Time and Attendance – Page 5 – Time and Attendance

A Complete Guide to Time and Attendance Systems

Looking for a Time Management solution for your workplace? Have a read of our blog post and see why CEEQUEL® is the essential software for your company.

One of the main and most daunting factors affecting productivity within businesses – and therefore negatively affecting potential money-making opportunities and company-wide morale – is the poor or inefficient management of staff hours and performance. There are a multitude of different ways by which a company can measure, record and oversee employee attendance, but with so many aspects of your working day now being made quicker and easier through the introduction of more and more sophisticated automation – allowing you to focus on the key functions of your business and improve performance – surely there’s a way to reduce the hours you still have to spend trawling through timesheets, writing out clock cards and manually calculating hours and wages. If that’s what you’re thinking, you’re absolutely right – there is indeed a simpler answer. This is where a Time and Attendance System can be used. Time and Attendance has developed Ceequel ®, a selection of human resources management modules that specialise in the management and administration of employee time and attendance records through the use of Microsoft SQL software. SQL is a digital language used when particular systems communicate with set databases, drawing information from specified fields and applying it to current activity. So, in short, a system that utilises this language will ensure that day to day activity within a business is recorded as data, then that data will be used to calculate what changes can be made to the current status quo to improve functionality and increase efficiency. ELF Time and Attendance mission statement vows that they will “provide a cost-effective solution to monitor and record all personnel attendance, utilising the latest technology, whilst delivering 100% customer satisfaction”, and all in the name of improving the performance and productivity of individual businesses. Read on to explore their handy guide that will tell you more about ELF Time and Attendance, how they work and what they could do to improve your company’s productivity and future prospects.

What is a Time and Attendance System?

Through the use of up to the minute database software, Time and Attendance modules can be installed from scratch as a brand new addition to the resources of your company. It is also possible for them to be integrated into existing systems to improve their performance. They are innovative programs that are able to automatically calculate employee hours worked – factoring in flexitime and overtime and even holiday allowance according to an employee’s length of service. These calculations and the resulting data can be produced and viewed in real time.

A Time and Attendance System can also help business owners and managers keep on top of irregularities in individual clocking in, such as lateness, missed clockings, unplanned clockings, unscheduled overtime or fewer hours worked than expected, enabling you to factor them into paycheck calculations, resolve any issues and plan expected absences in advance. They can also make roster generation a great deal easier by managing complex shift patterns for you – even going to far as to take into account specific skill sets necessary at certain times, such as ensuring a first aider is present on shift. Shift patterns can be stored within a library-style filing system, and regular, varied rotations can be managed across multiple sites, locations and businesses. You can even decide whether you require separate night and day shift reports. Reports can be created from the data extrapolated from your Time and Attendance System and exported, which allows you the option of a paperless, clutter-free office along with the opportunity to distribute said reports to all relevant colleagues. Graphical reporting is readily available with this software to allow for easy, straightforward analysis at HR meetings and with management teams, as is the option for automatic email reports, exception reports, basic HR reports and payroll export – meaning that even dealing with your employees’ paychecks can be automatically made many times quicker and easier! Your personnel can be easily registered with the software using any number of features, such as configurable profiles as part of an active directory featuring vital details, the option to view employees by photograph and the opportunity to set up an advanced fire register. A Time and Attendance System can even create bespoke ID badge designs for individual staff members.

Types of Time and Attendance Systems available

There are many available kinds of adapted Time and Attendance Systems available, each of which is suitable for a wide range of businesses and requirements. At ELF Productivity Limited, a Time and Attendance System integrated with Employee Access Control system can be used for company-wide security coverage, restricting or authorising access to certain restricted areas for specified individuals, as well as managing their attendance and performance.

If you choose to include a Human Resources Management software module, you’ll also be able to see what training each individual on shift has received, access their employee contracts, understand what equipment they have been issued or trained to use, report accidents and incidents, schedule their training and match their skills to specific tasks, keep up to date with salary changes and much more.

A Shop Floor Data Capture system allows the monitoring of employee time management and real-time progress updates. You can follow the progress of a particular project and form a database of standards against which each task can be checked. Through this system, you will be able to check the speed at which employees work, and whether they are performing to a higher or lower level than has been stated as standard for their assigned task. This software can also monitor the performance of machines, allowing for the timely identification of equipment malfunctions and calculating the cost per hour of each machine in use.

With the Employee Self Service option, you can give each of your employees access to their own individual profiles on the system, allowing them to keep track of their performance, stay motivated and track their progress. Any requests for holiday leave or explanations for absences can be recorded through this system, and internal notices can also be displayed. This particular software can be extremely helpful for individuals who often work remotely or from home, but also works well for on-site staff who wish to check or update their details or view their rota. There is an app available for both Android and Apple products for these purposes, and the system is completely secure, ensuring that only the relevant individual can access their own information.

