Category: Time and Attendance

How to Prevent Unauthorised Access to Your Building

You are right to be concerned about individuals entering your property unchecked, particularly if you deal with dangerous or valuable materials and equipment, or sensitive information. Nine times out of ten, things will tick over as they should without any trouble – but the possibility of your security being compromised is very real if you do not have an effective system in place to prevent the wrong individuals from entering. So what are the best ways to ensure that your premises are correctly protected from unauthorised access?

How to Prevent Unauthorised Access to Your Building

1. On-Site Security

One of the most obvious and well known ways of ensuring that only authorised individuals enter your building is to hire specialist personnel to man its access points. This can often prove effective, as having a visible presence on site can help to deter intruders. However, human error is always possible – plus, if a robbery or break-in were to occur, it isn’t always possible to completely ensure the safety of your security team, however well trained they may be.

 

2. CCTV

The use of closed-circuit television cameras can help a surprising amount in security terms, particularly if signs are displayed to inform users of the building and those passing it that they have been installed. Anyone planning to enter the building for illegal purposes will be made aware that they will be caught on camera, and this can often be enough to dissuade them. However, this method won’t stop individuals who are lost and may be wandering into a dangerous or private part of the building.

 

3. Alarms

Another popular method of on-site security is the use of burglar alarms – devices that are set when all authorised personnel are leaving a particular area. They can detect any movement suggesting that an intruder is present and sound a loud alarm to alert people in the surrounding area. They can also be set up to notify the building’s owners or the police.

 

4. Keypads with Codes or Swipe Cards

Many managers issue all authorised personnel with a code to use when entering restricted areas of a building. There are a few problems with this method, as if there is only one code used by a whole team of personnel, security may be compromised due to the possibility of this code becoming common knowledge to employees outside the team. The same applies to team members who are each issued their own code, with the added problem that they may need to be reminded of it every so often, and so a list of those codes will need to be kept to hand just in case. If this list is too accessible, it defies the point of the security measures put in place. Swipe cards are also a difficult option, as it is very possible for these to go missing or to end up in the wrong hands.

 

5. Fingerprint Biometric Systems

Another option is the use of a fingerprint scanner. The fingerprints of each individual to be granted access are scanned and recorded, and certain coordinates are plotted according to the structure of the print. The original print is then wiped from the system to ensure personal security and data protection. From this time onwards, when an authorised member of staff touches a fingerprint scanner, the points that were plotted on the system are matched up with certain segments of their print, and they are allowed access. This method is by far the most secure, as authorisation documentation cannot be forged or passed between individuals. Every fingerprint is unique, so only the original employee whose fingerprint was registered on the system can be admitted.

How Do I Obtain a Fingerprint Scanner?

Various biometric hardware and software is available to use by businesses and individuals for security purposes. These include the likes of retinal and fingerprint scanners. Oftentimes, this technology is available as a part of a wider time and attendance management system, so it’s worth shopping around for the best arrangement to meet your security needs.

 

If you’re interested in finding out a little more about the biometric security equipment available from ELF Productivity Limited, simply call the team today on 01257 256000 or email sales@elf.uk.com. There is a huge variety of options and add ons, so do take the time to discuss your requirements and needs with a specialist in order to find out the very best option for you. Their offices are open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday.

I Think I Wanna Marry You

Booked yourself twice? Read our latest blog post on how to effectively and remotely manage more than one engagement….

“Get me to the Church on Time” ….

The marriage of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle is now just weeks away.  The nation’s, if not the world’s favourite Prince has found “The One” in Meghan and has decided, at the grand old age of 33, it’s now finally time to produce the “Band of Gold”  and “Kiss the Bride”.  The man of the moment is ready to settle down and experience both “Love AND Marriage”.

On Saturday 19th May 2018, all eyes will be on St George’s Chapel in Windsor, as Harry and his glamourous American fiancé say “I Do”.  This union will be cause for much celebration.  Ever since actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco, the world has loved a good old fashioned “The Prince and The Showgirl” love story.

A  Royal Wedding bash or “knees-up” is something else, unless of course you are soccer fan.

In what has turned out to be the only real sting in this “fairy-tale”, the wedding of the year will clash with the ultimate football match …….the annual FA Cup Final!

HM Queen along with the rest of the Royal family, the movers and shakers of Hollywood will all be in attendance but what of Prince William; as President of the FA, where will he be spending his time?

If a new baby isn’t going to be enough for him to deal with, see previous blog post; The Pitter-Patter of Tiny Royal Feet, he now has to decide where to be on his little brother’s special day.

