

Whether you are moving from paper time sheets to an automated time and attendance solution or merely upgrading to a new solution, removing the complications will help the deployment go a bit smoother.

To learn more about ATS Time and Attendance solutions, go to our website. And to register for one of our weekly webinars, contact us.

Analytics, Big Data, Biometrics, CRM, ERP, HR, Payroll, Time and Attendance, Time Clock

Your Company’s Policy States It Will Not Deploy A Cloud Solution. Really? But Why?

It easy to become fearful of the unknown or listen to the naysayers when you are not certain-but let’s face it, the cloud is not your average “Johnny-come-lately” solution. In fact, it has been around for quite sometime despite the forecast of its demise by a few. And, much to the chagrin of the few doubters, it has not only endured, but has also won over the hearts and minds of many businesses executives who previously thought it was a fad.

Jo Bennett, contributor for Gartner, (the research and advisory firm) penned an article titled “Why a No-Cloud Policy Will Become Extinct” The article, states in part; “Businesses initially stepped gingerly toward the cloud, experimenting with low-risk applications. Today, applications for office productivity and CRM are tried and tested, and use cases are constantly developing in a wider sphere of mission-critical areas.”

Your Company’s Policy States It Will Not Deploy A Cloud Solution. Really? But Why?

Security has always been the concern for some businesses (understandably so) when weighing, the pros and cons of a cloud-based versus an on-premise solution. And so, on the topic of security the article continued; “Security concerns are most frequently the reason organizations avoid public cloud services. The reality is that cloud service providers typically have the ability to support more effective security systems and platforms than are practical for most individual businesses.”

ATS best-of-breed cloud-based time and attendance has helped thousands of businesses capture employee data in real-time with award-winning employee time clocks, and data integration capabilities to ERP, Payroll and HR applications. With ATS cloud-based time and attendance you get up-to-the-minute business intelligence, operational excellence and increase agility with a single global application that aligns to your business processes.

To learn more about ATS Cloud-Based Solutions or to read testimonials from some of our customers, or to download a free demonstration, go to our website.

Cloud Based Time and Attendance, CRM, Employee Time Clocks, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Gartner, Payroll, Public Cloud

Manufacturing Can Improve The Bottom-Line By Embracing The Cloud

Cloud-Based time and attendance, enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and host of other workforce management and human capital management software applications have made significant strides in manufacturing operations over the last several years. And, that’s due in part to many executives in the manufacturing industry embracing the many benefits that a cloud-based application brings with it. It is also worthy to note that the manufacturing sector have also had to adapt to global competition in the economic slowdown of recent years. In short, when your competitor is consistently outpacing you by using new and technology, thus, increasing their profits, wouldn’t you want to find out why and how?

Manufacturing Operations Will Improve Their Bottom-Line By Embracing The Cloud

Global market research and intelligence firm IDC released its 2016 prediction aptly titled “Top 10 Manufacturing Predictions For 2016: The Cloud Enables Greater Customer Centricity”. In no particular order, we have listed the following 3 predictions:

“In 2016, 20% of Manufacturers Will Begin to Break Down Organizational Silos, Reshape IT Portfolios, and Import New IT Talent in the Plant for Digitally Executed Manufacturing. IDC predicts that rigid, centralized factory control systems will start to give way to decentralized intelligence as machine-to-machine communications start to hit the factory floor. To support this transformation, IDC says that a new generation of technology-savvy and technology-empowered workers, with information available at their fingertips, will be needed.

By the End of 2016, 65% of Manufacturers Will Have Metrics in Place to Evaluate and Drive Pervasive Changes in the Workplace with Their New Technology Investments. IDC predicts metrics associated with 3D printing productivity and security will become more pervasive in 2016. In addition to these, advanced analytics that can recommend which customized product configurations, service bundles, and pricing options are optimal for a given sales cycle will emerge, supporting by cloud-based platforms capable of providing analytics reporting on any device, anytime. Tableau will continue to see adoption accelerate in manufacturing as a result of the myriad of new metrics being created today and in 2016.

By the End of 2017, 50% of Manufacturers Will Exploit the Synergy of Cloud, Mobility, and Advanced Analytics to Facilitate Innovative, Integrated Ways of Working on the Shop Floor. IDC believes that companies will realize the short-term opportunity of using the cloud as the fabric to establish a companywide platform to analyzing data coming from the shop floor and converting it into actionable information for enterprise decision makers. Acumatica, Microsoft AX on Azure, NetSuite, and Plex Systems are cloud-based ERP providers who have experience scaling manufacturing operations starting at the shop floor. A few including Plex have analytics that support shop floor to top floor reporting.”

These predictions are clear indications that all things cloud have changed rapidly and are being embraced by small and large organizations alike. ATS TimeWork OnDemand Manufacturing Time and Attendance solution was designed for industry-leading plant floor to top floor functionality. ATS TimeWork OnDemand delivers unprecedented customer success through a relentless pursuit of time tracking, analytics and data extrapolation through continuous innovation.

To learn about ATS cloud-based time and attendance solution, or to view a demonstration go to our website. And, to speak to a sales consultant call us at: (866) 294-2467.

