16 May The nitty-gritty of payroll software solutions
By Sandra Swanepoel, a Director of Softline VIP
Issued by: Watt Communications
Payroll software is a mission-critical function to any business, says Sandra Swanepoel, a Director of Softline VIP, part of the Sage Group. “There is a definitive necessity for any business to ensure that all changes, upgrades or installations of a new or existing payroll system are done in conjunction with a service provider that can deliver,” says Swanepoel.
The relationship between the employer and employee is delicate and can easily be derailed if the payroll system should fail, says Swanepoel. “Making the correct choice is crucial. The company’s software as well as its internal processes will suffer a major setback if the payroll installation is not done correctly. The process needs to be underpinned by thorough training and supported by a concrete change-management process that documents all the procedures that need to be incorporated into the payroll solution.”
The choice of a payroll system should be made with a long-term objective in mind. To make this a reality, the company needs to consider the longevity of its payroll software investment.
It is of cardinal importance to ensure the software is stable. “It is a very difficult aspect to ascertain during a demonstration. There is, however, nothing stopping you from asking your prospective payroll software provider to provide you with client names as a reference. This will help you to establish whether the payroll software that you are considering has a history. Also ask them how often their software is updated; too many updates will point to an unstable product,” says Swanepoel.
Another crucial aspect to consider is support. “If you install the product now, will the service provider’s support staff be available during peak times? The company’s financial year-end is generally considered to be the busiest period for payroll administrators. Support staff are normally flooded with queries or requests at these times, and you want the assurance of knowing that your service provider is up for the challenge,” says Swanepoel.
Investing in sustainable technology would be wise. “We live in a fast-paced business environment where technology changes rapidly. You will want to invest in something that is up to date and current. A good gauge would be to ask what technology your service provider is using and how often a new product is launched into the market. If the product is versatile and adaptable, you should not have to change or update your payroll software too often,” says Swanepoel.
One of the biggest concerns in the payroll software industry is leave management. “A company can stand to lose a great deal of money if their employee’s leave is not calculated and managed correctly. Ensuring that the company’s payroll system operates its leave policy within the parameters set out by the basic conditions of employment act should be a given. Companies that utilise an employee self-service strategy, often reap the benefits of having an electronic and accurate system that ensures that there are no mislaid leave forms. It also facilitates a timeous leave approval process,” explains Swanepoel.
Having payroll software that is in tune with the country’s statutory changes and legal requirements is fundamental. “Ask whether your service provider keeps track of all the changes in the country’s laws. Making sure that your company is operating within the parameters of the basic conditions of employment and legal requirements is crucial to the maintenance of amicable employee relations, not to mention the company’s legal standing,” says Swanepoel.
Making the correct choice when it comes to HR and payroll software is crucial. “Keeping these basic guidelines in mind will ensure that your company makes a decision that it will not regret,” concludes Swanepoel.
Softline VIP
Softline VIP is a leading supplier of payroll and human resource management solutions in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Coupled with an extensive service offering, Softline VIP is the only payroll and HR solution geared to meet the challenges of the modern payroll office. The VIP Products are synonymous with ease of use, stability and reliability, with the flexibility to cater to the unique needs of every client. VIP promises long-term sustainability over and above legislative compliance. VIP understands the human resources and payroll environment and offers the client peace of mind by providing a total solution.
Softline VIP achieved an overall fourth place in the top 10 for medium businesses in the Deloitte Best Company to Work for Survey 2009 and a second place in the industry category “business and professional services”. Softline VIP also emerged one of 48 participants out of an overall 98 to score above the standard of excellence threshold of more than 75%.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium and large sized companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia. Focused on the development of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently.
Softline’s leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group’s product offerings provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.
The Sage Group
The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has 6.3 million customers and 13 400 employees worldwide. It operates in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit www.sage.com.
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