Time and Attendance Blog, Workforce Management Software

Workforce Management Software Implementation: It’s All In The Process

A common phrase used by some of today’s sports teams is, “trust the process”. That’s another way of saying that the team has a plan and if everyone embraces (including management) the plan it is, likely to succeed. Of course, plans do go awry sometimes so sports teams should always expect the unexpected. It’s no different with software implementation in business.

In the world of workforce management software, the central feature is that of a shared database that supports multiple functions used by different business units. In practice, this means that employees in different departments or locations, such as; distribution, engineering, HR, payroll and finance can rely on the same information for their business process needs.

Implementation stages
The process that encompasses workforce management software implementation can be simple or complex, based on factors like size of the company, the project’s complexity and expectations.

Workforce management software implementation that takes advantage of the cloud, can skip some of the traditional steps that an on-premises deployment involves. ATS manages the infrastructure, allowing organizations to focus on data migration, process changes and employee training. The added steps of hosting the application is handled by ATS.

Project Team
The project team is responsible for the overall health of the implementation project, overseeing day-to-day initiatives and timelines. And, depending on the size of the company, the project team will look different.

Complex implementations for larger enterprise will likely have a steering committee. The committee might consist of the senior executives and departmental managers, who will establish the strategy, goals and priorities that justify the investment.

The budget
The success or failure of a workforce management software implementation project can sometimes, hinge on a realistic budget. And, one of the reasons that a company might go over budget is the expansion and scope of the project.

Implementation Costs
Initial costs are typically much lower for cloud computing solutions like ATSTimeWorkOnDemand, because you only need to focus on the software requirements and connectivity to the system. And, that’s because ATS hosts and maintains the application, thus minimizing demands on time and IT resources.

Application Design
If your company is migrating to a cloud application from on-premise solution the new solution will need to connect with other platforms, like HR, talent management, CRM or payroll. The ATS programming team will need design and develop the APIs before any data integration is established.

Migration
Data migration is crucial to a successful implementation, but transferring data from one system to another can be cumbersome and present unanticipated roadblocks. The ATS project team can make this process more efficient by coordinating with a company’s project manager to ensure a smooth data and mapping analysis is performed.

Training
It’s important to unlock the benefits of your workforce management solution. In order to do so, you need to ensure your employees, understand how to leverage the new system. ATS training is comprehensive and is available to employees through a combination of online learning opportunities.

Testing
ATS software engineers and other users from your company’s project team test connections and validate data integrity, fine-tuning adjustments so the software solution runs as you would expect, before the final data transfer and go-live date.

And…We’re Off
By now, most of the glitches (if any) have been dealt with, the system has been configured according to specifications, data has been transferred and onboarding activities have occurred, and testing is complete.

Support
Post-implementation support is the final step in the project. Sometimes everything does not go as planned, you can rely on ATS team of industry experts to help you navigate through implementation wrinkles.

No matter the type of organization, implementing a workforce management solution is a critical project that demands careful planning and commitment from the entire organization.

To learn about ATS workforce management software in the cloud, go to our website. To reach an account representative, call: 866.294.2467

Cloud Computing, CRM, HR, Payroll, Talent Management, Workforce Management Software

Cloud Deployment:Perception Vs Reality

The shift to the cloud is here and there’s not stopping it. In fact, the perception of cloud computing applications has changed dramatically over the last several years. In short order, most of our software applications in the foreseeable future, will accessed only through the cloud.

However, solely relying on the technology to facilitate better day to day operations for your business might not yield the results you are expecting. There are, however, several factors involved in the deployment of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications—that are sometimes overlooked, yet they play a vital role in the overall success within an organization.

There are numerous ways to improve the effectiveness of your cloud deployment. Here are three tips that will help you match your company’s reality vs perception.

Plan Accordingly-The amount of time it takes your workforce to adapt to the new solution might be longer than you think, so provide them with ample notice and do not expect a quick user adoption. Human beings, by nature, do not like change. Changing the habits of people, is no small undertaking. A well thought-out and executed project plan will minimize the change management hiccups, and help you maximize end-user adoption.