Finally, the Web E-Manager System allows for cloud-based time and attendance management that is quick and straightforward, leaving more time for administrative staff to undertake further vital work. All facets of the basic Time and Attendance System – plus any additions – can be accessed remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to keep up wherever you are while avoiding messy paper-based systems.

Advantages of Managing Employee Time and Attendance

Even smaller companies can benefit hugely from monitoring their employees’ attendance and use of time – in fact, correct task-assignment and the keeping of proper records can often make equally as great a difference to them as it can to their larger competitors. The ability to quantify the effects your employees’ current time management has on your company’s productivity – whether positive or negative – can be revolutionary, particularly when the data you are able to extrapolate can be used to make numerous changes in order to advance your performance. The application of Time and Attendance software can mean the difference between being stuck in a rut – and in the worst case, wasting precious time and money – and developing a highly functional, high-performing body of staff and work regime. Of course, you’ll also benefit no end from the time saved by automating administrative and HR work such as the management of flexitime and holiday leave, rostering, skill searching and absence management. It has been calculated than managers, employees and HR staff can spend up to eighteen minutes per employee every week on these arduous tasks, while more constructive tasks fall by the wayside or are afforded less attention. A good Time and Attendance System can save you a huge amount of time – whittling that figure down to just two minutes per employee each week – and, of course, time gained is money gained.

How to install a Time and Attendance System

ELF Time and Attendance will assist you in choosing the perfect system for your needs, and, after that, they’ll set about installing the software at your earliest convenience – as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Each installation is assigned its very own dedicated systems engineer to oversee the project and ensure everything runs perfectly smoothly. First and foremost, detailed information about your existing employee management activities will be collected, so that ELF can discuss your options with you and show you how you might be able to save a little time and money within the installation process. Their systems can be merged with existing software to make the transition simpler if you prefer. Engineers will also advise you on the placement of the necessary data capture terminals after a thorough examination of your site, to ensure the most efficient of arrangements. Ongoing consultations and forthcoming communication on their part every step of the way will render them able to install the perfect software for you, to an even higher and more efficient standard than you expected! Training will also be offered to any and all members of staff who will be using the terminals and software, to ensure comprehensive understanding of each element. It is recommended that this training takes place prior to the system going live, but if that is not possible then it can be rearranged for a future time at your convenience.

How much do Time and Attendance Systems cost?

Most versions of Time and Attendance software start at around the £300 mark, although with many customizable extras and add-ons available, the easiest way to determine the exact price of your ideal system is to request a quote directly from the providers you’re currently considering. These programs are designed to help your company improve its overall efficiency, saving money in the process, so it may be worth investing in a number of specialised features that will meet your company’s needs exactly. You’ll have a number of opportunities to discuss your requirements in the early stages of the installation, and, should certain necessary aspects of an employee management system already be in place, your chosen specialists may be able to find ways to integrate it with the new software, making it both more efficient and more cost-effective.

So, what’s the next step?

There are a huge number of employee Time and Attendance Systems available, so the best way to start looking for one is to make a list of all the features you feel your company would benefit from. As you’ve read above, the number of options available is considerable and rather comprehensive, so it’s likely you’ll be able to find exactly what you need. A good approach is to research the starting price for each software brand you’re considering, then enquire into the cost of a bespoke version featuring every additional facet you may conceivably need. The next step is to adjust the potential add-ons until you come to a price you feel is reasonable for a product that you know will benefit your company to the greatest degree possible. Once you have a clear idea of the product you require, you can then begin to compare brands online. If a particular type of software looks like it may offer you a good number of the facets on your checklist, take the time to request a consultation from the company. While many brands have set modules available, many elements are customisable, so they may be able to go even further towards creating your perfect bespoke product. Once you are happy with the options you have discovered, make a note of the pros and cons of each, including prices and projections of how much you estimate you may save per brand. It’s also advisable to involve any relevant HR staff and line managers in your decisions throughout, as they may see a different side to the current employee management climate that you were not initially fully aware of. Once you are happy with your decision, it’s time to contact your chosen provider and set the ball rolling.

Of course, it’s absolutely possible for a business to run effectively without a Time and Attendance System in place, but managing staff hours without one can prove exceptionally time consuming, particularly within companies that offer flexi-time, part time work or zero hour arrangements. Even if you clear time in your schedule each week for this type of administration, factoring in annual leave, sick pay, maternity leave and unplanned absences can eat even further into the rest of your working life unexpectedly. The ability to automate this aspect of your duties may even free up enough time to enable you to launch a new project or take on overdue work that has been piling up. The time you could save will be yours to utilise and invest as you see fit, and business can only improve as a result.

