Tag: Employee Self Service

Replacing Mitrefinch TMS: A Practical Guide for UK Employers

As workforce management requirements continue to evolve, many organisations are reviewing whether their existing Time & Attendance solution remains aligned with their operational, payroll, compliance, and workforce management objectives.

If your organisation currently uses Mitrefinch TMS and is considering its future options, this guide provides a practical framework for assessing whether your current solution continues to meet your needs and, if not, what should be considered when evaluating alternative platforms.

This article is intended as an impartial guide to help employers make informed decisions based on their own business requirements.

Why Organisations Review Their Time & Attendance System

Time & Attendance systems are a critical component of workforce management. As organisations grow, diversify, or modernise their operations, requirements often change.

Common reasons for reviewing an existing solution include:

  • Increasing payroll administration and manual intervention.
  • Expansion across multiple sites or locations.
  • Greater use of remote, mobile, or field-based employees.
  • A requirement to integrate Time & Attendance with HR, Payroll, ERP, Access Control, or Visitor Management systems.
  • The need for improved management visibility and reporting.
  • Changes in working practices, legislation, or compliance requirements.
  • Hardware refresh programmes or software renewal cycles.
  • Business acquisitions, mergers, or organisational restructuring.

A system review does not necessarily mean a replacement is required. However, it provides an opportunity to assess whether the current solution continues to deliver the functionality, efficiency, and return on investment expected by the business.

What a Modern Workforce Management Solution Should Deliver

A Time & Attendance solution should do more than simply record employee attendance. It should provide accurate workforce data that supports operational decision-making, payroll accuracy, compliance, and employee engagement.

When evaluating any solution, organisations should expect:

Accurate Workforce Data

  • Real-time attendance monitoring.
  • Automated calculation of working hours.
  • Accurate overtime and absence management.
  • Reduction in manual payroll adjustments.

Improved Management Visibility

  • Real-time workforce dashboards.
  • Exception reporting.
  • Attendance trend analysis.
  • Labour cost visibility.

Streamlined Payroll Processing

  • Automated payroll preparation.
  • Clear audit trails.
  • Reduced payroll queries.
  • Reliable integration with payroll systems.

Workforce Compliance

  • Working Time Regulations monitoring.
  • Absence tracking.
  • Audit and reporting capabilities.
  • Accurate records for compliance purposes.

Enhanced Employee and Manager Self-Service

  • Electronic holiday requests.
  • Manager approvals.
  • Employee access to attendance records.
  • Mobile workforce capabilities where required.

Key Questions to Ask During a System Review

Whether reviewing your current supplier or considering alternative providers, consistency is essential. Every supplier should be evaluated against the same criteria.

Payroll Management

  • How are exceptions and anomalies identified and managed?
  • How are audit trails maintained?
  • How does the system reduce payroll administration?

Business Rules

  • Can the solution accommodate existing working rules and agreements?
  • How flexible is the configuration?
  • Can future changes be implemented without development work?

Hardware and Data Collection

  • What clocking methods are available?
  • Can existing hardware be retained?
  • What options exist for mobile or remote workers?

Integration

  • What integrations are available with Payroll, HR, ERP, Access Control, and Visitor Management systems?
  • Are integrations proven and supported?

Security and Hosting (for cloud based systems)

  • Where is data hosted?
  • What security standards are maintained?
  • What service levels and support arrangements are provided?

Implementation

  • What does the migration process involve?
  • How is data transferred and validated?
  • What support is available during and after implementation?

Commercial Considerations

  • What are the initial implementation costs?
  • What ongoing support and maintenance costs apply?
  • Are there any additional licensing or usage-based charges?

The Importance of a Structured Migration Process

For most organisations, the greatest risk during a replacement project is not the installation of new software. The primary challenge is ensuring that existing workforce rules, pay calculations, attendance policies, and operational processes are accurately replicated or improved.

A successful migration project should include:

  • Detailed Scope of Works.
  • Documentation of existing rules and processes.
  • Configuration review and approval.
  • Data migration planning – if available.
  • Payroll validation and parallel testing.
  • User and manager training.
  • Post-implementation support.

Organisations should seek clear documentation outlining how each stage of the migration will be managed.

Evaluating Long-Term Value

While software functionality remains important, organisations should also consider the broader value delivered by a workforce management solution.