Let the Experts Guide You-Successful time and attendance cloud deployment and training covers not only system-related topics, but also best-practices and business processes. It takes into consideration each function’s unique organization structure processes and training needs. ATS deep industry expertise guides employees and users alike — at all levels of the organization — through new functions and processes.

Software Deployment is a Journey -ATS TimeWorkOnDemand is a journey, not a destination. Your organization will evolve as you begin to understand the product, and your processes should evolve along with it. On-going and post-live support is critical to your company’s enduring success, and accordingly, you should plan on spending several months fine-tuning your application with incremental changes. Having the resources to make small changes quickly helps drive faster end user adoption and will help to accelerate your return-on-investment (ROI).

ATS TimeWorkOnDemand is the leading cloud-based time and attendance application that’s used by mid and large enterprises across Canada, the US and other parts of central and south America. ATS TimeWorkOnDemand helps businesses streamline payroll and increase workforce productivity.

ATS provides organizations a complete Workforce Management, HCM Cloud Computing Solution —that drives digital transformation and, improves business agility while meeting both current and future business requirements.

To learn more about ATS TimeWorkOnDemand, go to our website. You can also register for one of our bi-weekly webinars or download a demonstration. And to reach an account executive, call: 866.294.2467.

Canada, Cloud Computing, HCM, Payroll, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Time and Attendance, U.S., 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

What Does 21st Century Workforce Management Solution Look Like?

Today’s smartphones are probably far more superior and advanced, than desktop computers of 17 years ago. Technology, including cloud computing, has removed the barriers of time and distance, with lightning speed.

What Does 21st Century Workforce Management Solution Look Like?

Automation has also helped increase the accuracy in the workplace as roles that require physical and mental concentration have a lower likelihood of human error. This however, has not eradicated the need for human engagement to scrutinize the results of automated business processes. However, automating something like employee time and attendance will significantly reduce the amount of routine work so resources can be allocated to perform other important tasks within the organization.

ATS Workforce Management Solution encompasses all the trappings of a Human Capital Management suite with embedded analytics, easy-to-use management dashboards-that are designed to help companies reduce administrative tasks, and remain compliant.

So, what are the benefits? We’ll keep it simple. With ATS Workforce Management Solution, your company will have the ability to:

Improve insight into what’s driving your human capital costs and optimize employee scheduling.
Gain access to analytics and reporting to review and measure.
Streamline your processes and lower your total cost of ownership with a unified system.

To learn why so many companies choose ATS Workforce Management Solution, you can download a demonstration or register for one of our bi-monthly webcasts. And, to speak to a representative call; 866.294-2467.

Cloud Computing, Human Capital Management, Time and Attendance, Workforce Analytics, Workforce Management Software

7 Tips To Help Your Company Understand Millennials

Millennials sometimes get a raw deal by some people. However, what that small minority of people who keep bashing them, fail to realize is that millennials are the future – and will someday control the levels of; government, private businesses and academia to name a few.

7 Tips To Help Your Company Understand Millennials

Here a poignant list of things your company should know about this next generation of bright and ambitious individuals. This list is extrapolated from an article titled Seven Things CEOs Need to Know About Millennials by Meghan M. Biro of Talent Culture.

Benefits: It’s not all about the “Benjamins.” When Millennial employees were asked what they value most from an employer, you may be surprised to learn that money wasn’t most important. In fact, cash bonuses came in third with training and development and flexible work hours taking first and second place respectively. What’s more revealing is that almost three quarters (73 percent) of millennials favor the notion of being able to customize their benefits packages to better suit their individual needs.
They want to be challenged: This generation wants to know that their job offers personal learning and development opportunities above everything else. They also want to feel confident that when accepting a new position, there will be opportunities for advancement within the organization. In fact, 52 percent said it would make a prospective employer more attractive.
A pat on the back goes a long way: One of the strongest traits of many millennials is the desire of frequent feedback from their superiors, especially praise for a job well done. As the survey indicated, 51 percent said feedback should be given very frequently or continually.
They aren’t impressed with your diversity: Generally speaking, millennials think you can do better when it comes to promoting equal opportunity in the workplace. More than half (55 percent) of respondents agreed that even though organizations discuss diversity, not everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
They think you’re stuck in your ways: Millennials are continually calling out company leaders for their “old-school,” and outdated management styles. More than 40 percent of millennials surveyed felt their use of technology was not always understood or appreciated.
They’re sensitive about what older workers think of them: Millennials sometimes get a bum rap and at work, 38 percent think it might have something to do with the inability of older senior management to relate to them. Whether it’s rigid hierarchies and outdated management styles (cited by 65 percent of survey respondents,) or not understanding the way millennials use technology (46 percent,) they feel misunderstood by older colleagues.
They’re loyal, but only to a point: Many millennials (38 percent) admit that they are keeping an eye out for new opportunities even when they are not actively seeking a new position. In other words, if they feel their talents are being wasted or that their needs are not being met, they won’t hesitate to move on to other opportunities.