ELF Time and Attendance was named as one of Acquisition International’s Top 50 Technology Companies in 2016, then went on to receive Softech International Magazine’s ‘Best Time and Attendance Systems Specialists’ award in March 2017. The company is committed to the complete satisfaction of all clients and customers, which is why they work to ensure that their Ceequel® Time and Attendance System is as cost effective and user-friendly as possible, and that it is able to match all specific or bespoke requirements. Along with the comprehensive installation service that is included included in the packages and as well as the aforementioned company-wide system training they offer, you can also benefit from on-going technical support from their specialists, so whether any individuals on your staff have queries about the functions or operation of the Ceequel® terminals, or you just need a quick reminder of how to access a certain report or module facet, there will be an expert at the end of the phone ready to take your call at any time.

Moving Forward with ELF Productivity Limited

If you’re considering contacting ELF Productivity Limited to discuss your Time and Attendance System needs and discover which particular modules are right for your company, you can request a free quote today by entering a few simple details and a summary of your requirements here.

An expert advisor will contact you as soon as possible to talk you through the first steps and work with you towards creating your perfect system. For initial queries, you can also call 01257 256000 or email sales@elf.uk.com. Someone will be available to respond to you between 9 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday. You can find further details about ELF Productivity Limited and the products and services they offer by visiting www.timeandattendance.co.uk now.

Brexit – Where Will You Be In 50 Years’ Time?

Keep Calm and Carry On – check out our latest blog on the future of the United Kingdom after Brexit.

The EU Referendum result on 23rd June 2016 was met with some considerable shock and disbelief; not least because nobody expected THAT outcome but rather the new territory and direction the United Kingdom was seemingly heading into.

Despite our somewhat cantankerous partnership with the European Union, leaving our European counterparts behind was, for some, not going to be an easy time.

• “We are all doomed” the general reaction from anyone who voted “Remain” and given a smidgeon of air-time by a television or radio journalist.

• “They have robbed us of our future” courtesy of The Millennial Generation – see previous blog post.

Parting company is not easy, especially once you have taken that first step towards ending the relationship. Once you realise that you are unhappy with the current status quo, glossing over an already laboured correlation, without really addressing the issue, is no longer going to “cut it”. Once that time has past and you begin to look at different alternatives, you will start to wonder, “Why did I endure this for so long”?

The United Kingdom has seen some considerable changes since the end of the Second World War. Looking back over time and at how things have changed both before and during the “EU Experiment”, we can see that there have been some considerable highs but also some devastating lows.

From The Beatles “Swinging” us through the Sixties, to the flares and the afghan coats of the 1970’s; a decade that brought with it the 3 day week, the “Iron Lady” and the “Winter of Discontent”, Great Britain has always taken everything in its stride.

“Maggie’s Den” in the 80’s helped to produce the “greed is good” mantra by many would be “yuppies” as the Tory Government concentrated on privatisation and investments. Computers were the new fascination, with everyone wanting an Amstrad or Sinclair Spectrum – retro TV tennis anyone? Home computers were THE must have accessory on everyone’s wish list BUT the best was yet to come. Great Britain’s very own Sir Tim Berners-Lee proposed his “free gift” of the World Wide Web in 1989. Without Sir Tim, there would be no Google, Twitter or Facebook…….. or blogs! As we moved towards the 90’s, home ownership was up, mainly due to Maggie’s Right to Buy legislation but interest rates were at an eye watering 15%! “Things could only get better”…….apparently.

The arrival of Anthony Charles Lynton Blair and his New Labour Government on the 2nd May 1997, signalled a new age for the UK. Tony Blair, on a tidal wave of public optimism, was elected into office at just 43 years of age! Not since Lord Liverpool, who became Prime Minster at the age of 42 in 1812, had the country elected a leader so young. At the start of his leadership, Tony was held in great affection by the British public. “Cool Britannia” emerged, as the charismatic Tony spent time entertaining and rubbing shoulders at No 10 with the Britpop clique. Predictably, his popularity began to diminish, as for want of a better expression “a dubious war” started. He also signed away part of our hard-fought EU rebate – something that was not lost on the British people.

The 21st Century was well underway when the United Kingdom experienced what can only be described as “A Rock and a Hard Place”. The City was in freefall in late 2007, as Tony Blair’s successor Gordon Brown, had the unenviable task of handling one of the worst catastrophic episodes in our financial history. The collapse of Northern Rock was the trigger for a cataclysmic event that changed our banking system forever. As a direct result, Labour were booted out of government. Fortunately, Great Britain managed to weather this un-timely storm – just – but other EU countries were crippled financially as a result.

