“We had used a card based clocking-in machine previously but it was limited in capacity and the software wasn’t very user friendly,” explains managing director, Steve Wenlock.
“As the firm was expanding we needed more flexibility and capacity to handle complex shift patterns. We went onto the Internet in search of a replacement and found the website of Time Systems, a workforce management solutions specialist, based in Leeds. See www.clockingsystems.co.uk
“We were able to browse through a selection of products and more or less decided on the SCM CHIPDRIVE solution from the description and screen shots. The starter pack covers up to 25 employees and it offered plenty of scope for future development in our business management procedures,”
The installation comprises a wall mounted electronic time clock, a PC card reader and the CHIPDRIVE PC software which provides templates for setting up the database and the production of management reports. Details of each member of staff are entered into the database together with any rules concerning hourly rates and monthly work patterns. A smart card is then created for each employee which is then used for clocking-in and out at the beginning of every working period.
For Flexpress accounts administrator, Anna Grainger the SCM CHIPDRIVE system captures all the clocking data for Flexpress staff.
“All I need to do is download each day’s transactions – using the company transport card. This allows me to transfer the records to the office computer. If necessary I can edit the master record. This may be necessary for instance, in situations where an employee goes off site without clocking-out. Mistakes are easily remedied, however the software does show also where entries have been added or modified.”
“The main advantage is in keeping track on overtime hours clocked by production staff. We use the software for monitoring holiday entitlement, lieu days and sick leave. It is especially useful when it comes to planning holidays and individual days off. Naturally we try to ensure that we have sufficient staff available to meet our customer commitments and we need to prevent clashes between key members of staff.
