All labor management systems rely upon good planning: the right people doing the right things in the right places with the right equipment. Variables such as equipment breakdown, weather, and absenteeism can greatly affect the plan, resulting in unplanned overtime and other benefit expenses. Most labor management software will tell you that it has happened, why it happened, and when. Few will tell you that it is going to happen - because it is deviating from the plan or operating outside company rules (see our article on work rules) - and enables you to respond accordingly, in real time, before it happens.
Most reports are static in nature, designed in advance to provide explanations of what happened, fulfilling the purpose of reports in general, to inform. Some reports, however, can be designed on the fly, focusing on specific variables. Some can be created to provide helpful recommendations, suggestions, or other proactive forecasts that will enable possible responses on the part of their reader.
Another important function of reports is to provide the right information to the right people at the right time, so that they may take action.
When you are looking for time and attendance solutions for your organization, make sure to keep in mind these types of reports:
- Historical - those that give you an accurate picture of what happened and why. A robust portfolio of reports is essential, but they must be the reports you need. (Many software solutions, even the most expensive, provide only historical reports, requiring you to pay additional for special report writers or custom designed reports. Beware of this hidden expense, as it will cost you twice: once for the report writer or custom writing; and again for the missed informational opportunity.)
- Real time - those which tell you what is happening now. Your management team must feel comfortable accessing the information you have gathered and using that information to fine tune current operations. Today's best managers view dynamic, real-time reporting as an essential management tool.
- Proactive - those that pop up red flags or forecast eventual problems if situations are not corrected in time. Only the most robust software offerings can provide you with proactive reporting.
Few time and attendance software providers provide real-time and proactive reports. So, when you are choosing a time and attendance solution, make sure that you include the types of reports you feel will be necessary. Also, look for the ability to design your own reports as you need them.
To learn more about time and attendance management software programs that can provide you with the types of reports that you need for your organization, join the
Time and Attendance Forum.