Areas worth evaluating include:

  • Reduction in payroll administration.
  • Removal of manual calculations.
  • Improved labour cost control.
  • Enhanced workforce visibility.
  • Reduced manual processes.
  • Improved compliance reporting.
  • Increased management efficiency.
  • Scalability for future growth.

A workforce management platform should support operational objectives not only today, but also as the organisation evolves over the coming years.

Making an Informed Decision

Every organisation’s requirements are unique. The most effective procurement decisions are based on clearly documented business objectives, operational requirements, implementation considerations, support arrangements, and long-term value (ROI).

A structured review process allows organisations to assess whether their existing solution remains the best fit or whether alternative platforms may offer additional benefits more aligned with future business goals.

By taking a measured and evidence-based approach, organisations can ensure that any investment in workforce management technology delivers meaningful improvements in productivity, efficiency, accuracy, and visibility.

About Ceequel®

Ceequel® is a UK-developed workforce management platform designed to help organisations manage attendance, absence, labour costs, employee self-service, manager approvals, access control, visitor management, and workforce reporting through a single integrated solution.

Supporting organisations across manufacturing, logistics, food production, distribution, healthcare, engineering, and other sectors, Ceequel® provides flexible deployment options and configurable workforce management capabilities designed to meet the operational requirements of modern UK employers.

For organisations reviewing their current Time & Attendance solution, a structured demonstration and discovery process can help determine whether Ceequel® is aligned with their operational and workforce management objectives.

 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not make any representations regarding the performance, functionality, support, commercial arrangements, or future direction of any third-party software product or supplier. Organisations should undertake their own evaluation based on their individual business requirements and procurement processes.

Replacing Legacy Kronos Systems: A Practical Guide for UK Employers

Many organisations have relied on Kronos workforce management solutions for years, benefiting from robust time recording, scheduling, and workforce management capabilities. However, as technology, workforce expectations, and business requirements evolve, many employers are taking the opportunity to review whether their existing system continues to meet their operational needs and future objectives.

If your organisation is currently using a legacy Kronos solution and is considering its long-term strategy, this guide outlines the key factors that should be considered when evaluating your existing platform and assessing potential alternatives.

This article is intended as an educational resource to support informed decision-making and procurement best practice.

Why Organisations Review Legacy Workforce Management Systems

Workforce management systems often remain in place for many years. During that time, businesses can undergo significant changes that place new demands on technology and operational processes.

Common reasons organisations review their existing workforce management platform include:

  • Changes to payroll processes and compliance requirements.
  • Business growth, acquisitions, or multi-site expansion.
  • Increasing use of mobile, remote, or hybrid working.
  • A desire to improve management visibility and workforce analytics.
  • The need for greater automation and reduced administration.
  • Wider digital transformation programmes.
  • ERP, HR, or payroll system replacement projects.
  • Hardware refresh cycles or infrastructure modernisation initiatives.
  • Evolving employee expectations around self-service and accessibility.

A system review provides an opportunity to assess whether the existing platform remains aligned with current business objectives and future workforce management requirements.

What Modern Workforce Management Should Deliver

Today’s workforce management systems are expected to do far more than simply record attendance.

A modern solution should support strategic decision-making while improving operational efficiency across the organisation.

Accurate Time Recording

Organisations should expect:

  • Real-time attendance visibility.
  • Automated working time calculations.
  • Accurate overtime management.
  • Comprehensive absence monitoring.
  • Clear audit trails for payroll processing.

Improved Operational Visibility

Managers should have access to:

  • Live workforce dashboards.
  • Attendance exception reporting.
  • Labour utilisation data.
  • Departmental and site-level analytics.
  • Real-time workforce status information.

Payroll Efficiency

Effective workforce management should help organisations:

  • Reduce manual payroll administration.
  • Minimise payroll queries and adjustments.
  • Improve payroll accuracy.
  • Streamline payroll preparation processes.
  • Provide clear reporting and audit capabilities.

Employee and Manager Self-Service

Modern solutions increasingly support:

  • Holiday and absence requests.
  • Electronic approvals.
  • Mobile workforce access.
  • Employee attendance visibility.
  • Manager workflow automation.

Workforce Compliance

Employers should be able to monitor and report on:

  • Working Time Regulations.
  • Attendance policies.
  • Absence management.
  • Audit requirements.
  • Workforce governance procedures.

Key Areas to Assess During a System Review

When reviewing any workforce management platform, organisations should evaluate suppliers using consistent criteria.

Workforce Management Functionality

Consider whether the solution supports:

  • Complex shift patterns.
  • Overtime rules.
  • Attendance management.
  • Absence management.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Multi-site operations.

Payroll Integration

Questions to consider include:

  • How is payroll data prepared and transferred?
  • What validation processes exist?
  • How are exceptions managed?
  • What audit capabilities are available?

Data Collection Methods

Review the available options for:

  • Biometric clocking.
  • Facial recognition.
  • Proximity cards and fobs.
  • Mobile workforce applications.
  • Web-based attendance recording.

Integration Capabilities

Organisations should understand how the platform shares data with:

  • Payroll systems.
  • HR software.
  • ERP platforms.
  • Access Control systems.
  • Visitor Management solutions.
  • Business intelligence and reporting tools.

Security and Infrastructure

Areas to evaluate include:

  • Data hosting arrangements.
  • Security standards and certifications.
  • Business continuity provisions.
  • Support and service level agreements.
  • Disaster recovery procedures.

Scalability

A workforce management platform should support:

  • Organisational growth.
  • Additional sites.
  • New departments.
  • Future technology requirements.
  • Evolving workforce practices.

Planning a Successful Migration

Any workforce management replacement project should be approached as a business transformation initiative rather than simply a software installation.

Successful projects typically include:

Discovery and Analysis

  • Review of existing workforce rules.
  • Documentation of attendance policies.
  • Identification of payroll requirements.
  • Review of reporting needs.

Configuration and Validation

  • Comprehensive Scope of Works.
  • Operational validation.
  • Payroll validation.
  • Rule verification.

Data Migration

  • Historical data requirements.
  • Employee information transfer.
  • Validation procedures.

Training and Adoption

  • Manager training.
  • Employee communication.
  • User documentation.
  • Ongoing support arrangements.

Go-Live and Post-Implementation Support

  • Controlled deployment.
  • Parallel payroll testing where appropriate.
  • Dedicated support during transition.
  • Performance monitoring.

Looking Beyond Features

When reviewing any workforce management solution, organisations should consider the wider business outcomes it can deliver.

These may include:

  • Reduced labour administration.
  • Improved payroll accuracy – no payroll leakage.
  • Greater workforce visibility.
  • Better labour cost control.
  • Improved operational efficiency.
  • Enhanced compliance reporting.
  • Increased employee engagement.
  • Better management decision-making.

The objective should be to identify a solution that supports both immediate operational needs and long-term organisational goals.

Future-Proofing Workforce Management

As workforce management technology continues to evolve, organisations increasingly seek platforms that can support a wider range of operational requirements from a single environment.

Areas commonly considered during strategic reviews include:

Bringing these functions together can help reduce administration, improve data accuracy, and provide a more unified view of the workforce.

About Ceequel®

Ceequel® is a UK-developed workforce management platform designed to help organisations manage attendance, absence, labour costs, employee self-service, manager approvals, access control, visitor management, and workforce reporting through a single integrated solution.

Used across manufacturing, food production, logistics, engineering, healthcare, distribution, and other sectors, Ceequel® provides organisations with configurable workforce management capabilities that can be tailored to specific operational requirements.

For organisations reviewing legacy workforce management platforms, a structured discovery and demonstration process can help determine whether Ceequel® aligns with their current and future workforce management objectives.

 

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not make any representations regarding the performance, functionality, support arrangements, commercial terms, product lifecycle, or future direction of any third-party software product or supplier. Organisations should undertake their own independent evaluation based on their specific operational requirements, procurement processes, and business objectives.

There’s No Place Like Home

Education both remotely and at school is finally over until September and that means only one thing……summer is officially here!

Holidays can begin or as the UK travel industry have re-branded it, let the ‘staycation’ commence!

#Staycation. With holidays already reserved to spend via ‘Costa del Decking’ this summer, when was the last time any of us chose to take our annual leave in Blighty?

As we emerge from one of the most traumatic times in UK work history, a ‘staycation’ could just be what the doctor if not the Government ordered for UK workers. Coastal, countryside and city destinations all filled with businesses that need a helping hand at this time.

Not convinced and still prefer to jet off?

