What’s In A Name?

“Say my name, say my name” Have a read of our latest blog post on recruiting and retaining the best staff for your workforce.

“So, your name is Molly, why?”

Taken aback by that question? Struggling to think of a suitable answer? In fact, what sort of a reply can you possibly give or be expected to give when faced with that question?

Reported recently by a leading HR magazine, that question was actually put to a potential employee during the interview process.

But it doesn’t end there.

Another question was asked, this time to a different candidate;

“What space phenomenon do you relate to?”

This time around however, the quick witted candidate was faster off the mark and fired back with the response;

“A black hole, because I suck all the energy out of the room”

Very clever!

Let’s be honest, we have all experienced the odd interview/interviewee and here at ELF Productivity we are not immune to it.

Several years ago, we experienced what can only be described as a severe case of emotional attachment and/or trust issues, which involved “the girlfriend” wanting and actually attempting to sit in and attend “the boyfriend’s” interview!

All joking apart, let’s be honest, over the years both employees and Human Resource departments have seen it all during the recruitment process, for further clarification, please refer to our previous blog post; “A Horse Fell On Me – Timewasters vs the Real Deal”

With Brexit now on the horizon and as the country manoeuvres and weaves its way through this complex transitional time, the recruitment process is now no longer about candidates fighting for that key placement. As we inch ever closer to leaving our grouchy European cousins behind, a skills shortage is now emerging as a real possibility.

Candidates leaving the UK for the foreseeable future, have left the door wide open for others to step in and reap the opportunities that are now on offer. Training, flexible/remote working, study support/leave and attractive remuneration packages are now dangled enticingly under potential employees noses.

Where once a replacement could easily be found, companies now need to re-think their whole recruitment strategy and offer flexible working and in-house training as standard options. Throw into the mix the ever increasing retirement age, advancements in digital development, employees having to work until they “drop”; that was a joke by the way, companies have little option but to market their particular brand with a lot more skill, knack and aptitude in what is now, a very competitive market.

But how would you make a good impression? What options would you need to offer, what changes would you have to make with regards to your own processes and procedures, in order to have the best workforce possible?

Let’s go back to the original question, “What’s in a name?”

Say the name ELF Productivity Limited or to its software peers, CEEQUEL® and you have an instantly recognisable brand.

That’s because CEEQUEL® is a name that you can trust.

ELF Productivity Limited has been at the forefront of Biometric Time and Attendance Management systems since 1982.

Where others have failed, CEEQUEL® has prevailed.

Without wishing to sound arrogant, you have to hold a very good deck of cards in your hands to put your head above the parapet and be able to withstand the competition in the Time and Attendance market for over 35 years.

As we progress into another new phase of development, ELF Productivity Ltd remains at the cutting edge, not only in terms of in-house talent but in the sheer vast knowledge of Biometric Time Management solutions that comes only from experience.

With an all-encompassing, fully integrated software solution such as Human Resource Management, your entire workforce can be managed from one central kiosk. This fully integrated CEEQUEL® module can co-exist on the same Time Attendance database or as a standalone HR Management solution.

Employee Self Service,Web-Manager and Shop Floor Data Capture; all come under ELF’s very impressive belt. CEEQUEL® mobile apps for Android, Apple and Windows devices are an added benefit for those employees that prefer to be a little more remote and flexible.

Biometric Access Control with fingerprint and facial recognition will help you monitor and track your entire workforce; whilst Shop Floor Data Capture will help you convert operator performance into performance related pay and bonuses.

CEEQUEL® Time and Attendance software suite has it all.

So what are you waiting for, isn’t it time you became acquainted with a name you can depend on, a Time and Attendance Management solution that continues to live up to its name, time and time again?

If you would like to learn more about the incomparable software suite that is CEEQUEL® Contact ELF Productivity Ltd today today for a free demonstration and no obligation quotation.

For a closer look at CEEQUEL®, our range of brochures can be downloaded here here

ELF Productivity Limited and CEEQUEL® names you can rely on, names you can trust.

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.

Movie

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’!

Why It’s Time to Replace Your Clocking In Cards

Fed up of outdated clocking in cards? Have a read of our latest blog post here and discover the benefits that a bio-metric recognition system can bring to your workplace.

AccessControl

Clocking in cards have been used for generations, and it’s really starting to show. The system was created in the late nineteenth century and many alternatives have since been developed that have made the process of recording employees’ working hours many times easier. If your company still uses this system, it may be time for a change. Here are a few reasons why you ought to throw out your company’s old clocking in method and take on something new.

Speed

 

It’s no secret that time cards take time to process. In many cases, it seems almost impossible to obtain enough clocking machines to reduce the backlog of employees at the beginning and end of a shift, and for offices that support the traditional nine to five working day, the queue to “stamp” time cards can get ridiculous.