Manufacturing Operations Will Improve Their Bottom-Line By Embracing The Cloud

Analytics, Cloud Based Time and Attendance, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Human Capital Management, IDC, Microsoft

Buying A Time And Attendance Software? Here Are Some Of The Things You Should Look For

Over the last several years, time and attendance solution has become ubiquitous as an online business application delivery model. Now this might work in a case of company who does not necessarily need a great deal of support, has very simple work policies-this type of approach fails to deliver when more complex data configuration is required.

Now while there are some similarities within time and attendance solutions there are also some significant differences, that in and of itself should warrant a company doing its homework before making a selection. For example, in the markets where some companies operate, there are local and federal compliance work rules that these companies must adhere to-so, their chosen time and attendance solution should contain sufficient flexibility to adhere to those compliance rules. There is however, one constant, whether you operate a small business or fortune 500 organization, most businesses strive for the same goal — increased business productivity and reduction of payroll cost.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping around for a time and attendance solution:

The Jack Of All Trades
A company who provides; Recruitment/Talent Management Software, Payroll Services, Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS) is in effect a “Jack of all trades. No company is able to provide all of the abovementioned solutions and be an expert at all of them. Moreover, there is no single database that can perform all of these tasks. You are better off looking for a company that is an expert in the field of workforce management software, if that’s what you are looking for.

Choose The Solution That Closely Matches Your Needs
Research the solution that closely matches your requirements and forego the temptation to buy the cheapest solution that’s shown to you. You want to have access to; real-time reporting, utilize mobile time tracking for your contractors and other offsite employees and, use forecasting and, workforce intelligence. The greater the functionality — the greater the productivity gains for your organization.

Examine Analytics
Powerful analytics drives today’s leading time and attendance solutions. Contrary to popular belief not all time and attendance software share the same business intelligence — examine the data structure of the proposed workforce management solution. Look for a system that supports your business growth and can deliver data in a way that propels business productivity.

User Adoption
Your chosen solution should be one that is easy-to-use. Functional users like finance, payroll, HR and others should be comfortable working with the time and attendance system. You should choose a solution that offers best-in-class usability, with a comprehensive set of features—that in turn, will increase user adoption and your company will have a more productive and engaged workforce.

After-Sales Support! Is That Important To You?
If it is then ask about it at the outset. You should also be aware, that a low-end off the shelf or a solution purchased through the Internet will be accompanied by limited support if any. You want the kind of support that you can rely on long after the sales and marketing personnel have done their “dog and pony show”. ATS implementation team will deliver ongoing training and support resources, dedicated to determining a positive implementation process. Depending on the size of your company, you will get a support a methodology of training that’s specifically dedicated to the technological advancement of your business.

Before starting your time and attendance search, make sure that your company has the staff resources in place to see the project through to completion. Your time and attendance solution should last at least 10 years so, take time to do some proper research.

To get access to some additional tips, go to our website. You can also access a demonstration or contact us by phone at 866.294.2467.

Buying A Time And Attendance Software? Here Are Some Of The Things You Should Look For

Business Intelligence, Enterprise Resources Planning, Payroll, Talent Management, Time and Attendance

Propel your Organization Into The Future With A Scalable And Flexible Cloud-Based Solution

A cloud-based time and attendance should not require large financial outlay. ATS hosted time and attendance solution is easy to use, cost effective and fast to implement. ATS cloud-based time and attendance integrates to virtually any business management application to provide seamless data across your organization. ATS time and attendance provides a comprehensive view of employee attendance and payroll records in real-time.

ATS Cloud-Based Time and Attendance includes the following benefits:

Industry-Leading robust time and attendance rules engine –Designed and built to supports Canadian pay policies and work-rules, thereby, eradicating costly customization.

Seamless Integration to; HR, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Payroll, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Human Capital Management (HCM) systems with standard and bi-directional data integration to help reduce time spent on the manual keying of data.

Just imagine, you can access employee attendance from anywhere and at anytime from any device with access to the Internet 365 days a year 24/7. Now’s that’s 21^st Century time and attendance at its best!

Best-in-Class employee time clocks- ATS time clocks include: proximity, magnetic stripe and barcode readers, FaceScan biometrics, fingerscan, hand punch, and mobile/wireless time tracking methodologies.

Deploy with ease and scalable TimeWork has a highly intuitive user experience that can help to reduce training times and increase user adoption. With ATS cloud-based time and attendance, you can easily add modules as your business evolves without disrupting the daily operations.

Want to learn more? Join us on Friday, October 17^th 2014 for a live demonstration on how to Maximize Business Value with a Workforce Management Software. To discuss a time and attendance solution for your organization, call us at 866.294.2467.

Cloud Based Time and Attendance, Human Capital Management, Workforce Management Software

ATS Workforce Management Solution Helps Retail and Hospitality Industries to Thrive

5 Tips For Launching ATS Time And Attendance

Your Project Has Been Approved And You’ve Got The Power! Now What?

Removing The Complications Out Of Employee Time Tracking

Buying A Time And Attendance Software? Here Are Some Of The Things You Should Look For

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