Keeping InTOUCH with timesheets

One of the UKís developers of bespoke timesheet technology, InTIME, has launched a new service to enable recruitment agencies to improve the way they manage their workforce.

The InTOUCH service means contractors and temps out on placement can now dial in by touchtone phone, including mobiles and pay phones, to log when their shift starts and finishes and note the time spent on breaks.

As a result, timesheets are kept up to date, wages are paid on time and the recruitment agency doesnít have to waste time on chasing up missing data.

The beauty of our system is that itís so easy to operate, said InTIMEís Sales Director James Donaghy. The workers can use InTOUCH to enter and submit their working hours from anywhere in the world into the InTIME software.

Meanwhile, recruiters can get on with doing their jobs and making money, instead of spending hours keying in data from illegible timesheets that clog up the fax. There are so many hidden costs when handling timesheets, from the cost of paper and ink to time spent phoning around, that itís a false economy not to invest in software like InTIME.

InTIME already allows workers to log their timesheet data over the web or via text messaging. Once approved by a manager at the tempís place of work, the data is then sent to the agency. It integrates seamlessly with payroll software such as Tempaid, Sage and Pegasus, automating the payment process.

The InTIME system is now being developed to include an e-billing module which allows agencies to bill over the internet and provide customers with an instant record of their transactions, speeding up credit control and payment times.

Mr Donaghy added: During the development of our software, we undertook extensive research into our competition and found that many of their systems are built using ageing legacy systems which already face compatibility issues when trying to integrate with modern systems. Ours easily handles these issues.

Most users log on to InTIMEís web-based bureau service, and all information is encrypted to keep it secure. However, InTIME also offers a licensed version for those clients wishing to have bespoke software which runs on their own server.

The InTIME system offers a variety of features, including automatic email and text alerts if timesheets are filled in incorrectly or are late in being completed. It can be designed with a customerís own brand, as is the case of VERITAS IT Recruitment, whose system has been called V-Time.

Jason Giller, Managing Director of VERITAS said: I believe V-Time adds value to the service we offer, both to our clients and our candidates whilst saving the business time and money. Electronic time sheet management will be the norm in the future as everyone looks to streamline their business and reduce paperwork and handling errors.

InTIMEís flexibility means that different rates can be recorded for different shifts, such as normal days, bank holidays, weekends or overtime and so on. Expenses and mileage can be included. It produces downloadable pdf reports as well as invoices to clients. A useful feature is that it keeps an audit trail of all activity and communications with clients. Various checks are in place to ensure reasonable shift times have been input and to reduce human error.

Another company using InTIME software is Driven People, a Midlands-based agency specialising in drivers. Regional Manager Garry Mason said: We like using InTIME as the interface requires very little training or learning, which means you can use it whether youíre a novice or an expert and it helps meet Working Time Directive requirements.

We also particularly like the management reporting function. Itís so useful to have custom reports such as placement expiry and missing timesheet reports, as well as website summary reports. It means we can keep a clear record of all activity taking place.

Clients using the system include recruitment service providers from the IT, Finance, Haulage, Medical, Social Work, Care and Direct Payment sectors. Prospective customers can request an online demonstration and try the software before they buy.

For information about InTIME and InTOUCH, please contact 0870 9970304, or see: