Cloud Based Time and Labor Management Gains Traction with Employers
Cloud-based technology is one of the hottest trends with employers right now, and rightfully so.
In terms of time and labor management programs, these web-based, Software as a Service systems (SaaS) make good sense. They free employers from hardware and software upgrades and maintenance--as well as the related fees--while allowing managers to access data securely from pretty much anywhere.
In addition, a true cloud-based solution offers scalable architecture, so as a business grows, its time and labor management system can painlessly expand along with it.
But not all cloud-based systems are created equal, and there are several questions employers should ask when considering a new time and labor management system:
- How secure is it? - The best SaaS programs are hosted on private clouds, located on dedicated servers housed in Tier One data centers. These are professionally secured, certified data centers that are meticulously maintained 24/7. (Look for an SAS 70 Type II rating.) Furthermore, databases should be encrypted for the employer's protection.
- Is there back-up in place? - One server is not enough. Make sure the time and labor management provider has a second server located on a separate, equally secure site. In addition, confirm that data is backed up religiously on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
- Does it fit our needs? - One limitation of SaaS is a frequent, one-size-fits-all approach. Obviously, what works for one employer may not work for another, especially when managing a complex labor environment. Employers need upfront proof that any system they adopt will be flexible enough to meet their particular needs.
In other words, cloud-based time and labor management systems can offer real benefits, but employers need to do their due diligence first. Head in the clouds, but feet on the ground.