Time and Attendance Blog, Workforce Management Software

The Data Shows Employees Go To Work Even When They Know They Are Sick

Have you ever wonder why your sick coworker chose to come to work? This behaviour continues to confound experts who lament that employees would do well to stay away from work when they are sick. Most of us know when we are too sick to work, yet we push ourselves and end up working too much and, by doing so, we may in fact, be prolonging our recovery time. And, to top it off studies have shown that a lack of sleep can weaken our immune system and make us more susceptible to colds.

The Data Shows Employees Go To Work Even When They Know They Are Sick

According to a recent survey by Monster, and highlighted in an article by Lily Martis, a whopping 75% of employees chose to go to work despite being sick. The article reads in part; “In the survey, conducted globally, we found 20% of respondents said they always go to work when they’re ill, and 55% of respondents said they’d only take a sick day if their symptoms are severe. Just one-quarter of the respondents said they’d stay home and either work from home (10%) or take the day off (15%)”.

Most experts agree that if you work for an unreasonable boss or and have to go in to work, try to keep your distance from others, wash or sanitize your hands often, and cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or elbow. You can also cover with a tissue but be sure to throw it away immediately and then wash your hands. You can also suggest telecommuting to your manager, for a short period so your co workers are not subjected to your constant sneezing. And, if your manager is concerned about tracking your time while you are working from home, there are a few modern tools including; video conferencing and cloud computing time tracking methodologies. Emailing your manager every hour or so, with an update on projects you are working on, while telecommuting should put her mind at ease.

Cloud Computing, Employees, Sick

Technology Will Continue To Dominate The Future Of Work

The continued rise of technology including; Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, cloud-computing technologies, and artificial intelligence has made the seemingly impossible from years ago now possible. An article by Charles Krome for TLNT HR titled ‘What Happens When Employees Work Out of Their Car?’ raise the eye browse, rightfully so, of many safety experts.

The article reads in part, “It was bound to happen, leveraging the Microsoft Exchange mail and calendar services, In Car Office “knows” about upcoming conference calls, for example, and if you’re in the vehicle, it can automatically dial you in at the appropriate time. Similarly, if other calls are on your calendar, the system also can recognize this and remind you a few minutes before. Or if you’re headed for a face-to-face meeting, the system can automatically set the destination in the car’s navigation system.”

Technology Will Continue To Dominate The Future Of Work

Chances are we are not too far away from this type of technology being deployed by some companies, and of importance is the safety, liability and work-life-balance comes that will feature into this type of technology. The article addresses those concerns with this:

“First off, helping to maintain a safe workplace can be a vital role for HR professionals, so if your employees’ vehicles become part of that workplace, they could become part of your responsibilities, too. Expecting people to be on the clock when they’re in their cars, however, would require resetting that balance — and perhaps rebalancing the company’s books. While it’s too early to know how this would play out, if the time folks spend in their in-car offices is considered “work time,” it could have a financial impact for employers who pay on an hourly basis.”

Will the in-car office ever come to fruition? Only time will tell. The introduction of biometrics some years ago at airports, and in workplaces, coupled with cloud computing technologies were seen as an intrusive tools that did not belong. Today, many companies are deploying cloud-based time and attendance solutions, in large part, to the inherent benefits of boosting workplace productivity and streamlining payroll costs. And, as for biometrics, at airports, they have become so common that consumers go through them without thinking twice.

Artificial Intelligence, Biometrics, Cloud Computing, Robotics, Time and Attendance

Here’s The Straight Talk, Cloud Vs On Premises Deployment

There is no denying that ATS Time and Attendance in the cloud is a cost effective way for small, mid-size and even large enterprises to deploy our solution without leaving a strain on their budgets, while allowing them to remain agile, and operate in real-time. Some, however, would suggest that there is only way to deploy a time and attendance solution. We, at ATS, are here to proclaim otherwise.

