If you are thinking about implementing timesheet software there are a number of considerations that will lead to a successfull implementation. In this article we take a look at an extract from our recently updated white paper “Selecting and Implementing an Effective Time and Expense Management Solution“.

1. Quick & Easy to Use

One of your initial obstacles when implementing a system will be to get users to use the system.  Ensuring the system is quick and easy to use and is focused on the end user experience should be your top priority.  This will greatly aid the adoption of the system and will significantly reduce implementation costs as little or no training will be required.

2. Promotes End User Compliance

There is little point investing in a solution and focusing your efforts on getting users to input time only for the usage to tail off over time.  Implementing a system which focuses users on compliance will ensure the longevity of the solution and that your organisation receives continual benefits.

3. Focus on Data Quality

Make certain that the system you select provides features such as, data restrictions and access control to ensure users can only use specific functions and access specific data.  This will provide users with focus and ensure you limit data entry errors and increase the overall data quality in the system.

4. Ability to track Time, Cost, Expenditure and Revenue

Your initial requirement may only be to record time, however, making sure your system is future proofed and will allow you to additionally track cost, charge and expenditure will ensure you can extend the usage of the system in future to measure project performance and profitability.

5. Comprehensive Real Time Management Reporting

For many organisations one of the key drivers for moving to a web based time and expense management solution is to improve the quality of reporting and remove the delays associated with consolidating data from MS Excel Spreadsheets or Paper Based Systems.  Implementing a solution with “Real Time” management reporting will greatly improve your ability to make informed decisions and provide a more accurate insight into the health of your organisation.

6. Simple to Implement

Ensuring the system is simple to implement without a large investment in consultancy effort will ensure you receive a quicker return on investment.  Unlike traditional on-premise installations where your supplier will charge for implementation, configuration and training, SaaS solutions like Atlantic Global OnDemand provide all of these services as part of the initial setup. By registering for a 30 Day Trial of Atlantic Global OnDemand you will receive full access to the solution within minutes and be provided with the opportunity to register for free daily training sessions and a full data load.

7. Cost Effective and will deliver a Positive Return on Investment

To ensure your solution delivers a positive return on investment you need to calculate the full extent of the investment. With on-premise software you will require database servers, web servers, database licenses, web server licenses, software licenses along with the appropriate security and remote access.  There are also hidden costs in the people required to maintain the infrastructure as well as annual support and maintenance charges.  In many organisations this can be a significant cost. By selecting or moving to a SaaS solution there are no hidden costs, you receive the infrastructure, security, software and support for one low cost monthly fee.

8. Provides additional functionality with minimal impact on cost

As your system usage and maturity increases so will your requirements.  Implementing a solution that will grow with your business is vital.  Systems that offer client billing and budget tracking as part of the time and expense management functionality will allow you to easily extend your functionality by turning on additional features.  Solutions like Atlantic Global OnDemand also provide fully integrated project costing, project planning, resource scheduling, risk management and customer relationship management functionality.  Administrators can simply activate the appropriate module and allocate existing licenses to extend the functionality without any additional activation fees, consultancy services or impact on existing users.

9. Dashboard Driven Approach

Presenting data to the end user in a clear and consistent method is essential to the success of a solution.  Solutions which offer role based dashboards improve the visibility and usage of the system throughout your organisation and enable you to focus users on progress, performance and status.  Solutions like Atlantic Global OnDemand provide dashboards designed for Basic Users, Line Managers, Resource Managers, Project Managers, Finance and Executives to ensure all stake holders have clear visibility into relevant performance and status data associated with their role in the organisation.

10. Clear Upgrade Path and Product Road Map

Understanding the future cost of ownership of any solution is vital.  Whether there are any license costs or consultancy services required to upgrade are essential questions to be asked of any supplier.  Also understanding your supplier’s product road map will enable you to assess the value of the software to the business now and any potential added value in the future.  It will also enable you to assess the longevity of the solution.  With Atlantic Global OnDemand all upgrade costs are included as part of your subscription, regular product releases are posted on the service website and regular user groups provide a clear insight into the future product road map.

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