Powertech Shared Services has extended the Kronos time and attendance solution across 15 companies in the Powertech group, including Aberdare Cables, Powertech Calidus, Rentech, Sabat, Willard Batteries, Crabtree, Strike and TIS. The solution was implemented by Bytes Systems Integration, the distributor of Kronos in South Africa.
“Our decision to extend Powertech’s implementation of Kronos to these companies was an easy one. It was already working in other divisions, saving not only time but offering management real-time information from the factory floor,” says Peter Mason, GM for remuneration and benefits in Powertech’s Shared Services division.
Kronos automated time-tracking software helps reduce the risk of costly payroll errors. It integrates with a number of readers and ERP systems and at Powertech it is used in conjunction with Safran Morpho (SAGEM) fingerprint scanners and integrated into the company’s SAP ERP system to provide a centralised payroll platform and access control system.
“Each of the workers in our factories gains access to their work area via a fingerprint scanner. In the process, time and attendance is logged, and we have specific control over who has access to which parts of the factory floor. This has also been extended to scanners which control who may operate machinery,” says Mason. “The solution offers us not only a way to track time and attendance across the company, but has elevated our safety and security by ensuring that only competent personnel operate heavy machinery.”
“The solution has been deployed country-wide in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Middelburg, Mbombela and across Gauteng,” says Julia Gilmour, sales manager Kronos division, at Bytes Systems Integration.
“Information is fed to a central data server and we have found no contention or load problems,” says Stuart Wilson, IT infrastructure manager for Powertech Shared Services. “The database server on which Kronos runs is shared with around 20 other databases running on SQL 2005, yet it peaks at only around 25% load.”
Mason adds that one of the major advantages is that the HR department has been freed up to concentrate on HR functions. “Instead of getting bogged down following up on time and attendance, the HR department can focus on counselling and training. HR administrators sign off electronically on Kronos information on Monday mornings, which allows blue collar workers to be paid on Wednesdays, two days earlier than before.
“The implementation has streamlined our processes, reduced overtime payments and improved the level of information available to management. Bytes’ project management has also been exceptional, with every detail implemented exactly as planned.”
For more information contact Julia Gilmour, Bytes Systems Integration, +27 (0)11 205 7000, [email protected], www.bytessi.co.za
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