ATS is a time and attendance is a leader in both on premises and cloud-based applications however, we believe in providing choice to our customers, and that includes, your choice of deployment. So, if the needs of your business operations change and you need a company with deep industry expertise, with a solution that’s scalable and — can accommodate your business requirements, here are some deployment options:

ATS Single-Tenant Deployment-This methodology gives customers greater control over their time and attendance deployment, and system administrative configuration.

ATS Multi-Tenant-A low cost deployment methodology that eradicates software upgrade headaches, provides immense flexibility, scalability, and high performance.

Hybrid Deployment-In this scenario, some enterprise customers with different locations may want a mix of cloud and on premises. This type of deployment is most common with multi-nationals and/or companies with various locations spread across remote locations and who may have a centralized IT department to support their initiatives.

On Premises Deployment-ATS on premises time and attendance is the traditional deployment methodology that gives you the peace of mind that it accompanies. We provide an option for customers to move from on-premises into the cloud.

So, there you have it. You have choices, and as a leading solution provider, ATS can help you choose the deployment option that works for your business.

To learn more, call 866.294.2467 or go to our website.

Here’s The Straight Talk, Cloud Vs On Premises Deployment

Cloud Computing, IT, Multi-Tenant, Single-Tenant, Time and Attendance

Is The Role Of The IT Manager Still Important Within An Organization?

How relevant is the role of the CIO or IT manager in 2016? That depends on who you ask. Even strong proponents of cloud computing technology (ATS included) agree that while the role of these individuals may have changed over the years, they remain extremely important. There are, as always other factors to consider, like the size of the organization. For example a small company with 50 employees might do well with an outside IT consultant, while a company in excess of 300 employees may decide to employ in-house IT personnel. And, while solutions like cloud-based time and attendance are gaining wider acceptance that does not mean the role of IT is being diminished, in fact the reverse is true.

CIOs and IT managers alike need to remind their organizations of the important role that IT plays within the larger scope of the business. They should also not been seen as an agent who hate change, for example, an unwillingness to accept a cloud solution especially, if other businesses executives are open to exploring the idea.

The role of IT within an organization warrants attention because as technology advances, the future of companies will depend on the IT strategies employed by the key decision makers. However, the lingering question is whether the decision makers for these new and advanced technologies will remain the responsibility of IT or if it will be assumed by others, internally or externally?

To learn about ATS cloud-based solutions, go to our website and download a brochure or demonstration. To attend one of our weekly webinars, call 866.294.2467 or register online.

Is The Role Of The IT Manager Still Important Within An Organization?

CIO, Cloud, Cloud Computing, IT Manager, Time and Attendance

Today’s Businesses Must Adapt To Disruptive Technology

Techopedia describes disruptive technology this way; “Disruptive technology refers to any enhanced or completely new technology that replaces and disrupts an existing technology, rendering it obsolete. It is designed to succeed similar technology that is already in use. Disruptive technology applies to hardware, software, networks and combined technologies”.

Here are a short list of some things that could be considered that are either obsolete or taking traditional industries by storm:

Fax machines-scanning a document and then emailing a document is a cheaper and quicker alternative to faxing.
Landlines (they are slowly being replaced by VOIP and smart phones)
VHS tapes and DVDs.
Video rental stores-they have been replaced by Software-As-A-Service (SAAS) or as commonly referred to “cloud computing” service.
Music CDs- iTunes and Spotify are two cloud-based music streaming services that have replaced them.
Traditional taxi cabs- They are being forced to change with the times and up their game with services like Uber.
Hotels/Lodging Industry-The arrival of Airbnb has given notice to the hotel operators around the world.

In a post titled “12 Disruptive Technologies That Have the Potential to Change Your Business” by Eric Sherman for Inc.com we selected five out of the list, all of which has already disrupted the way in which business operates. In no particular order, they include:

“Internet of Things–With sensors on devices, clothing, machinery, and virtually anything else you can think of, all using wireless and near-field communications to communicate with networks and the rest of the Internet, there will be major impacts on business process optimization, manufacturing, natural resource use, utilities, energy delivery, and remote healthcare.

