Chris Estridge, author of the Software Source feature on time and attendance automation ("Clocks and clicks"), gives examples of firms that have introduced changes
Software Source, 03 Jan 2000
Absence
SLI Miniature Lighting, based in Bury St Edmunds, employs around 230 people. Its payroll team is pleased with the impact of computerised T solutions, introduced to improve resource planning and comply with health and safety legislation.
"The fire rostering is a reassuring feature and the work scheduling, absence recording and holiday planning reports are all faster and more accurate than previously," says payroll officer Linda Southgate.
Payroll
"Orders are continually arriving from every corner of the UK," says Simon Grice, systems manager for Bibby Distribution, which employs 500 people at its Scunthorpe depot.
"Ensuring that we have adequate staff at all times requires a flexible workforce and complex work patterns. To help us cope, we have installed the latest computerised system and have tested its ability to the utmost. It has always met the challenges successfully."
Health and safety
Being able to monitor which employees are on-site, and where, has clear health and safety benefits.
"We have installed badge readers a various locations on the shopfloor," says Bill Henderson, computer manager for Thomas Tunnock, which supplies chocolate biscuits, teacakes and caramel wafers to the grocery trade.
"Anyone moving from one department to another swipes their badge and the system records the labour time. There were some teething problems but we now have a system which works well."
Measured response By dramatically reducing the time and money spent on managing human capital, the latest HR software systems are freeing up more time for strategic thinking