Security

 

Any system that relies on a card, pass or fob to allow employees access to their workspace or to record their attendance has the potential to be compromised. The likelihood of timecards being misplaced or passed between staff members for the purposes of “buddy clocking” is high. There are other means of recording time and attendance that are much more effective and watertight.

Complexity

 

Many older clocking in systems rely on management or HR downloading or transferring the data they have collected, then processing it in order to undertake payroll duties or record attendance anomalies. More up to date alternatives are able to directly record information in real time, and can be programmed to create their own reports and process information automatically, meaning there is no further work required and a great deal of time and effort is saved.

Environment

 

Timecards may be small, but how many does your company get through in a year? Add that to the hundreds of other businesses that still rely on outdated clocking in systems across the country, and the amount of paper used unnecessarily really does add up. Systems that don’t rely on new cards being used every week, work wonders when it comes to your environmental impact.

So What Can We Use Instead?

 

The next step up from a clocking in card system is the use of proximity clocking terminals. This approach involves the use of fobs, cards or badges to allow employees access to areas of their workplace and an effective method to clock in and out. Yes, the items used can still be forgotten, lost, stolen or passed around, but they are extremely easy to use; all that is required is that they are touched against a pad or sensor. This system is also extremely quick, meaning multiple workers can enter and exit the premises without a large queue forming. Proximity clocking can also be combined with software that enables real-time updates and automatic data management.

One of the most up to date means of clocking in is the use of biometric recognition. Depending on preference, a company can choose between fingerprint scanners, facial scanners and retinal scanners – all of which are highly effective and exceptionally secure. These time and attendance methods do not rely on an external gadget or accessory to allow them to function – the employees themselves are their own pass. There should be no concerns about personal data security either; the fingerprints or other images are not retained. The system simply records certain points within each image and creates a code from them. The original information is then erased and only the unique code remains. While this system can sometimes take a little longer than the use of proximity clocking depending on the number of individuals needing to use it at any one time, this can be remedied by simply installing more terminals. It is a highly effective and can also be integrated within software that updates in real time and can be programmed to extract all required data and create reports.

If you’re ready to update your clocking in system, get in touch with ELF Productivity Limited today. They offer a wide range of products to suit every workplace, along with exceptionally useful software that will save managers and HR officers a huge amount of time processing data, organising payroll and authorising leave. This will give your company a greater opportunity to focus on the future. Call now on 01257 256000 or email sales@elf.uk.com to discuss your specific needs and find out what ELF Productivity Limited can offer you.

 

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.

Conflict

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.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Proximity Clocking Terminals

Proximity clocking terminal may sound complex, but they’re actually very common, and it’s highly likely that you’ve come across several in your lifetime. In reality, this term describes a system where swipe cards or fobs can be used to record what time a staff member enters or exits a building or an area of their company’s premises. So, is this system the best way to record time and attendance and grant employees access? Here are a few of the pros and cons of proximity clocking terminals, as determined by ELF Productivity Limited.

 

Disadvantages of Proximity Clocking Terminals

Forgettable and Transferrable

The main problem with having a physical card, badge or fob for each employee that is authorised to use a time and attendance terminal is the fact that each one is relatively easy to remove from its assigned member of staff. Whether accidentally or by design, workers are able to swap passes (leading to inevitable “buddy clocking”, where one staff member clocks in or out at a terminal on behalf of another, meaning the second employee will be registered as being “present” when they are not), or put theirs down and lose it (which could easily lead to a security breach or theft). These items can also prove expensive to replace or maintain if multiple staff members continue to lose and damage theirs.

Advantages of Proximity Clocking Terminals

Familiar

As proximity clocking systems have been around and in use for many years, the basic process of clocking in and out using a swipe card, fob or badge is one that many workers will be used to. However, the very basic mechanism that was first used by forward thinking companies decades ago has now been replaced by a system that takes multiple actions at once, storing useful employee data and updating clockings in real time, meaning there is no downloading or transferring of information required. It’s a well-known approach, but one that produces brand new results.

Quick

Newer systems have now come into use whereby staff members may use fingerprint scanners or facial recognition to clock in and out of their places of work. However, a queue of individuals waiting to start their working day at nine o’clock in the morning or to head home at five in the afternoon can prove quite slow to process in this way, particularly if a company has very few terminals and employs a large quantity of individuals who all work a typical eight-hour day, and all arrive and leave at around the same time. While these biometric scanners may function extremely well for shift-based work, proximity clocking systems tend to be the preference of many traditional offices.