Cloud–Cloud technology can provide centralized computing resources to serve many users, whether internally in a company or through a third-party service. More efficient use of resources will put pressure on the computer and IT industries, as more work is done by fewer machines and people. At the same time, cloud can offer software and computing services that let businesses run more efficiently and enable many technology entrepreneurs to get the resources they need far more economically than by building their own systems.

Advanced robotics–Exoskeletons, artificial and enhanced sight and hearing, remote physical manipulation, and artificial intelligence will make changes in manufacturing, healthcare and surgery, such basic service activities as food preparation and cleaning, and consumer use.

3D printing–Whether high-profile use in producing individual guns or research that could allow devices to literally make meals, 3D printing is rapidly gaining prominence. Printers could change the way companies make almost anything through distributed manufacturing, enable consumers to make products themselves, or create tissues and organs for transplanting.

Advanced materials–Materials science has been an important area that many people have ignored. But modern plastics, specialized automotive steel, and semiconductors are just three areas where it has been important. The influence will only expand as such technologies as graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, and memory and self-healing materials affect energy storage, computer displays, enhanced chemicals and catalysts, consumer electronics, medicine, and many types of manufacturing.

These changes and others will continue into the future. Companies who choose to stick to all things traditional are likely the ones who will be blindsided as these changes occur.

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Today’s Businesses Must Adapt To Disruptive Technology

3D Printing, Advanced Robotics, Cloud Computing, Healthcare, Internet of Things, Manufacturing, Software-as-a-Service, Spotify

Benefits Of Cloud Computing? There Are So Many, Where Do We Start?

According to Webopedia, “Cloud computing is a type of computing that relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications”. For many businesses the traditional way of accessing information involves accessing applications downloaded on a physical computer or server in their building. In the world of cloud computing, businesses can access the same kinds of applications, but this time they do it through the internet.

When you update your LinkedIn status, you are essentially using cloud computing. Do you pay any of your your bills or access any app by phone? If so, you are in the cloud. Many small and large businesses rely on cloud computing to solve their business challenges. And, this type of technology has become a competitive advantage, for many smaller companies, who previously saw large corporations deploy cloud applications with a great deal of success.

But why are so many businesses now moving to the cloud? Simple, the benefits of the cloud helps improve cash flow and increases workforce efficiency. Here are some additional benefits:

Scalability
Smart CIO and IT Managers who have done their due diligence have embraced the cloud. Many of them are now encouraging their CEOs to deploy the cloud over on-premise solutions. For example, cloud computing allows you to scale up or down based on your needs. This unprecedented level of agility can give businesses using cloud computing a distinct advantage over their competitors.

Improve Cash-Flow
Business executives are not fond of tying up a lot of their capital in IT projects and they should not have to. With a cloud computing application like ATS TimeWork OnDemand, the pay-as-you-go, subscription-based model eases cash flow. And, the quick turn-around time of database set up, and deployment, is sure to make most naysayer business executive embrace the cloud computing.

Access 24/7, Anytime, Anywhere
With an Internet connection, regardless of where you are, you can access ATS TimeWork OnDemand. The beauty of cloud computing means, you are not restricted with which device you can use; whether it’s a Smartphone, tablet or workstation you can still access the cloud.

Any of the benefits mentioned is enough to convince many business executives to give cloud computing some serious consideration. And after talking to customers who are using ATS TimeWork OnDemand, we are pretty sure they will make that move.

You might also like:

Keep an open mind when deciding if the cloud is right for you

A leap of faith can help your business leverage the benefits of the cloud

Are HR leaders really embracing the cloud?

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Cloud Computing, Internet, LinkedIn, Smartphone, TimeWork OnDemand

The Nightmare Of The Daily Commute

October 4th, 2016 | Posted by Apex Time Solutions in Cloud Computing | Time and Attendance Blog, Workforce Management Software | Workforce Management Solutions - (Comments Off)

Mondays are viewed, as the first and most dreaded day of the week for many in the corporate world. Think of this, after a weekend off, the arrival of Monday means having to spend hours driving to and from work. And, if there are accidents along the way, it could represent a delay in the time you arrive at the office. And, for those of us with kids and, depending on their age or grade, they have to be driven to school, which of course, means extra time in the car. Let’s not forget there are swaths of the population who either work from home or, are within walking distance of their employment. However, for the ones who partake in the daily commute whether by choice or otherwise, this trend despite HOV lanes, carpooling and other government initiatives is showing no signs of abating.