Given the current climate, is anyone particularly enamoured with the thought of sharing a tin can with 200 + strangers, on a flight loaded with masks and hand sanitiser, accompanied by the type of nervy eye-swivels that only appear when someone is brave enough to clear their throat?

Surely the option to holiday at home this year for that reason alone is more attractive.

Remember when you were a child and the only things that mattered on holiday were candy floss, building sandcastles on the beach and fish and chips, usually in that order. Children don’t particularly care where they holiday, as long as they get to have an adventure.

With UK hotels and hospitality still able to accommodate bookings, supporting local businesses is crucial at this stage of our recovery to provide the country with a much-needed economic boost and to help workers enjoy some welcome R&R time-off.

Perhaps you have always wanted to scale the dizzy heights of Ben Nevis – Bear Grylls style obviously! Maybe now is the time to accomplish that dream. Spending hours outdoors is a proven medicine for a good night’s sleep, as well as being beneficial for both mental health and physical wellbeing.

Given the current climate that’s something we could all profit from once we are back on the shop floor.

Great Britain is an amazing place so why not enjoy a ‘staycation’ this summer? Is holidaying in the UK really so bad?

After all, as Dorothy often reminds us “There’s no place like home.”

If you are interested in implementing a Human Resources Time and Attendance Management system to assist in planning your employees own summer #staycation, contact ELF Productivity Ltd today on 01257 256000 for a free, no obligation demonstration and quotation of Ceequel® software suite.

Or alternatively, our brochure catalogue can be downloaded here.

ELF Productivity Ltd and Ceequel® software, assisting, advising and supporting all our clients both remotely and office-based during the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.

“Work Just A Little Bit”

After 7, 8 or even 9 weeks of the same 4 walls/garden/bedroom, it’s understandable that the nation has been ‘chomping at the bit’ to get just a little of their ‘pre-corona’ life back.

Therefore, with the Prime Minister’s weekend address that we are to be actively but tentatively encouraged back to work, it has been met surprisingly with some considerable shock.

“What did Boris just say, go outside and what was the other thing? RETURN TO WORK!!”

By locking the country down for several weeks, the nation is now struggling to not only return to work physically but mentally.

When we look back at this time, who will emerge as the real heroes of the crisis and the lock-down?

Will it be the managers who were quick to park their business and furlough staff or the leaders who committed to keep their company going and safely remained open for business?

Will it be the employees who risked all by continuing to commute to their workplace, playing their part in either sustaining the economy or caring for their community?

Will it be the one who worked from home remotely on a makeshift office desk, whilst helping shares in UPS, Tesco and Royal Mail ascend into the stratosphere via their new addiction to online shopping?

Or will it be the ones who sat on their couch, furloughed, relatively risk-free, washing their hands whilst sampling the ‘gins of the world’ and applying Factor 10?

With the revelation that ‘some’ workplace and outdoor restrictions are to be eased the negative reactions the news has brought has exposed both the country’s workers and their management.

Whilst the nation should be thanked to some degree for adhering to the lock-down rules initially laid out by the government, we should now follow the Prime Minister’s cue and gently allow a phased return to work…. for everyone.

Over the coming days and weeks and once businesses have unlocked their doors, Human Resources need to look at introducing, if they don’t already do so, return to work interviews.

If staff are struggling to adjust mentally, HR executives need to get on board with the idea of allowing part-time or flexible working patterns, even going as far as to remain committed to remote working for part of the week.

Whilst the idea of working remotely permanently sounds idyllic while enjoying a mini heatwave the reality for some has proved to be quite different. Slow and unreliable Wi-Fi coupled with sporadic broadband data connections, no ‘real’ conversations and with questionable hygiene and grooming standards emerging, the experience has left some employees if not their managers, more than willing to return to the shop floor.

This is without question a unique and unprecedented time in UK workplace history but here at ELF Productivity Ltd we are confident that you will be able to navigate your entire workforce through the coming months.

Whatever workplace procedures you choose to adopt during this time, ELF Productivity Ltd and Ceequel® Biometric Time and Attendance Management system are here to guide, assist and support you.

Providing your rules have logic, Ceequel® software suite will be able to incorporate ANY working shift pattern that you choose to implement into your workplace.

ELF Productivity Ltd and Ceequel® committed to maintaining and supporting all our clients during the ongoing Corona-virus outbreak.

If you are interested in a Biometric Time and Attendance Management system for your business, contact ELF Productivity Ltd today for a free, no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software suite.

Or alternatively, our brochure catalogue can be downloaded here.

More Guidance For Preventing The Spread of COVID-19

To support your home working employees, there are a couple of options that we have to assist you in maintaining productivity.

There’s an app for that!

If wish to preserve time-sheets and attendance reporting data, whilst you have staff working from home, ELF Productivity Ltd has a clocking app that allows employees to clock in and out using an Android or IOS device.

The app provides the user with a simple clock in, clock out function that will push the clocking data through to TA2 (and ultimately) your payroll software in the same manner as clocking in via your normal clocking terminals.

The clocking app will also supply a Geotag of the location of the device when the employee clocks in. The Geotag will give a link through to a grid reference in Google maps showing the location of the device (for audit purposes).

Employee Self Service

Has the functionality to support home or external workers. Again it provides companies with the ability to ask employees to clock in/out of their working day and there is additional (optional) functionality within Employee Self Service that will allow home workers to register time against a project, client account, job or task.

This can be operated in real-time or after the event.

Please note, the Employee Self Service web portal will not Geotag the clocking location.

Working from Home / Isolation codes

As a business you may want to differentiate between absences for COVID-19 and other sickness absences for your end of year reporting and to assist in the repayment of SSP.

As a reminder you can create new absence codes within the system and set parameters of how they interact with Absence, Bradford Factor, TOIL, FLEXI, Holiday balances, Reports and exception flags. You can also use the code to differentiate home working, i.e. not absent, not in the fire register yet still paid (similar to how a business pass out would function).

If you have a current Time and Attendance user manual, please refer to page 41 on how to create new codes. Please do remember that great care must be taken when creating and using new codes as Ceequel® is highly configurable. It is imperative that the new code and it’s selected options, adequately reflects the pay, notification and reporting rules that you wish to apply.

If you require further information on Facial Recognition Terminals, Key Fobs, Proximity Cards, Clocking Apps, Employee Tracking or require a copy of the latest TAUser Manual, then please feel free to contact us on 01257 256000.

Guidance For Preventing The Spread Of COVID-19

You are all now fully aware of the UK Government guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

It is both our duty and social responsibility to ensure that we continue supporting our clients as much as humanly possible during this challenging time, to ensure that companies can continue to pay their staff, efficiently and effectively.

Because of this ELF Productivity Ltd has taken the following measures: –

• We will continue to have a fully-manned Technical Support Desk which has had social distancing protocols applied.
• Those who are able to work remotely from home are doing so.
• We are performing system configuration and training remotely via Skype and Team Viewer.
• Our hardware engineers are continuing to attend client sites where appropriate and have fully comprehensive hygiene procedures to follow.

We have put together a FAQ list, in which ELF Productivity can assist your organisation in maintaining business continuity with the first highlighting the correct way to keep your devices clean.

General advice on frequently touched objects.

Public Health England (PHE) recommends that cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces will help prevent people from catching and spreading COVID-19.

Clocking machines are interacted with by all staff daily, therefore we recommend that you sanitise your devices regularly throughout the day to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, however please be aware of the following points: –

Avoid the use of very high concentration bleaches as they may discolour the clocking / access control units.

Ensure that cleaning staff do not use abrasive cleaning products on transparent fingerprint scanners or units as they will cloud and could become non-functional.

Depending upon the terminals that you have, you may want to consider the following measures;

1. Facial Recognition – If you already use facial recognition terminals then you will be familiar with clocking without any physical contact. If any staff are using the additional fingerprint reader, we strongly recommend you direct them to use only facial recognition. If any staff report that they are unable to use facial recognition because their biometric template is no longer recognised (e.g their appearance has altered since enrolment, such as the addition of glasses or thick beards) simply re-enrol the staff member. The unit will automatically overwrite their old template with their new one.

2. Fingerprint Recognition – If you have fingerprint terminals and wish to keep using biometric technology, now may be a time to look at changing these for facial recognition units.

3. Proximity Recognition – If you have card / fob terminals then we recommend that you remind staff that the readers will operate without physical contact, no need to “tap” in and out, a wave will suffice.

Many of our clients already use wall mounted sanitisers and ensure frequent cleaning of their readers for general hygiene, please be aware of the points above.