Millenials are not as bad as they are made out to be. Let’s remember that it was not too long ago that today’s, 50 year plus cohorts, who blame today’s millennials for everything that’s wrong with the workforce environment — was also criticized by the generation that came before them. Some might call this merely the cycle of life.

To learn about ATS and it’s Workforce Management Suite, go to our website. You can also register for a bi-monthly webinar or demonstration and gain access to a variety of time and attendance and attendance brochures.To reach us by phone call; 866.294.2467.

Keep current with ATS:

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Millennials, Talent Culture, Technology, Time and Attendance, Workforce Management Software

Want A Better And More Effective Alternative To Spreadsheets? We’ve Got It

Tracking and monitoring the time of employee hours sound straightforward, but in reality, it can be a quite difficult process to manage. The complexities and globalization of today’s organizations, translates to increasing regulations, and these are just a few of the factors contributing to challenges in time and attendance tracking. Knowing when your employees are working or not, is only the starting point; and, along with daily employee activities, you also have to carefully maintain accurate readings of overtime hours, statutory holidays, vacation days accumulated, and sick days used.

In an effort to increase accuracy and productivity—and decrease costs—many of today’s organizations are not only integrating sophisticated time and attendance applications with their existing applications but they’re also carefully considering how to collect employee data to feed these applications. The right time and attendance data collector can help you automate time-consuming payroll and HR processes and provide both your employees and managers with more options. New, innovative data-collection tools, like ATS biometric time clocks, are helping organizations improve the management of data capture. Technologies like these can help you more easily manage various types of employees, reduce payroll cost and employee theft, and mitigate risk.

Welcome to the World of Innovative Data Collection
Beyond a modern time and attendance solution, ATS PeoplePoint Plus™ delivers rich graphics and video on a 7″ widescreen display. Optional speakers and camera, a fast processor, and expandable memory will allow users to interact with detailed content.

With ATS PeoplePoint Plus™ users can easily navigate employee self-service functionality on the generously sized screen. Custom programs, training videos, video chats, web browsers, and other custom content have a new, more effective platform now. PeoplePoint Plus™offers exciting programming and content delivery opportunities.

To download a brochure or demonstration of ATS workforce management software, go to our website. And to attend one of our bi-monthly webinars, you can register here or contact an account representative at; 866.294.2467.

Biometric Time Clock, HR, Overtime, Time and Attendance, Workforce Management Software

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

Is The Demise Of Manufacturing A Reality Or Overblown Rhetoric

Depending on who you talk to, manufacturing has been on the decline for the last 15 years and counting and there is no end in sight. But despite the doom and gloom, The Institute for Supply Management’s report, which is highlighted by Industry Week, begs to differ. And, many of today’s manufacturing companies, especially the ones who came out of the 2009 recession, albeit leaner, in terms of workforce and production process are likely breathing a sigh of relief at this piece of news. Michelle Jamrisko article for Bloomberg on state of manufacturing, states in part;

“Manufacturing expanded in December at the fastest pace in two years, reflecting firmer output and the biggest pickup in orders growth since August 2009. The Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday that its index increased to 54.7, the fourth straight advance, from 53.2 a month earlier. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey called for 53.8. Readings above 50 indicate growth. The ISM’s measure of orders surged 7.2 points, while its gauge of prices paid for materials climbed to the highest level since June 2011.”

