Microsoft Business Solutions and thomsons online benefits

announce employee benefit revolution

Microsoft Business Solutions has announced a new joint initiative with thomsons online benefits to provide an integrated HR and employee benefits platform.

Microsoft Business Solutions has formed an alliance with thomsons because it offers the only online flexible and core benefit platform which can fully integrate with both its HR database and the employee benefit providers. Chris Bruce, director of strategic alliances at thomsons explains, ìFor the first time there is an employee benefit platform that not only links directly with an HR software system but with the providers of a companyís benefits. This means that there is only one set of data shared by the administrator, the employees and the providers. It completely eliminates the duplication of data entry and paper pushing that has always plagued employee benefits. This not only removes the administrative burden but eliminates the potential for errors and reconciliation issues between data held by the employer and the benefit providers. For example, when entering a new joiner into the Microsoft Business Solutions HR system, the data will automatically pre-populate the relevant area of the employee benefits database and the providers.î
thomsons has also pioneered a fully online ësignaturelessí benefit joining process, which has received Inland Revenue approval. Its platform is capable of administering a diverse range of benefit options from traditional to multi-currency flexible benefit programmes.

Microsoft Business Solutions also saw a synthesis in thomsonsí approach to promoting the merits of a self-service model. Frans Ploen, strategic partner manager of Microsoft Business Solutions explains, ìWe are always looking for ways to add value to our existing product suite and by partnering with thomsons we are able to offer an extra facility to employees. As well as viewing and making changes to their personal data, employees can now have the same level of interaction with their benefit records. Through our intranet product ñ Empower ePeople - employees can access their benefit information and use the interactive tools that thomsons has developed. This enables employees to understand and value the benefits provided for them and helps the company to strengthen its brand as an employer of choice.î

Chris Bruce claims, ìWe are very proud to have the opportunity to partner so closely with Microsoft Business Solutions and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of possibility in people administrationî.