If you have any concerns regarding Ceequel® software or any of your Time & Attendance devices, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01257 256000.

How Can I Love You More?

L.O.V.E that little ‘Four Letter Word’ that is out in force around the middle of Feb and thanks to clever advertisers, very much in your face!

Now we know that being the romantic lot that you are, you wouldn’t have forgotten but just in case you have, here’s a gentle reminder; Valentine’s Day is just around the corner……

The most amorous time of the year brings out the romantic in many of us, especially the ‘Starry-Eyed’ personnel on the shop floor.

It must be said that the build up to February 14th can for some, be a distracting time on the production line. Amused anticipation is on open display, as your very own ‘Tim and Dawn’ are observed blushing their way around ‘The Office’.

But with all the ‘Endless Love’ flowing, what of the ‘bemused’ boss that not only has to manage his or her ‘Hopelessly Devoted’ team members but plan and schedule their last-minute ‘Love Rendezvous’?

It’s widely accepted that the most popular place to meet your ‘significant other’ is in the workplace. You spend more time there than anywhere else, so it makes ‘Perfect’ sense that ‘Love Is All Around’ doesn’t it?

Whilst opportunities present themselves more easily on the shop floor and when the time is right, ‘L.O.V.E’ is not always a surprise but after the first flush of romance, what happens when ‘Tim and Dawn’ request the inevitable time off together?

Planning staff holidays for any manager can be a headache, if not a vast military exercise; nothing works, nothing gels, nothing fits! Throw in an eleventh hour mini-break request from ‘John’ in sales and ‘Kayleigh’ in accounts and you get the idea. Two employees who not only work on the same team but the same project.

Here at ELF, we understand the situation completely when ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ with your current processes but be assured, with the right software in place, not only will Ceequel® become ‘the one that you want’ this Valentine’s Day but it will render everything ‘Perfect’ for both you AND your team.

Staff planning a last-minute get-away? Forget Booking.com as nothing books or confirms a holiday request faster than Ceequel® Employee Self Service.

Deployed on a kiosk or via an employee’s PC, smart phone or tablet, Employee Self Service completely removes the paper trail and gives total administration control to employees. Staff can immediately establish who on their team has already been granted a leave of absence.

So, with that in mind and apart from ‘The One’ make Ceequel® software the additional ‘significant other’ that you #Love this Valentine’s Day.

If you are interested in a Biometric Time and Attendance system to work with your Human Resources department, contact ELF Productivity Ltd today for a free no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software.

Alternatively, our brochure catalogue can be downloaded here.

When Harry Met…….Megxit

In any workplace, despite knowing that the time is right to step away from a senior position, making that move can still prove to be challenging. Whilst no one is predominately enthralled, there’s just no escaping the latest ‘Royal’ step-down.

Harry and Meghan’s imminent departure from the House of Windsor or ‘Megxit’ as it’s become known, has been publicised all over the world.

A manipulative, calculating social climber; terms that have been coined to describe the Duchess of Sussex. Snowflake and ‘under the thumb’ are just two that depict the nation’s favourite Prince.

But are all these labels true or unjust?

When you decide the time is right to step away from something and forge your own path, not everyone will be happy for you.

Obviously, we are not saying that the Monarchy is wrong, quite the opposite. The Queen and the senior Royals do an amazing job but not everybody is cut out for a repetitive and regimented lifestyle.

The Monarchy, a well-oiled machine that has been running for over 1000 years and is still ‘in business’ depicts that something is clearly right. The House of Windsor has to some degree, adapted and changed with the times. To stay ahead of the game, you have no choice.

Leaders are not born they are made and whilst being born into a specific role is considered an advantage, it doesn’t mean that you will a) be any good at it or b) want to work at it your whole life.

As within every ‘Firm’ one size does not fit all. Different methods and ways of working suit different companies as not every person is looking to adopt the traditional, organised 9-5 lifestyle. The laid-back remote and flexible way of working now appeals to a vast majority of employed people.

A lifestyle that can be attained, deployed and enjoyed anywhere in the world.

Remote/flexible working, TOIL, mobile clocking, are all terms coined for the modern business. Different personalities and skills, along with a difference in opinion all come into play in the workplace but when put together with the ‘right solution’, everything ‘just works’.