So, as we prepare to say “Au Revoir” to the EU, what have we learned from our chequered past and what will we learn looking to the future – what do these forthcoming years hold for the United Kingdom?

From the austere 1950’s to the present time, the British have always kept a controlled stance, never wavering in the face of adversity. At no better time, did we display this stoicism than on the 5th July 1948. It was on this date, that Great Britain launched the world’s first National Health Service – just three years after the end of the Second World War. This year, our precious pride and joy founded by Labour Minster for Health Aneurin Bevan, will be 70 years old. It is still considered to be the “envy of the world”.

Our much celebrated monarch HM Queen Elizabeth 2 is, at 91, the world’s most admired Crowned Head. After more than 65 years on the throne, Her Majesty is still committed to serving the country and the Commonwealth. She has met and ministered to an astonishing 13 Prime Ministers during her sovereignty – her first being Sir Winston Churchill!

On the 29th March 2019, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union and British business must come first. President Donald Trump is a key ally who wishes to do business with the UK. In fact, the President not only predicted that we would leave the European Union before he became Commander in Chief, his comment on learning that we had in fact voted to “Leave” was “You have your country back”. The people of Great Britain are just that, we are great; we just aren’t too fond of being told to pay for someone else’s mistakes!

We have come a long way in 50 years but one thing is certain; “Made in Britain” still carries some considerable global weight. Britain is still a good place to invest. Where will your company be in 50 years’ time, will it be like the UK, still standing in the face of adverse changes? Are you willing to make arduous decisions now based on the right course of action for its future? Is now the time for you to step out and make that change?

ELF Productivity Ltd’s Time and Attendance system is the current market leader in automated processes. Part of ELF Productivity’s award-winning Time and Attendance software, is Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture, which delivers unparalleled, real-time production analysis and intelligent activity-based costing calculations, enabling manufacturers to enhance operational efficiencies and improve strategic decision-making.

Our knowledge and expertise is unrivalled. We are constantly developing our modules with new ideas and new ways of making Time and Attendance processes, simpler, faster and easier – we too are also “Made in Britain”. You once made a decision to “Leave or Remain”, this is an easier choice to make – invest in the best, invest in ELF.

Looking towards the future what will we do as a nation once we have left the constraints of the European Union behind; we will do what we have always done and what we are most famous for, we will “Keep Calm and Carry On”

If you would like to learn more about the unrivalled functionality of Ceequel® Software Suite, including our flagship Time and Attendance offering; a range of downloadable brochures can be found here.

Contact ELF Productivity today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software.

Love is in the Air and on the Shop Floor

Love is all around, check out our Valentine’s Day blog on keeping an attentive eye on your workforce.

“Love is in the Air” as John Paul Young once sang – for those of you old enough to remember and for those not old enough – it was 1977 to be precise!

February 14th is once again with us and for all you cynical people out there, Valentine’s Day is not something that can be avoided, especially as there are romantic reminders everywhere you turn. Valentine’s Day, particularly within a company, is one of those places. It has become a prime opportunity for people to make their anonymous move on that one special person who has caught their eye.

Embarking on a romance within an enterprise can turn out to be the best thing ever, or the worst, depending on the outcome and the company’s view. So what is your position as a business with regards to the wooing process or “courting” as they used to say, amongst your employees?

Where do you stand with your staff gazing at each other across the office and meeting at the photocopier? Are you happy seeing flowers, chocolates and a cuddly toy sent by a lovesick Romeo in pursuit of their Juliet? And are you content with the endless company gossip about the latest lovebirds?

Or are you, like a lot of employers out there, concerned about the lack of focus, downturn in productivity and even worse having to deal with a potential harassment claim?

Every company wants to cut their employees a little “slack” at certain times during their working day. No employer wants to be known as a tyrant in the office, especially when team building and morale is an integral part of any company’s mission statement. Unfortunately, as companies usually find out, there is a fine line between boosting staff morale and seeing your productivity output decline. As some employers call it “a very unproductive day”.

When does team building, and joviality (romantic or not) within the workplace stop and non-productive, timewasting and un-focused employees begin?

You may be asking “What’s Love Got To Do With It”? What can you do if your current Time and Attendance processes are not up to the task of monitoring your very own “Part-Time Lovers”, especially at this most romantic time of year? And what if “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” surrounding your manual, outdated and unreliable data capture system.

Here at ELF Productivity Ltd, authors of Ceequel® Time and Attendance software, we can ensure that “You’ve Got That Loving Feeling”. A module that will become your very own “Dreamlover”.

ELF Productivity’s Shop Floor Data Capture capture module is your own corporate cupid. It entwines management processes and employee tracking together. It has key features within, including, Actuals v Standard-times, Productive v Non-Productive Hours, Wages to Gross, Machine Monitoring and Incentive Scheme Calculations.

Employee Tracking is another key element within Shop Floor Data Capture. This will not only calculate the total number of hours worked by a particular employee but it will also provide details on how many hours the employee has worked on either a particular task or within a certain sector/department of the company. With fast accurate monitoring 24 hours day, transparency and clarity ensures you stay fully informed.

Here at ELF Productivity Ltd we have been at the forefront of Time and Attendance since 1982, so we are well positioned to understand that people spend a considerable amount of time in the workplace. Relationships which begin on the shop floor are more likely to end in marriage than ones that began in a pub or club. This is why we are best placed to understand the true requirements of Human Resource Management and Payroll Departments. Because of this our modules are being constantly developed to make use of any new ideas and new ways of making Time and Attendance processes, simpler, faster and more automated.

Do you want a new “Vision of Love? Is ELF Productivity Ltd and Ceequel® Time and Attendance software “The One That You Want” this Valentine’s Day?

If so, we know that “Love Takes Time” so Contact ELF Productivity today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software.

Let’s Get Physical – Not Bent Out Of Shape

From a gentle jog to a flying leap, take a look at our latest blog and find out more about flexible and remote working.

One word………… EXERCISE. How does that word make you feel, does it fill you with excitement or dread? Let’s be honest, exercise is something you either love doing or avoid with a passion. Those that avoid it usually give the same reason ……… I would like to, I just don’t have the time.

The beginning of a New Year is traditionally the most popular period to embark on a new healthy regime. Gym memberships are signed up for, usually done on the back of a New Year’s Eve resolution and healthy eating begins – again! ALL junk food stops immediately, fat skimming devices are brought out of retirement (back of the kitchen cupboard) cobwebs and dust are blown off and you feel amazing. You head into work all enthusiastic but then what happens? The ultra slim, work colleague who can eat whatever he/she wants is eating the “colonel’s secret recipe” like it’s going to be put on ration…..right in front of you! You mutter to yourself “It’s like they are doing this on purpose, they KNOW I am trying to be healthier”.

The truth is nobody is purposely trying to do that, your colleagues have always been on first name terms with the staff at the “Golden Arches”. When you embark on a new solo healthy regime and all that goes with it, cutting all the bad stuff out straightaway is too much, for even the most iron-willed of people. Gym memberships are very good but let’s be honest, how many subscriptions have you taken out and then not actually attended? How often have you started something with really good intentions and then never finished it?

Work commitments inevitably come first for most people, along with families and other obligations, the endless commute to and from the workplace can also take its toll. The new healthy regimes started with such high hopes, end up taking a back seat and it’s normally around this time of year, as we head into February, that this starts to kick in. Christmas is a dim and distant memory, along with your resolutions. So what can you do to not only keep your staff motivated but yourself during these long winter months, especially as Spring is still some way off?

This is where you find that if managed properly, the workplace can actually turn out to be one of the best places to try and be a little healthier. Promoting nutritious eating, as well as endorsing walks during the day are very beneficial and are a great way to exercise both the body and mind, as well as getting to know other colleagues better. But what if your current Time and Attendance processes are unable to cope with several of your staff out on a brisk jaunt at once, what if your manual processes are unable to handle flexible or remote shift patterns?

Flexible working or being able to work remotely from home 1 or 2 days a week, is a great incentive to a lot of current and potential employees, especially for those with children or who care for relatives etc, who given the choice, would prefer not to work the standard Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm shift. A healthy work-life balance is achievable for any company and if flexible or remote working is the way forward for your company as we head into 2018, then Elf Productivity Ltd’s Time and Attendance, with Employee Self Service and Ceequel® Mobile Apps, is for you.

Elf Productivity Ltd’s Employee Self Service and Ceequel® Mobile Apps, are applications created for Android, Apple and Windows devices. Whether you are looking to collect employees clockings or support your existing workforce with legislative changes to travel time, Ceequel® Mobile App will improve your Time and Attendance processes. It not only allows employees to clock in and clock out, but it will also provide you with an exact location of your remote workers.

Ceequel®‘s Employee Self Service module is a great partner to the Ceequel® Mobile App, as it comes along side and allows employees more freedom with regards to requesting absences. The module provides employees access to their personal data and it will also allow them to request absences, such as holidays, dentists, doctors and TOIL (time off in lieu) etc, as well as remotely viewing or requesting changes to their shift roster. It also takes away some of the timely administrative duties as it devolves more responsibility to the employee.

Companies are now fully aware that employees physical and mental health needs have to be taken into consideration within the workplace. Employees need to be supported and if that means allowing them more freedom and giving them newer, faster options and with more flexibility within their shift, without impairing their output, then Elf Productivity Ltd’s Time and Attendance system is for you.

You look after the things of value to you and your personnel are worth investing in. You devote so much precious time investing and attracting the best employees possible, so why not invest the same time into your automated processes and look to the market leaders in Time and Attendance – invest in the best, invest in ELF.

Contact ELF Productivity today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software.

A Horse Fell On Me – Timewasters Versus The Real Deal

Don’t let the joke be on you, take a look at our latest blog and find out more about recruiting and retaining the best staff for your workplace.

“I’m sorry I can’t attend the interview today, but a horse fell on me”

Believe it or not, this is a genuine excuse from a potential employee, as told to a leading HR magazine, under their heading …..… “I can neigh-make it”. Recruitment is no joke, so what would you do to attract not only the best of the job-seekers out there, but separate the time-wasters from the genuine article?

Every company wants to attract the best in their field. Flexible working, well-being and benefits are just a few of the usual enticements, but what else would you have to do, to not only attract the best talent but also retain them? Is it high salary that brings in the best? Not necessarily so. You will find that in most cases, it is your reputation or brand that usually attracts any potential employee, word of mouth, still holds some “clout” (as we say in the North), whether that be face to face or via social media.

If an employee is aware that they’re appreciated by their significant managers, this is quite simply “gold” to a company, as it usually signifies that the company is caring, stable and forward thinking. An employee’s confidence and self-esteem is lifted and they feel well looked after. Any company or manager that does or doesn’t grasp hold of this “nugget” will reap their own individual reward! To a significant number of individuals, going home at the end of the working day and knowing that they’ve not only contributed to but finished a great job still holds some weight. People still want to work for a good, well thought of company, a place where they don’t just clock in, clock out and take home a salary.

Lack of support and progression in the workplace, has been shown to be a major demoralising factor. A happy and enthusiastic workforce is the engine of any company, therefore senior management need to engage or touch base on a regular basis with all their employees to make sure that everyone is happy and enthusiastic. Once you have the key elements of Human Resource Management in place, attracting and retaining the right staff will not be an issue.

This is where we at Elf Productivity Ltd authors of Ceequel® Software Suite come in, as our Time and Attendance software and knowledge is unrivalled. Elf Productivity Ltd’s Human Resource Management and Shop Floor Data Capture modules have key elements that incorporate all of the above.

Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture includes an Incentive Scheme Calculation, which is particularly popular within industrial companies. This module converts individual operator performance with performance related pay. The benefits of this are increased accuracy and any bonus calculations identified, will export to the payroll immediately. No employee wants to have to constantly chase up their manager or payroll department, be that for a bonus or an increase in earnings! Elf Productivity Ltd’s Time and Attendance system puts an end to all of that, with its fast and accurate monitoring, 24 hours a day.

Elf Productivity’s Human Resource Management module is a fully centralised HR system. Key features within this module are Training, Flexible Benefits and Appraisals, elements that are productive to both employer and employee.

When a new employee starts work, the list of tasks that the Human Resource department have to work their way through can be draining. You probably feel like you have already run a marathon after just the recruitment and interview stages. Elf Productivity Ltd’s unmatched Time and Attendance software takes away all the hard work from this time consuming process, even more time consuming if you are still using manual and outdated methods.

Here at Elf Productivity Ltd we have had, like everyone else, our own recruitment experiences (I must admit, no horses though) which is why we are best placed to understand what Human Resource and Payroll Departments want. We are continually developing our modules with new ideas and new ways of making Time and Attendance software processes, simpler, faster and easier.

Keep the staff happy and you are halfway there, don’t have a factory shutdown or mutiny on your hands from disgruntled and underappreciated employees……….. naming no names Mr President!

You use valuable time attracting and recruiting the best, so why not put your time into your automated processes and invest in the best, invest in ELF.

Contact ELF Productivity today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software.

Disco 2000 – The Millennial Generation

From Disco 2000 to the year 2018, take a look at our latest blog and find out more about recruiting the Millennial Generation.

It’s January again and it’s traditionally the time to plan and to look forward to a new year ahead, unblotted, brand-new, ready and waiting. It’s also a time to reflect on things past and to ask yourself, could I do this better, is there something else out there, something different?

Let’s rewind to the year 1995……

Pretty much everyone knows the catchy song “Disco 2000” by the band Pulp right? For a certain few of us it’s hard to believe that that song is now over 20 years old! Does it only seem like yesterday that you were dancing and singing along to it – it’s interesting how time flies isn’t it?

It’s even more interesting, that Y2K babies as they become known who were born in the year 2000, the year that seemed a long way off in 1995, are now approaching adulthood. These Millennium babies are now looking to join the big world of commerce and industry, looking to make their own individual mark on the world.

2018 is the year when the last of what is known as the Millennial Generation enters the workplace. Everyone born in the year 2000 who have chosen not to pursue further full time education, will this year, enter into employment.

