Automation of the simplest functions in today’s workplaces creates more efficient business processes. The ultimate goal of automation is cost-reduction in one or more operational tasks, but the true impact may go beyond creating more efficient systems. Forbes.com assures that automating routine tasks, including time and attendance documentation and processing, may lead to more efficient utilization of employees that would eliminate some jobs but create new ones in the process.
Time and Attendance Records Processing
Maintaining complete and accurate records of all employees is mandatory for all businesses. This is especially crucial for employees whose wages are determined by number of hours worked for each pay period. These records have to be detailed enough to document the employees’ working hours and to conform to federal and local labor laws. The process of punching in and out to register hours worked has evolved with new or upgrade devices.
The days of paper time cards that were stamped by inserting into a mechanical time clock are long gone. In its place, employees are able to log in for work by using computer-aided terminals or even their assigned computers. This eliminated the need for paper time sheets, but collating and processing the reports remained one of the major tasks of the payroll department. In a non-automated business, attendance records were vetted manually. Time records are judiciously examined and translated into data that serve as basis for preparing the payroll and calculating payouts for each employee.
Automated Payroll Processing with Time and Attendance Reports
Regardless of size and number of employees, many businesses are finding that creative solutions to routine yet crucial business functions produce the best results. Automation streamlines payroll processing from data origination to wage disbursement. The methods used to capture employee log-ins may vary from one business to the next. Options include fingerprint readers, digital card readers, electronic scanners and coded keyboard entries. Data recorded using these methods are already digitized and ready for daily, weekly or bi-weekly collation, depending on the businesses’ payroll schedules.
Using application software specifically developed for online payroll processing, hours worked records can be fed seamlessly into the payroll preparation process. This will ensure accurate and timely data while simplifying the process involved in payroll preparation.
Benefits of the Automated Payroll Method
Automated time and attendance records are more accurate and more reliable than manually generated data. Automated entries reduce the incidence of human error and the possibility of tainted data, which may happen with manual entries that are not tamper proof. In addition, the automated method seamlessly translates raw data entries into payroll categories to generate payroll reports that are updated to the required period.
This means that the tedious process of payroll preparation becomes more efficient so that your staff is able to focus on business-relevant issues. This is especially true if your business has already transitioned to third-party processing of your payroll requirements. Time and attendance records are linked to the employees’ specific pay rate, ensuring up-to-date payroll reports. Using a time clock app, we offer efficient time and attendance payroll solutions. These solutions ensure ease of access, convenience and accuracy.
In a competitive business environment, efficient business processes could reduce costs and enhance productivity. Outsourcing the entire payroll processing function to a payroll professional could mean even more savings.