We shouldn’t be too harsh on Harry and Meghan as they depart from their ‘workplace’. They clearly feel that as working parents, they are now better suited to a more relaxed and less restrictive way of working.

If you are looking for a Biometric Time and Attendance Management system to suit your ENTIRE workforce, take a look at Ceequel® software suite today and realise all that can be achieved in your workplace.

If you would like to take advantage of a free, no obligation quotation and demonstration of Ceequel® software, contact ELF Productivity Ltd or alternatively, our brochure catalogue can be downloaded here.

Are You Ready To Take On 2020?

Happy New Year and welcome to the 20’s!

2020 heralds not just a new year but a new decade. What is 2020 already saying to you and the future of your business? The culture-trends for the coming year and indeed the decade have already been mapped out.

So, the question is, are you ready to take on 2020?

Brexit

You genuinely didn’t think the ‘B’ word wouldn’t come into play, did you? On the 31st January the word we have all come to know so intimately will be consigned to Room 101 forever. A word that symbolises everything that is amiss encompassing an institution known as the European Union.

The time, ladies and gents, has FINALLY arrived.

Boris’s current default-setting is “Let’s get on and get Brexit done”. Once ‘done’ Brexit in its current state will no longer be part of the British vocab……unless it resurfaces as a breakfast cereal.

“BREXIT, a new way to start your morning”.

Avoid, unless you are looking for something that is VERY slow-releasing and takes some considerable time to digest!

Our departure from the EU and our somewhat ‘touchy’ European cousins will herald a new beginning for the UK. More freedom and greater opportunities.

Will 2020 be the year that the ‘Great’ is at last put back into Britain’s manufacturing?

Tech Life

“I get up when I want to except on Wednesdays’ when I get rudely awakened by the dustmen”. No, not ‘90’s Parklife but ‘20’s Tech Life!

Just to clarify robots are NOT taking over the planet, humans are NOT about to join Brexit in Room 101 but in the upcoming decade there WILL be an immense drive towards further AI and Automation implementation.

Autonomous driving is just one area where a change is expected to manifest in 2020. Tesla mogul Elon Musk has already declared that he expects his company to create a ‘fully complete’ autonomous vehicle by this year.

Ambitious, yes but practical and safe? You decide, as the jury is still out.

Well-Being

When you think of well-being, you instantly think of a ‘zen-like’ image. Not so much for 2020. Whilst ‘mental well-being’ and ‘heads together’ have been the buzzwords for 2019, 2020 will be the year where greater importance is placed on ‘financial well-being’.

The coming year has already been earmarked to introduce monetary education into the workplace.

Many causes of workplace stress and absenteeism can usually be placed at the feet of ‘The Management’ but all ribbing aside, financial worries are no joke and over time they DO impact workplace productivity. Fears that can be addressed by managers taking the time to educate and support their staff.

As always, a happy and contented workforce = better and greater productivity.

So, looking ahead, could 2020 be the year that we not only see Made in Great Britain back in business but the year that YOU see a British solution transform YOUR business?

Ceequel® a real-time Biometric Time and Attendance Management system that incorporates Human Resources, Employee Self Service and Access Control as standard options.

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

Or, alternatively, please feel free to download our brochure catalogue here.

Make 2020 the year that you invest in your future with Ceequel® software suite.

Holiday, Celebrate!

“If we took a holiday, took some time to celebrate”

Thinking of taking some well-deserved time off? Of course, you are! Sun, sea, sand and sangria, what’s not to look forward to?

But, whilst lazing on your lounger soaking up the sun, the question is…. who’s on your shop floor?

Ah, the typical summer scenario, several staff members all requesting the same holiday time, the epitome of an archetypal working business. Nothing new there.

However, does it really need to be that demanding or that much of a nuisance to organise?

  • Artificial Intelligence

The arrival of AI is ruffling a few feathers within HR and if truth be told, on the shop floor. Reported recently by a leading HR magazine, that despite the pessimism surrounding AI, there has never been a better time or opportunity to up-skill your entire workforce.

But, whilst pondering this soundbite, have you stopped to think about Time and Attendance?

With the UK’s delayed Brexit  departure and with job vacancies to fill, there’s a greater need for stability and for a Time Management solution that will deliver the whole ‘enchilada’ for UK business workforce management. Continue reading “Holiday, Celebrate!”