Football, Wedding, Football, Wedding……hmmm which do you choose?

Here at ELF Productivity Limited authors of CEEQUEL® Time and Attendance System, we have all the bases covered when it comes to remote working and flexible shift patterns.  No more worrying about getting to the office (or church) on time to “clock in”, it can all be done remotely via an Android, Apple or Windows device – you really can be in two places at once!

“Going to the Chapel” AND the match will not be an issue with ELF Productivity’s CEEQUEL® Mobile Apps and Employee Self Service software, as these applications have been designed with “on the go” employees in mind.  Every remote clocking is recorded in real-time; therefore giving you an instant and exact overview of your employees’ location.

But it doesn’t stop there. Employees have access to all their personal data whilst on the go, thus allowing for absence requests, such as holiday (or honeymoon) requirements, dentists, doctors and hospital appointments etc. CEEQUEL® Mobile Apps and Employee Self Service are just two of the modules that ELF Productivity’s Ceequel® software suite encompasses; our knowledge and expertise are unequalled.

With that in mind, is your Human Resources department in need of some “Time, Love and Tenderness this year?  Would you like ELF Productivity Limited to come alongside and become that “Perfect” partner for you?

If you would like to know more about the incomparable functionality of Ceequel® Software Suite, including our leading Time and Attendance modules; the downloadable catalogue of brochures can be found here.

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

Your company and ELF Productivity Limited the “Perfect” marriage.

The Importance of Keeping Accurate Employee Records

Keep on top of your reporting duties, check out our latest blog post on how to manage your employees’ records effectively.

Whether you’re an employer, a member of the management team of a business or a HR professional, it’s vital that you keep accurate and up to date records of all the individuals that work for your company. Maintaining an employee database can seem like time consuming work, particularly if your business is a large one, but it should definitely be one of your top priorities. Below, the specialists at ELF Time and Attendance explain why keeping your employees’ records up to date is so important, and suggest a few ways to ensure that this can easily be done.

The Importance of Keeping Accurate Employee Records

Health and Safety

It goes without saying that you need to know which of your employees is in the building in case of a fire or other dangerous situation, but many employees take other elements of their staff’s health and safety less seriously. Employee records can include details of disabilities or conditions that may affect your workers’ capabilities of doing certain jobs, so it’s very important that these matters are added to their confidential records. Also, it’s very helpful for you to know what training each member of staff has undertaken, particularly when it comes to matters of first aid or undertaking physical tasks that require a certain level of health and safety certification. If you’ve got access to all this information, managing your team will be a lot easier and less stressful.

External Liaison

If staff within your company regularly liaise with members of the public or employees of other companies as part of their work, it’s really important for you and other authorised team members to be able to access up to date information about their position. It may be that they have been having ongoing conversations with certain individuals as part of their roles, and so if they change telephone extension, for example, it’s vital that their new number is recorded. They may even move to a different department or leave the company, which means you’ll need to update their records to reflect this as soon as possible to enable you to provide information about the new point of contact.

 

Training and Qualifications

Keeping up to date records of staff training and qualifications will benefit your employees as much as it does you and your wider company. If you know exactly what stage each team member has reached in terms of their experience and official qualifications, it will be a great deal easier for you to see which individuals require further development and which can already offer your company more in terms of expertise. You’ll also have a better idea of specialisms if you need to delegate tasks, plus you’ll be able to see which of your team can be safely authorised to undertake more dangerous or sensitive duties.

 

Holiday and Other Leave

Staying on top of staff holiday requests can be a real nightmare, and double-booking can be embarrassing and may just put you in a difficult position. There are systems available to help you log employee holiday requests as and when they are made, as well as recording other planned absences such as maternity leave to ensure you’ll have the right amount of cover.

 

Hours Worked

You trust your staff to log correct hours on their timesheets or arrive and leave at their allotted time each day. However, on busy weeks – particularly with shift-based jobs – sometimes it can be hard for them, and you, to keep track. Keeping an automated electronic record of their working hours in real time, day in and day out, through the use of a time and attendance management system, can really streamline this process. In turn, this will assist you in generating information for payroll.

How To Update Your Records Accurately and in Real Time

The best approach to all the matters above is to look into obtaining a time and attendance management system. Time and attendance software can undertake a huge number of tasks, including logging employee arrival and departure – for which you can even set up fingerprint scanning technology for extra security. It can also manage staff leave with a feature that allows you to decide whether you want employees to enter their own holiday requests or you’d prefer to manage them yourself. These requests are then compared to those of other employees through use of a database to see if there are any clashes. Databases can also be used to record employee qualifications and training.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how a time and attendance management system can help you to keep your employees’ records up to date, simply contact ELF Time and Attendance on 01257 256000 today.