So the question we ask you is, are you ready?

• Are you ready to attract the Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Tech-Savvy Teenagers?
• How will your brand be attractive to an enthusiastic, prospective employee?
• How will your Human Resource and Payroll Departments deal with potential Apprenticeships?
• Can your current systems handle the various shift patterns and training that inevitably accompany these placements, whilst still meeting your current workforce’s needs and obligations?

Do you have the right Time and Attendance system in place, or are your current processes, like the song “Disco 2000”, stuck back in 1995?

Again we ask, are you ready?

Here at Elf Productivity Ltd, authors of Ceequel® Time and Attendance, we are ready!

We have been at the forefront of Time and Attendance since 1982, in fact, Elf Productivity Ltd was established not long after the start of the Millennial Generation (1980 -2000).

Elf Productivity Ltd is part of that same generation; we understand technology like they do, because we are the original trailblazers. We are continually developing new ideas and new ways of making Time and Attendance processes, simpler, faster and easier.

Human Resource Management, Employee Self Service, Apps for i-Clocker and Android, are just a few of the modules that Elf Productivity Ltd provides.

So, take the apprehension out of training and working alongside a technology confident teenager (Q to his friends) and have the latest Time and Attendance software in place, along with Elf Productivity’s bespoke user friendly training.

Take it from us, the first of the Millennial Generation, Elf Productivity Ltd’s Human Resource Management module is your Bond to their Q!

So don’t hesitate, contact ELF Productivity today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software and as Jarvis sings in the song…. “Let’s all meet up”.

Go forward into 2018, better prepared and with the latest and most up to date software in terms of automated systems in place, for ALL your workforce.

Even Superman can have an off day!

Even superheros have off days but with a time and attendance system not only can superman’s absence be tracked but a replacement with the correct skills can be easily found to take his place whilst he recovers. Implementing a time and attendance system into your organisation would work in the exact same way.

The top 3 benefits of having a computerised T&A system

Keeping track of employees time and attendance information has always been considered a key aspect of any organisations processes. Making sure the information collected is accurate is paramount to the successful running of any businesses payroll process. With this in mind over time the systems available to businesses have dramatically advanced.

Recording and tracking employee t&a data is not a new concept for many organisations. However over time the systems available to businesses have changed drastically. For many years organisations used paper based cards – as a means to monitor employee time and attendance. The most common problem companies found with a paper based system was that many employees forgot to fill in their time card and the data recorded was often inaccurate. As technology advanced so did the number of companies opting for electronic punch card systems. These types of systems provided more accurate records but were also slow. Human resource departments were also still required to manually record all employee clock-in data in to a database which costs companies a significant amount of time and money.

Computerised time and attendance systems drastically revolutionise the way in with organisations store and record time and attendance data. Below are the top 3 ways in which they do this.

Accurate Payroll Data

Old fashioned t&a systems such as paper based cards and punch card systems rely on the manual imputing of all data. The problem with this is that nobody’s perfect and even the most accurate typists sometimes make mistakes. The data recorded by these types of systems is also in most cases inaccurate. Asking an employee to record the correct time they clocked in and out as well as the amount of time taken for breaks or lunch is rarely accurately documented. Many employees often forgot to fill in their time cards meaning times documented were rough estimates. Employees who were entitled to overtime were also known to extend time by awarding themselves extra minutes at the start and end of the day. Legacy Systems were also prime targets for ‘buddy clocking’ as no formal identification was required when clocking in/out.

When companies process payroll, information provided needs to be accurate if employees are to be paid correctly. And one of the biggest reasons employees leave companies is wages being paid incorrectly. Computerised time and attendance systems record accurate employee clocking data in real time. Information recorded is immediately accessible by your payroll department eradicating lengthy processes and the need for manual imputing.

Central database

Collating employee time and attendance data from multiple office locations can be a challenge. Chasing paperwork, manually verifying the content, manipulating the content and uploading it in to spreadsheets or other systems comes with a hefty workload. Companies with a centralised payroll department require clean data at set points of the week or month. Even if one locations data is late or incomplete, it could impact on the whole company’s payroll run. Any delay in pay and the impact on moral, productivity and more importantly trust by employees – could be seriously damaged.

A dynamic and computerised t&a system will provide a centralised solution with full access from every location, whether it be over LAN, WAN, MPLS or GSM network. Employee clock-in data is recorded real-time and stored from all sites into one core database. Having instant access to the information needed to complete your company’s payroll without the need for any manual imputing of data significantly simplifies your processes.

Expand with your organisation

As your organisation expands, so usually does the number of employees. Increasing headcount can add pressure on to a human resource department and existing systems/processes. Increased pressure often means stressed and over worked colleagues – significantly increasing the possibility of workplace errors.