Trusted

While biometric systems are completely secure, many employees find themselves slightly uneasy when adjusting to their use. There is often a fear for the safety of personal data that retinal, facial or fingerprint scanning seems to exacerbate – due to the direct physical interaction required and the natural connotation of fingerprints with unique personal and biological information. In reality, no fingerprints or facial or retinal imagery or data is retained. The system maps certain points within these particular features and creates a code that is unique to each individual employee. All traces of fingerprints and facial features are then completely wiped from the system. Be that as it may, however, it’s likely that – as an employer – you will come up against far lower resistance when implementing a fob-based system than you might if you were to install fingerprint scanners in the workplace.

Easy

Because they’ve been around for so long, proximity clocking terminals tend to be easier to maintain than many more complex alternatives, and mistakes are often slightly more straightforward to remedy. A missing card can easily be replaced, whereas if there is an issue with a biometric system, resolving it is likely to prove a little harder.

Find Out More About Available Types of Time and Attendance System

Whether you’ve decided to install a proximity clocking system in your office or you’d prefer to opt for biometric options such as finger, facial or retinal scanning terminals, your next step is to shop around for a product that best suits your needs. ELF Productivity Limited is a great place to start, boasting a wide range of systems that can help to reduce the time and effort spent on management administration and HR paperwork, allowing you more time to develop your company and its products. For further information, get in touch today via 01257 256000 or email sales@elf.uk.com to discuss your requirements with their knowledgeable team.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Biometric Finger-Scanners

One of the most popular types of time and attendance system available is the kind that can be operated using a biometric finger scanner terminal. These systems can collect data from the fingerprints of your company’s employees and then utilise that data as a unique code to allow that individual to clock in or out of their workplace, or to access certain areas of their company’s premises – simply by touching a screen. Below, ELF Productivity Limited – specialises in time and attendance systems – explain the pros and cons of this system and what do do if you wish to implement it within your own place of work.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Biometric Finger-Scanners

 

Disadvantages of Biometric Finger-Scanners

Queues

 

The only real problem that some companies find with a time and attendance system occurs if only one terminal has been installed. While many firms hire staff that work on a flexible basis, or undertake shift based work, a great many businesses still have employees that are on site for the typical nine to five. That means that multiple individuals will wish to clock in or out at the same time, and this can create a backlog. It’s important to consider this issue if your company regularly has multiple people clocking in and out at the same time, and perhaps opt for more than one finger scanning terminal. Another option is to use a proximity clocking terminal, which is able to process large numbers of individuals at the same time.

Concerns About Data

 

An interesting issue surrounding fingerprint scanners is the general public’s fear of “Big Brother” – the idea that our data and information is being pried into and utilized by large companies and corporations. For this reason, many people express concern about using a fingerprint scanner and suspicion surrounding the information that it retains. These worries are unfounded however, as you’ll see in the first of our advantages…

 

Advantages of Biometric Finger-Scanners

 

Security (Company-Wide and Personal)

 

One of the main motivations for implementing a time and attendance system is security, and biometric finger scanners provide a superb means of keeping track of who is in the building and who is not. While key codes and swipe cards can be passed between staff members, there is no way of one employee replicating the information collected from another’s fingerprint.

We’ll now quickly refer back to something mentioned in the “Disadvantages” section; namely, the element of unease that some people feel about time and attendance systems “storing” their data. In actual fact, no element of an individual’s fingerprint is retained. When an employee first joins the company or has to register on a new biometric finger scanner, certain coordinates are plotted according to the structure of their fingerprint. The original print is then wiped from the system to ensure personal security and data protection. All that is left is a code that relates to the coordinates that were taken.

Real Time Updates

 

While you can use time and attendance software to automatically collate and pull reports, the information that is recorded by the biometric finger scanning system doesn’t require any downloading or transferring whatsoever. Everything updates in real time, which means that the system updates every time a new clocking-in occurs. There is no slow transfer of data – all the information pops up straight away.

Site-based Versatility

 

Biometric finger scanners work in all kinds of environment. It’s easy to convince yourself that they’d be more at home in a spotless office than in a workshop full of sawdust, but that simply isn’t the case. Of course, the reader lens needs to be wiped occasionally to allow it to continue scanning, but these terminals are very tough and can withstand most environments. We recommend avoiding extreme cold (freezers, for example), as the cold can cause conductivity issues, but otherwise you’re able to place your scanners anywhere you wish!

If you’re interested in finding out more about biometric finger scanners or time and attendance systems in general, simply get in touch with ELF Productivity Limited today on 01257 256000 or email sales@elf.uk.com, and their helpful team will be more than happy to assist you and to answer any questions you may have. Opting for a time and attendance system in your workplace reduces the time and effort spent on management administration and HR paperwork considerably so that you can have much more time at your disposal to develop your company and its products as well as attending to the job satisfaction and general progression of your staff and colleagues.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Biometric Finger-Scanners

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?

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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.