 

What is a Biometric Time and Attendance System?

Looking for Time and Attendance for your company? Check out our latest blog post here and learn more about how CEEQUEL® can help you.

They were once merely imaginative concepts used in science fiction, but, like so many other futuristic predictions, biometric devices are now very real. As technology continues to advance, security and administration systems are becoming more and more sophisticated – while at the same time their implementation grows ever easier. If you work in management for a company of any size, you may just discover that investing in a biometric time and attendance system will take a great amount of pressure off the human resources and administrative aspects of your role, freeing your time up for more productive activities. So what exactly is a biometric time and attendance system and how could it help you, your colleagues and your company?

Biometric – What Does it Mean?

 

The word “biometric” relates to the application of statistics and statistical analysis to biological data. To simplify, you could say that “biometrics” is the practice measuring aspects of the human body for use in a study, system or database.

How Can Biometrics be Used in a Time and Attendance Management System?

 

There are a number of ways in which companies can employ biometric technology to help manage members of their personnel. Two of the most popular are fingerprint and retinal scans – fingerprint scanning proving the most regularly used. The process is simple. When an employee first joins the company, a scan of their fingerprint is taken and mapped. Particular coordinates of the fingerprint are then recorded, so that every time the individual “signs in” from now on, the points located on the tip of their finger will match up with the points recorded on the system, allowing them access. This approach means that no other person can log into this employee’s work profile, access their sensitive data or enter their place of work posing as them, thus increasing the security of the site and all employees’ personal information. Additionally, if a physical area of the company’s premises can only be accessed by authorised personnel, a biometric time and attendance management system can ensure that this directive is effectively enforced.

What Can My Company Achieve With a Biometric Time and Attendance Management System?

 

Through the use of a time and attendance management system, a huge number of time consuming jobs can be automated. By having employees sign in and out using fingerprint scanning technology located at data capture terminals, the system can register the hours they have worked per shift and calculate their payroll. It can also track the speed of their completion of tasks, revealing areas where productivity could be increased. As mentioned earlier, it can allow or deny area access to certain individuals depending on their job role or level of health and safety training. You can also programme the system to know when employees are taking holiday, or are due to be working at another site, to avoid any confusion.

Rise of the Robots?

 

Some sci-fi aficionados may worry that the implementation of biometric systems will lead to the dawning of a dystopian future presided over by “Big Brother”. There’s no cause for concern, though – no data collected from personnel is retained in any way that can be abused or illegally accessed. In fact, the fingerprints themselves are erased from the system once they have been mapped, so all that remains are the relevant coordinates that were recorded for the system’s unique use. The database of employees who are registered via a time and attendance system cannot be hacked to yield personal information or data, whether by individuals, terrorist cells, local police or MI5 themselves. In fact, the opposite is true – a biometric system is really the most secure way to store employee profile information, which can be deleted as soon as that individual leaves the organisation.

How Can My Company Obtain a Biometric Time and Attendance Management System?

 

If you feel that the use of a time and attendance management system would be of use to your company, the next step is to enter into discussions with a supplier. Equipment of this kind is so versatile that it is worth making a list of work currently undertaken by management or human resources that you would like to arrange to be automated, as it is highly likely that this could be covered by a time and attendance system. By calling Time and Attendance today on 01257 256000, you can find out more about what can be achieved using custom compiled software including your choice of add-ons. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

What can Time and Attendance Systems Track?

What to know the key to managing your employees on the shop floor? Read our latest blog post here on keeping track of your workforce.

If your job role involves running or assisting in the management of a company, you may be considering investing in a time and attendance system. Due to technological advancements, many administrative procedures have now been automated to allow managers and employees more time to focus on tasks that will improve a business’s productivity and effectiveness, and the installation of a time and attendance system can take this even further. You may think that the software simply constitutes a more straightforward way for workers to clock in and out of their shifts, but, in actuality, there’s a great deal more that can be achieved, duly taking a large weight off the minds of management and freeing up more hours in the day. Here are just a few things you can track and control with the help of a time and attendance system.

 

  1. Attendance

Unsurprisingly, one of the chief purposes for which a time and attendance system is often used is the recording of staff arrival and departure times throughout a regular working day. Having an automated system involving data capture terminals present in the workplace – via which employees may sign in and out – makes it much easier to keep track of their hours and timekeeping. The system can be installed to cover multiple sites and automatically calculate a staff member’s total time spent at each.