Is The Demise Of Manufacturing A Reality Or Overblown Rhetoric

The world of manufacturing is constantly evolving as it has had to keep pace with stiffer competitor and tighter margins. And, so in order to increase profits, many of today’s successful manufacturers have had to embraced cloud computing, robotics and business intelligence thus enabling them, to streamline production flows – and ultimately reduce their costs.

So, as the manufacturing sector continues to evolve here are three trends that will continue to dominate that industry in 2017:

Cloud Computing
Major new technologies especially ones built on the cloud will be take precedence over on premise applications by manufacturers. Deploying a cloud-based solution provides a rapid return on investment, and streamlines payroll costs across an entire supply chain.

Predictive Analytics for Real-Time Decision-Making
Today, unlike several years ago, manufacturers have access to a wide array of analytic and Big Data tools at the push of a button– that can be hugely valuable for business decision-making and process enhancements when used correctly. From budgeting and forecasting to employee production scheduling and benefit accruals – these tools, allow manufacturers to harness data properly and with ease and efficiency.

New Technology and Innovation
Traditional, version-based time and attendance solutions prohibited organizations and their users from sharing freely and collaborating, because the data always resided on a Server and it was incapable of integrating to other applications-thus, creating nightmares for users. Workforce management software built for the cloud is the network of the future. Open-mind manufacturers will continue to move away from Server-based software solutions and instead opt for cloud computing solutions—which is the future of software deployment.

ATS Workforce Management for Manufacturing is industry-built and helps drive business outcomes by engaging your employees, streamlining payroll costs, increasing productivity, and minimizing compliance risk. With ATS Workforce Management for Manufacturing, your business has access to a proven cloud platform that is secure, scalable, and mobile — allowing you to do business when or where you choose to access its power.

To learn about ATS Workforce Management for Manufacturing, go to our website, you can also download a demonstration and see why many of today’s fortune 500 companies choose ATS.

Big Data, Business Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Manufacturing, Robotics, Time and Attendance, Workforce Management Software

Your Focus For The New Year Should Be, Improving Productivity And Streamlining Costs

At the end of the year, it’s helpful to look back and review all that has been accomplished throughout the last 12 months. You review what you have done well and analyze what could go better. Making plans for the New Year is always the easy part. However, if your plan is to continue using the same outdated technology and yet achieve maximum productivity, you should rethink those plans.

The benefits of a workforce management solution can have lasting effect on a company’s bottom-line. With ATS Workforce Management solution, access to real-time data is literally at your fingertips and you can monitor payroll and attendance metrics in ways, no spreadsheet can.

Your Focus For The New Year Should Be, Improving Productivity And Streamlining Costs

ATS Workforce Management Solution will make it easier for you to track absences, determine how to schedule employees, accurately manage personal time-off and give you access to up-to-the-minute analytics so, you can measure productivity. And, with ATS Workforce Management Solution, you can integrate to any ERP, CRM, Payroll, Recruitment or HR Management application —and monitor, specific parts of your business from this single solution.

If your business is committed to dumping the spreadsheets and outdated workforce management sins of the past, then it can resolve to keep its New Year’s resolution, by investing in a solution that will streamline payroll and increase workforce productivity. ATS Workforce Management Solution is an award-winning, innovative suite of Time and Attendance solutions deployed as an on-premise or in the cloud to optimize your workforce across the entire employee life cycle. ATS gives corporate executives, payroll, and HR management leaders the right information at the right time in order to make better business decisions and develop a more productive workforce—ultimately impacting business outcomes.

To learn more, call 866.294.2467 and to view a demonstration, go to our website.

Analytics, Employee Scheduling, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), HR, Payroll, Time and Attendance, 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

ATS Workforce Management Solution Helps Retail and Hospitality Industries to Thrive

7 Tips To Help Your Company Understand Millennials

Want A Better And More Effective Alternative To Spreadsheets? We’ve Got It

Your Focus For The New Year Should Be, Improving Productivity And Streamlining Costs

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

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