Increased efficiency and more reliable
data…
As the HR system from Sage is simple to use, the HR team finds
it can easily get on with many day to day tasks that help them
improve HR efficiency.
Even something as simple as a swift drill-down facility to each
employee record really helps all round. For example, employees
themselves are seeing the benefits with improved response times to
queries and fewer errors.
Sage also offers handy tools for dealing with remote branches.
The ‘data load’ facilities, whereby information is easily uploaded
into the software from a spreadsheet, means that it can capture
data quickly and effectively without re-keying. This in turn has
helped with collating payroll data in time for processing.
Additionally, absence levels are now accurately monitored, which
has led to much improved absence management, while mailmerge
facilities mean that HR can send correspondence to employees in
bulk, such as newsletters, pay increases and benefit information.
Not only does this reduce admin, but also means employees stay
up-to-date with important changes in personnel information.
Knowing their stats
Reporting is also an essential tool within the HR system. A
portfolio of reports relating to core areas of the business are
produced within seconds e.g. headcount, starters and leavers and
training history. Importantly, regular salary increase reports that
are required for payroll processing are simple to produce and pass
on to the outsource team.
Reports can also be used in conjunction with a ‘mail merge’, for
example, reports to show those with long service are used to
mailmerge employee names with letters regarding holiday entitlement
increments. A great timesaving device that also promises accuracy
of data.
Turnover reports are particularly useful in helping the HR team
to answer queries in the boardroom. Whereas previously time would
need to be set aside to compile data for reports, now everyone is
confident that they can produce the information whenever they need
it and have confidence in the quality and consistency of their
data.
A team to rely on
The level of service provided by the payroll outsourcing team is
key to successful payroll processing. Swales comments: “Given the
demands of a 23 branch operation, we particularly appreciate the
flexibility and professionalism of the Sage team.
“Sage consistently delivers an excellent service. It is that
consistency that is so important to us, as so many service
providers seem to be good in parts, whereas in Sage we have a
trusted business partner that we can rely on.”
Swales also praises the uniquely personal nature of Sage’s
outsourcing service: “Sage provides a very personal service and we
have established a great relationship with the payroll team. They
are a pleasure to deal with!”