The Nightmare Of The Daily Commute

An article by Jessica Stillman, contributor for Inc.com titled, ‘If You Can’t Change Your Commute, Here’s How to Make It Way Less Awful’ highlights a study that deals with ‘The science of a happy commute’ and, reads in part;

“Researchers out of Columbia University rounded up 154 British commuters and then randomly assigned them to two groups. The first group just continued commuting to work as they always had, answering questions about their happiness levels, commute times, job satisfaction, and emotional exhaustion.

The other group, however, received a text message each week prompting them to use their commute to reflect on the day to come and plan some aspect of their work. They too answered question about their travel and moods. After six weeks the experiences of both groups were compared.

While nothing had physically changed about either group’s commute — the traffic was just as snarled, the train just as unreliable, etc. — their subjective experience of their commutes differed significantly. The planning group showed significantly increased job satisfaction and decreased emotional exhaustion.”

Of course, some people love their daily commute and spending a couple of hours or more a day driving to work does not bother them. If you are not one of the fortunate ones, within walking distance of work and depending on what you do, you could you could seek permission from your boss to work from home a day or two out of the week. Telecommuting always makes for a heated debate with those who are and against it. Let’s try this simple rhetorical question; why would a company ask its sales personnel to commute daily, only to sit at a desk for the purpose of make phones calls, to prospective customers? In the age of cloud computing, video conferencing and VOIP technology, this example exemplifies the definition of insanity or a company with an outdated thinking.

The Nightmare Of The Daily Commute

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Cloud Computing, Telecommuting, VOIP

Why Time And Attendance In The Cloud?

If you are considering a time and attendance solution for your organization, chances are you’re being bombarded with choices. And, having choices is a good thing. But as you explore your options, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is whether to select a cloud-based time and attendance or one that will be installed locally on your server and workstations within your organization.

The basic difference between a solution installed on your server (or as its commonly referred to, “on-premise”) and a cloud time and attendance is clear: a solution installed on your company’s server is typically managed your IT resource/consultant, while a cloud time and attendance—is provided as a service. This type of deployment brings with it a range of flexibility. For example, cloud time and attendance data is managed centrally by the vendor and is accessed by customers through any web browser (in the Internet “cloud”) including; Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari and Microsoft Edge

Here are some key factors to consider when deciding whether to deploy a cloud time and attendance or one an on-premise.

Cost of Ownership
An on-premise time and attendance usually require large upfront and ongoing investments to purchase and manage the software, hardware, servers, to run it. If, for example your organization does not have internal and/or an experienced IT team that means additional costs that you may not have budgeted for. And, when its time to upgrade, your IT resource has to go through the arduous steps of reinstalling the time and attendance and any customizations that were installed on the previous version.

ATS Time and Attendance in the cloud, initial costs are typically lower, when compared to an on-premise, because the software is configured and deployed using your company’s specific requirements. ATS hosts and maintains the IT infrastructure, thus, ensuring your system is always running with the latest updates without breaking your previously implemented configurations. And, with a predictable, pay-as-you-go subscription model this can make cash flow management and planning much easier for companies.

Why Time And Attendance In The Cloud?

Deployment
Deploying time and attendance requires careful planning and takes time. ATS time and attendance in the cloud, offers superior advantages when compared to an on-premise deployment. In the world of on-premise deployment a company has to install an IT infrastructure, and additional hardware to maintain the application. With ATS time and attendance in the cloud, it can be deployed across multiple regions, provinces, divisions, subsidiaries and countries thus, avoiding associated costs with those rollouts. When you select ATS time and attendance in the cloud, it usually takes 2-4 months of roll out compared to the12 months it takes to implement an on-premise solution.