  1. Leave

Information regarding holiday allowances, sick leave and maternity leave can be logged by employees, management or human resources staff, allowing you to keep track of who is in and who is not throughout the year without having to juggle staffing matters manually.

  1. Rotas

One of the biggest headaches a manager can come up against is that of creating an effective and watertight rota on a regular basis. If your employees’ work is shift-based, a time and attendance system can be programmed to ensure that any number of preferences can be taken into account. Whether you need an employee with a specific skill – say a trained first aider – present for each shift, or you wish to keep two staff members separate due to an ongoing dispute, a time and attendance system can create a whole bank of rotas matching all your stipulated parameters.

  1. Access and permissions

It may be that some areas of your premises are restricted and can only be accessed by authorised or correctly trained personnel, which can prove difficult to regulate and potentially hazardous should security be looser than desired. Time and attendance systems can be enhanced with software that monitors these secure areas, and passwords or swipe cards can be implemented to assist with the regulation of access permissions.

  1. “Shop floor” time management

If one of your aims is to improve the speed at which tasks are completed – therefore increasing turnover – time and attendance software is available that will undertake data capture and allow you to track the performance of individual workers or machines. This aspect comes with the added benefit of alerting management when automatic processes slow down, signalling a possible mechanical fault that may otherwise go unnoticed and could allow you to save money by having the equipment repaired as soon as an issue arises instead of having to replace the whole unit and suffering from the resulting lengthy downtime.

  1. HR and employee services

Not only can employees log their own requests for holiday and leave, software can be included in a time and attendance management system that benefits them even further. Their training and specialisms can be logged in real time, showing where they may be able to progress and assisting in the development of their careers as well as ensuring that all members of staff are up to date with all necessary qualifications.

  1. Company structure and hierarchy

It’s vital that all members of staff understand the makeup of the business for which they work, and this can prove notoriously difficult if employees work across a number of sites or for a larger organization. With a time and attendance management system, it is possible to set up options for staff search or a company structure display, allowing for a tighter team and better interdepartmental knowledge company wide.

These are just some of the elements of your business that can be improved through the installation of a time and attendance management system. For further information, get in touch with Time and Attendance today via 01257 256000 or email their helpful team today on sales@elf.uk.com to discuss your company’s unique needs and requirements.

The Pitter-Patter Of Tiny “Royal” Feet

Baby Love………check out our latest blog, on how best to manage your Maternity and Paternity absences.

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The arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child is now imminent. All babies are special but somehow the birth of a “Royal Baby” brings with it an extra something, an extra special sparkle

The Great British public have always rejoiced when a Princess or “Duchess”, is due to give birth. The time spent waiting outside the hospital for any news, fades into insignificance once the baby has been born, as they happily celebrate with the Royal couple.

The obligatory photo-call on the steps, that all-important first glimpse of the new infant Prince or Princess are unique moments, happily shared, documented in time forever.

Yes, it’s reasonable to say a Royal Birth is somewhat unique.

So, what happens once everyone is back at Kensington Palace and the real hard work begins? What of William and Kate as parents to three small children – as maternity and paternity leave goes, this “time off” is pretty extraordinary.

With regards to Prince William’s role, he is a future King and as a full time Royal, he still has obligations. On the flip side however, he is just like any other husband and father; he will still need and want time off, not only to help Kate but to have that cherished bonding time with his new baby.

By having baby number three, are William and Kate, global modernisers that they both are, setting a trend by moving away from the traditional 2.5? Is now the time that we are going to see a return and an inclination towards a desire for larger families?

By putting careers first, people are also choosing to start their families later in life. Fathers are currently more likely to take their paternity leave than ever before. With that information in mind, workplaces and “palaces” need to be confident that they have the necessary processes in place, in order to manage their mandatory leave of absence. Maternity and paternity leave is perhaps going to become a bigger topic in the coming years.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) is another choice that parents have, something which, depending upon your circumstances can prove to be an attractive option. No doubt this is something, as an impending mother of three, the Duchess of Cambridge would be happy to consider.

Maternity and paternity leave; shared or not, needn’t be a daunting experience for any Human Resource Department. With the right processes in place, this scheduled leave/time off CAN be managed appropriately.

ELF Productivity Limited’s, Time and Attendance Ceequel® software suite is the current forerunner in automated processes; our leading array of software contains a centralised Human Resource module which will enhance your Time and Attendance processes. This module comprises, amongst others, an absence view that encompasses all elements of Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave. Another division of the Human Resource module is Training and Development. This field will prove to be an extremely useful tool, especially if you require or need extra training for that scheduled maternity cover.

