Changing payroll or time-and-attendance systems is not just a software decision. It is a PEOPLE decision. Get it wrong, and every employee feels it. Get it right, and the whole business runs more smoothly.
Here are a few practical principles worth following before you make the change that have nothing to do with system functionality.
Know why you are changing. Write it down.
Before you even talk to vendors, be clear about your reasons:
Create a checklist and use it as your guide when evaluating systems. Every vendor should be measured against the outcomes you want to achieve. We have created a free guide with checklists to help you with this. Click Here to get your free copy
Show me. Don’t tell me.
Good salespeople can say a system does almost anything. When payroll or time-and-attendance is involved, that is not good enough. Ask them to show you.
If the system cannot demonstrate it clearly, that is a red flag.
Avoid the smoke and mirrors.
A flashy website, a big marketing budget or a product that is currently fashionable does not guarantee the system will work for your business.
Do your due diligence.
Trust matters. Check the track record.
Can you deal with a human?
Payroll is about people. When something goes wrong, it cannot wait.
Many providers are moving to online-only support via email or messaging, often with offshore support. That may be fine for some systems, but payroll and time & attendance are too important to be left waiting.
Ask if phone support is available and whether you can speak to an existing client about their experience with support and training.
The reality is simple.
When payroll or time-and-attendance works, nobody notices.
When it doesn’t, everyone does.
Thinking about changing payroll or time and attendance systems?