Computerised time and attendance systems grow with your organisation. The enrolment of new staff is both quick and easy – either centrally or at a divisional level. All employee time and attendance data is recorded automatically enabling your human resource department to complete more strategic tasks.

For more information on how a computerised time and attendance system can benefit your organisation contact us today!

Biometric Time and Attendance for your organisation

Biometrics systems were once considered only useful when it came to securing business locations. However over time more and more businesses have began using biometric capabilities as a means to track their employees time and attendance data. The use of a biometric systems drastically simplifies the way in which your employee clock-in data is recorded.

The use of biometric security technology within organisations has dramatically developed over the years with many businesses now using it to do more than just act as an access control system to secure personal information, intellectual property rights or access office buildings. Organisations are now using biometric technology as a means to accurately check and record employee time and attendance data.

Keeping track of how many hours each employee worked was once a complicated task. Mechanical time clocks were often unreliable and slow which often lead to long queues during shift changes or at the start and end of the day. Many employees would often forget to clock and due to the use of time sheets or proximity cards employers often became victim to ‘buddy clocking’. “Buddy clocking” is when employees clock for a friend who is either running late or in larger organisations one that may not even be present.

Inaccurate time and attendance data can add substantial cost onto your payroll processes. Not knowing the exact hours of your entire workforce often means some employees can be over or under payed. Under payed employees require the attention of human resources to manually correct any mistakes that have been made. This process is time consuming and costly for all organisations.

Biometric Time and Attendance

The use of biometric technology eradicates fraudulent clocking’s, costly time delays and the recording of inaccurate data. The most popular biometric systems companies use are fingerprint or facial recognition. Both systems capture data and then compare this to an individual’s unique algorithm template.

The CEEQUEL biometric time and attendance system is easy to use and records accurate employee clock in data that can then be accessed by authorised personnel in real-time. This information allows managers to identify, at the earliest opportunity, when members of staff are absent giving them time to organise any cover which may be required. Integrating the CEEQUEL HR module in to your time and attendance also allows your managers to track all employee absences. Employers can filter the data recorded using a number of different criteria’s allowing them to identify any employees with either a high or low absence rate, based upon KPI’s specific to your business. Information about each absence can be stored within the systems and fit notes attached where needed. This provides managers with the information to correctly manage absences.

For more information on how biometric time and attendance could work for your organisation contact us today!

Managing and improving HR processes utilising the latest technology

A companies human resource processes were once considered time consuming. It would take staff weeks to perform the easiest of tasks as they relied on the manual input of hundreds of employee details. Computer based systems made it easier for companies to manage their processes dramatically reducing the amount of time hr staff spent on all tasks.

The introduction of computerised Human Resource systems has made it easier for companies to successfully organise and manage all of their HR business process from one place. Having a computerised system not only simplifies any human resource department’s job but also saves them valuable time. As tasks such as creating reports, searching for specific staff and quick matching resumes to job criteria are available at the click of a button.

Human Resource Software

Many companies are choosing to opt for human resource software. The Ceequel human resource software is designed to completely streamline all of your HR processes, significantly reducing costs as documents no longer need to be printed as all forms can be passed to employees and completed at the touch of a button. The Ceequel system is easy to use and keeps all employee records together. The Human resource department can simply fill in all employee details on one screen, attach qualification certificates (where needed), schedule training courses, set reminders and much more.

The Ceequel system also allows members of the HR department to track and identify any absence or performance issues within departments but absence can also be identified on an individual basis. A company hierarchy can be set up within minutes always displaying the correct company formation as records immediately update when new data is submitted. The Ceequel system allows your HR department the option of advanced management by integrating the software into employee self-service or a time and attendance system. With employee self-service your employees are able to control and manage their own personal information such as current address, next of Kin, absences and holidays taken/planned. Employees are also able to request holidays within the online portal, the request is then sent directly to their line manager for approval. When a request is approved that employee’s holiday calendar is automatically updated. All Ceequel platforms are integrated meaning all information is transported between each portal in real time. When a holiday request is approved the request will automatically show up on an employee’s calendar for any member of the human resource team to view. This significantly reduces the amount of time the human resources department spend updating employee information meaning they have extra time to complete more strategic tasks.

Integrating a time and attendance system into your human resource software can significantly reduce time and money. Asking your employees to clock in at the start/end of the day and when they leave for lunch is the easiest and most accurate way or recording clocking data. The use of a computerised system completely eradicates the need for paper based time cards, meaning your human resource department no longer needs to manually input from the old fashioned time cards.

For more information on how a human resource system could benefit your organisation or for information on employee self-service or even the implementation of a time and attendance system, contact us today!