The Graphical Absence View and Planner will also provide you with an overview of an employee’s absence for any selected year – thus allowing time for future planning.

Flexible-working, part-time working, complex shift patterns, TOIL (Time off in Lieu) – no – these are not scenarios from the day in the life of a typical Royal, they are just a few of the other complexities that ELF Productivity Limited can also help you with.

So, with that in mind are you in need of an extra “majestic” safe pair of hands for your company? Do you need a “regal” and sophisticated software system to help you stay up to date with all the Human Resource developments in your company? If so, choose the best Human Resource module on the market, choose ELF.

If you would like to know more about the supreme functionality of Ceequel® Software Suite, including our leading Time and Attendance modules; the downloadable catalogue of brochures can be found here.

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

They Think It’s All Over……

“It’s coming home, it’s coming home” – Check out our World Cup blog as the countdown to Russia 2018 begins.

“They think it’s all over ….it is now!”

Those immortal words, spoken by Kenneth Wolstenholme at Wembley Stadium on 30th July 1966, were in celebration of the glorious and “only” England FIFA World Cup victory. Months of hard toil by the squad had paid off and the country celebrated like never before.

Yes, it’s that time again! The FIFA World Cup in Russia kicks off in just over three months’ time and football fever is already hotting up!

The England team’s expectations are high and given their polished qualification result, so is their preparation. As we get ready to enter into the most special of football tournaments, what are England’s chances this year? Could this be the year that England show up and deliver the greatest football of THEIR time and THEIR generation?

Every four years, homes and workplaces across the country suddenly become engrossed in the national side. Everyone has their opinion on how the team should play and everybody is an “expert”. Football becomes THE number one discussion, as conversations consist of but not exclusively, to the following:-

The Techno Hipster
This particular persona is often found at their local watering hole, usually dressed in skinny chinos, holding a pint in one hand, whilst pontificating to anyone that will listen about statistics, data analysis and the science “behind” the game – all the time caressing his somewhat striking beard!

The Best Wannabe Manager in the World
“What were they thinking of putting HIM into the line-up ……. HE’S USELESS!!!”

The Irksome Colleague
In their head, this person IS Ronaldo! They love nothing more than accosting people for several minutes/hours at a time in the kitchen, by the photocopier etc. Likes to dissect and relive every second of the match with you………… married to the game!

The Fantasy Penalty Taker
This individual knows the exact run-up, angle, time, distance and grass length it requires to take the perfect penalty. They never fail to relay this information during a match, as unlike the England team, THEIR penalties ALWAYS hit the back of the net!

The Suburban Social Climber
This particular neighbour “suddenly” finds that their dog can dribble and head a ball into any net, open window or doorway. They take great pleasure in alerting the entire neighbourhood to this rare feat; usually regaled at their obligatory World Cup Soiree’. For the duration of the tournament, “said dog” is nicknamed “Maradogga”!

Here at ELF Productivity Limited, we too are partial to a World Cup party. The “ELF Boss” is pretty generous in allowing us time-out to watch the game. He’s partial to, pretty much ALL of the post-match chit-chat that ultimately resonates around the company after a “big match”. Refer to “The Best Wannabe Manager in the World” point.

All joking apart, it is fair to say that England loves and enjoys the “beautiful game”.

The odds on England making it through the group stages have increased this year. The team is vibrant and hungry for success. What if this year WAS England’s time?

So, with that in mind, if England were to get through to the knock-out stages once again, what processes are in place for your workplace this summer; to help not only with a jolly “end of term” atmosphere but to manage the “sudden” absence requests?

Have your current processes, like a lot of Premiership players, turned out to be under-performing gaffes? Is now the time for you to “blow the whistle” and show them YOUR “red card”?

ELF Productivity Limited’s, Time and Attendance software suite is the current market leader in automated processes. Key elements within Ceequel® are two remote applications; Ceequel® Mobile Apps and Employee Self Service. These applications, that have been created for Android, Apple and Windows devices, will ultimately improve your Time and Attendance processes. They not only permit employees to clock “in and out” remotely, allowing for a more flexible working pattern but they will also “pin-point” the exact location of your remote workers.

Ceequel® is constantly progressing and we are currently refining our Time and Attendance software with fresh concepts, designs and ideas.

If you would like to know more about the supreme functionality of Ceequel® Software Suite, including our leading Time and Attendance modules; the downloadable catalogue of brochures can be found here.

Contact ELF Productivity today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software and make 2018 the year that you “strike out” and gain a winning team-mate for your company.

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.

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.