Time Management – Page 4 – Time and Attendance

Grease Is The Word

“I got chills, they’re multiplying”! Have a read of our latest blog post and discover how the original is ALWAYS the best.

This year sees the 40th Anniversary of that timeless classic movie of 1950’s teenage angst….. GREASE!

That’s right, the all singing, all dancing, hand-jiving ageless flick which turned Olivia Newton John and John Travolta into overnight stars, has reached the BIG 40!

To understand how Grease became THE movie of 1978 – if not all time, Vince Fontaine probably sums it up the best with his understated line “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose; it’s what you do with your dancin’ shoes”

Admit it; you really didn’t think that 40 years had passed by since you were singing “Summer Nights” and declaring “Sandy! You just can’t walk out of a drive-in”!

Time, unfortunately for everyone, really does have a habit of ticking by.

Even though 1978 still seems like yesterday for some of you; long hot summers, Spangles and Marathon bars (ask your Mum) does anyone remember or even realise that there was actually a sequel to Grease in the 1980’s?

Even though there were some great films in the ‘80’s, Grease 2 sadly isn’t one of them.

Released with great hype and expectation, the film has the same style of characters but without any of the original “chemistry “or endearing quality that everyone felt with The Pink Ladies and the T-Birds. By trying to recreate the original and as we all know you can’t improve on the genuine article, they produced a big fat dud! Ultimately, that familiar sense of “this is not what I was expecting” kicked in. The cinema paying public definitely weren’t “Hopelessly Devoted” to THIS sequel and gave it a big thumbs down!

To be fair, how can you improve on something that was so imaginative, so creative, that even now 40 years later, is still adored?

Sadly, this is what it can feel like with Time & Attendance Management systems. On the surface they may look and sound alike but not all Time & Attendance software is the same.

Here at ELF Productivity Limited, authors of the original CEEQUEL® software suite, we have been at the forefront of Biometric Time & Attendance and Human Resource Management since 1982. Other Time & Attendance systems may give the impression that they are comparable to ELF but CEEQUEL® is distinctive.

What sets ELF Productivity apart from all other systems is that our understanding and proficiency is incomparable. CEEQUEL® software is constantly evolving and as we advance into another new phase of development, we remain the definitive enterprise in Time & Attendance procedures – in other words the “Real McCoy”.

Software that works harder and deployed the way you want it, either via your existing IT infrastructure or via the cloud. CEEQUEL® Apps for iPhone, Android and Windows, provides your workforce with worldwide connectivity.

CEEQUEL® Employee Self Service and E-Manager modules will equip you with all the tools necessary, to enable you to manage not only your HR obligations but your remote and flexible workforce, whilst Access Control and Shop Floor Data Capture will come alongside and help you monitor and keep track of your entire workforce.

So, with all that information in mind, is CEEQUEL® software suite “The One That You Want” for your company this year? Do you need a Biometric Time & Attendance system that will “Go Together” with your existing workforce?

If so, choose the number 1 in Time & Attendance Management, choose the original CEEQUEL®

If you would like to know more about the advanced and revolutionary software suite that is CEEQUEL® our index of brochures can be found here.

Contact ELF Productivity Ltd today today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of CEEQUEL® software

And remember, keep dancin’!

Are You Allowing A Toxic Culture Into Your Workplace?

“Don’t you know that you’re toxic”. Have a read of our latest blog post here, on the best way to highlight that toxic employee.

Let’s be honest, we have all experienced a difficult co-worker or manager at some time in our working lives. This is nothing new in the workplace but sadly, as a recent Harvard Business Study uncovered, bullying and incivility is not something that your company can afford to ignore.

The business study, which was undertaken by 60,000 employees, highlighted the true financial cost to businesses on the shop floor that employed people with a partiality to, but not exclusively, the following :-

• Vulgarity
• Lack of respect
• Lack of manners
• Discourteousness
• Coarseness
• Impoliteness
• Rudeness

The study also highlighted that by allowing such individuals to remain in the company over a long period of time, had a detrimental effect on the retention of other key members of staff.

The statistics below make for grim reading, as staff retention is crucial to any forward thinking company.

• 38% Intentionally decreased their work output
• 25% Took their frustrations out on their clients
• 12% Left their jobs altogether

The hiring process doesn’t always come easy for management, especially if they are lacking in the people-skills department themselves. Managers may be good at running a business or a department in terms of work, but from time to time they can fail to pick up on certain attributes that a person displays during the recruitment process. By missing these characteristics, individuals can and often do, “slip through the net”.

And as we all know, everyone can look good on paper!

Let’s take a look at the 5 main prime antagonists that may rear their “ugly heads” in the workplace as uncovered by the business study.

1. The Slacker
2. The Bully
3. The Gossip
4. The Lone Wolf
5. The Know it All

As you will see from the list, Human Resource Departments can do without the burden of this particular type of employee – in any situation.

So what can be done to highlight and more so bring to task this certain individual? What can management and in particular Human Resource Departments do, to end this negative cycle within the workplace?

ELF Productivity Limited’s CEEQUEL® software is the essential Time Management suite that you need.

ELF’s Time and Attendance system will allow you to uncover the real reason behind the downturn in productivity. Whether you need to supervise “The Slacker” on the shop floor or call time on “The Gossip” in the office, CEEQUEL® and our Shop Floor Data Capture and Human Resources modules will provide everything you require and necessitate for your workforce.

Shop Floor Data Capture

Shop Floor Data Capture does exactly what it says on the tin, it is employee tracking at its very best. A component of the CEEQUEL® Time and Attendance software suite, Shop Floor Data Capture not only calculates employees working hours, it also tracks activities and jobs over a specified time; thus highlighting that “shirker” and “gossip-monger” on the shop floor. Another benefit this module provides is the Incentive Scheme Calculation. This calculation is particularly popular within the manufacturing sector as it converts operator performance into performance related pay.

Human Resource Management

CEEQUEL® Human Resource Management solution is an all-encompassing, fully comprehensive HR module that will completely transform your personnel requirements. With views such as appraisals, discipline and grievance procedures, it provides the necessary instruments needed to deal with your day to day management workload. This module provides you with the software to not only supervise every individual employee but it will also highlight your hardworking employees; thus enabling you to reward and promote the right staff.

Another added benefit to CEEQUEL® Human Resource Management module is that it can co-exist on the same Time and Attendance database or as a standalone HR Management solution.

Does your company need a dynamic Time Management system that will not only stop a toxic culture from springing up in your workplace but allows your company to run more efficiently and smoothly?

Is it time for you to take a closer look at your workforce?

CEEQUEL® Time and Attendance software suite is all you need to monitor and keep track of your ENTIRE workforce.

If you would like to know more about the unrivalled 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.

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?

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 19^th 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.

The Pitter-Patter Of Tiny “Royal” Feet

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!