Make The Move To Workforce Management

Used with permission from Business Solutions magazine

A few months ago, Business Solutions editor Chris Loringer provided some insight into how traditional time and attendance applications are evolving into workforce management. Indeed, workforce management tools transcend the traditional ‘time clock' functions of maintaining an accurate record of hours worked. The tools themselves encompass a variety of models ranging from wall-mounted terminals to handheld, PDA-type devices. The trend has become to integrate time and attendance functionality with core payroll and employee benefit systems. Regardless of the form factor chosen, both employers and employees are embracing workforce management tools.

Michael Trader, president of M2SYS Technology, a company that produces fingerprint identification technology, indicates that PC-based time clock applications that integrate a biometric component continue to gain popularity. "These applications are typically much less expensive than traditional, wall-mounted biometric time clocks, yet provide the same level of security," says Trader. The security he refers to is most apparent when it comes to the elimination of buddy punching, which refers to one employee punching in for an absent or tardy employee. According to Nucleus Research, 19% of employees participate in buddy punching at least once a year, resulting in losses ranging from 1.5% to 3% of a company's gross payroll. "From an employee perspective, biometrics provide a greater sense of confidence that an individual's time worked is captured accurately and reliably, without having to rely on manual input mechanisms," says Trader.

Many workforce management tools are designed to go beyond the four walls of the workplace to meet the needs of mobile professionals. Mobile devices can connect employees to key business systems, such as payroll and benefits, in real time. "While self-service kiosks empower employees at a fixed work location, PDA options can empower the mobile workforce," says Peter DiMaria, founder and CEO of Accu-Time Systems, Inc., a provider of both biometric and nonbiometric workforce management tools. "Mobile workforce management tools can enable supervisors to accomplish tasks such as swapping shifts or approving time cards. In some cases, employees can even review or modify benefits, such as 401k options, without needing to travel to the office." Whether workforce management technology is being employed by a field service technician or by a home healthcare provider, mobility tools promote the automation of more processes. Ultimately, this leads to increased accuracy and efficiency.