Always On, Anywhere Anytime
With ATS time and attendance in the cloud that means you gain instant access to a suite of workforce management tools that your teams need to make more informed decisions. The solution provides real-time data that can be accessed via the Internet anywhere at any time. That means that staff at your company can see accurate information on smart-phones, tablet devices and laptops while they travel or telecommute. And, whether your workforce is located in the same building, different locations, or on the other side of the globe — ATS time and attendance in the cloud deployment means you’re all working in unison.

When it comes to deploying ATS time and attendance in the cloud, you can count on ATS for the experience you expect. This agile deployment methodology is combined with innovative cloud computing technology, and deep domain expertise, working with customers across industries and geographies, to streamline your cloud deployment and speed your time to value.

Every business is unique, so taking the time to consider how different your time and attendance deployment options will affect your company is critical. To learn more about deploying ATS time and attendance in the cloud solution, contact us.

Cloud Computing, Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari, Time and Attendance, Workforce Management Software

Robust, Agile And Efficient Workforce Management, Built For The Cloud

The rapid growth of the digital era provides a multitude of choices for manufacturing companies to improve their processes and decrease overall costs. If for example, your company has elected not to jump on the band wagon of these, progressive cloud computing technology, it simply means your competitor has a distinct advantage.

Here are some of things you are missing out on if you decide to remain on the sidelines

Workforce Management Manufacturing Scalability
If your competitors have adopted a workforce management solution they are taking advantage of today’s technology, the cloud—to innovate, streamline payroll costs and improve workforce productivity. Now, your plant manager and other operational managers can focus on servicing your customers instead of writing employee hours on manual time sheets.

Workforce Analytics
With ATS Workforce Analytics manufacturing companies have the ability to access and analyze real-time data and benefit, from sophisticated forecasting and budgeting modules to —help uncover visibility into critical resource gaps.

Robust, Agile And Productive Time and Attendance; Built For The Cloud

Continuous Innovative Cloud Computing Technology
Only an ATS cloud workforce management solution—designed for today’s manufacturing, entities, can—enable you to take advantage of innovations software updates as soon as they are available. In short, your company will no longer be hamstrung by backward technology.

Deploying an ATS cloud workforce management ensures that your manufacturing enterprise will leverage up-to-date innovation. The rich functionality of ATS cloud application can benefit manufacturers, because it comes with a much lower upfront costs than a legacy solution thus, helping your business to thrive. And, with a well designed architecture that provides real-time insights into key performance indicators—the intuitive dashboard provides a 360° degree view of business operations, from any platform, at anytime, anywhere.

To learn about ATS innovative cloud solutions, you can download a brochure or demonstration or register for one of our weekly webinars.

Cloud Computing, Forecasting and Budgeting, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Manufacturing, Workforce Analytics

Want To Increase Workforce Productivity? Offer Employees Mobile Device Options

A recent article by The New York Times titled ‘The Long, Final Goodbye of the VCR’ encapsulates how technology continues to evolve. And, in a world where cloud computing technology has helped made previously mundane tasks easier to complete, many companies are embracing the use of cloud-based solutions, to help them save costs and remain competitive.

In today’s digital era for example, implementing a cloud-based workforce management solution is easier to deploy and provides a rapid return on investment (ROI). And with the added benefits of an on-the-go application that allows employees to punch in/out from their mobile device, they can; request time off, provide their availability, view shift schedules, overtime, hours worked and perform a host of other tasks that previously required a visit to the HR office. This on-the-go application provides managers with real-time reporting capabilities, an intuitive dashboard with workflows and, a messaging centre to review employee requests and respond in accordance.

Want To Increase Workforce Productivity? Offer Employees Mobile Device Options

So, if your company is looking to increase productivity, be sure to deploy a workforce management that can do more than having remote workers tied to a desktop on which to log in their hours of work. Thus, when workers are productive and happy, companies can expect a better return on their people investment and a better customer experience.

To learn about ATS Workforce Management mobile app, go to our website. And, to attend one our weekly webinars register online. To speak to one of our account executives call; 866.294.2467.

Cloud Computing, HR, New York Times, Workforce Management Solutions

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