Employees of Endress+Hauser will soon be able to register their working hours in real time on a BlackBerry. The process automation specialist is integrating Sigmax's mobile timesheet application with Ortec's workforce scheduling solution, Ortec Harmony. Endress+Hauser will soon be going live with the new software.
Endress+Hauser is a global supplier of process automation solutions. "We offer a high level of service to our customers," says Tamara van Loenen, Assistant IT Process Management. "It's very important for us to have transparency as well as an insight into the productive and unproductive time logged by staff not based in our offices. If management have a better grasp of that information, they can respond accordingly." Tamara van Loenen adds: "Our company standards set out the difference between productive and unproductive hours. Unproductive hours might include providing training to a colleague, while productive hours include the time spent carrying out core business activities such as implementation or technical support to a customer."
Real-time registration
Endress+Hauser, based in Naarden, began looking for a new solution following the introduction of new regulations on overtime. "The old system wasn't fit for the purpose anymore," says Tamara van Loenen. "It was cumbersome to retrieve the required management information." The new system allows every hour to be registered precisely and in real time. Using a web portal, employees have a clear overview of their hours, including any overtime. Mobile software on BlackBerrys can also register kilometres driven. That enables Endress+Hauser to measure the travel and work time ratio for field work, and use that information to optimize its planning.
Right combination
Endress+Hauser invited tenders from 10 suppliers. "We selected Ortec and Sigmax because their insights into our needs tipped the balance. Both suppliers were able to answer all our questions. Given that we're setting up something entirely new, it's very important for both parties to be flexible," says van Loenen. "Ortec and Sigmax both offer a very good service. The relevant people are always available and that immediacy is essential, not least because the new software has to be implemented within a fairly short timeframe."
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