HR Software Package Checklist
Microsoft .Net is the latest development language from Microsoft. .Net allows us to create dynamic functionality through a browser interface which is just not possible through traditional, client based, interface techniques.
But in real, practical terms, how does that make Cascade’s HR software different to our competitors? The following bullet points highlight recognised differences based on our own experience of other HR systems and feedback from our clients.
Some of these features may seem to be ones which you would assume are provided in all systems. This is not always the case.
Product Steps
Do you really need those fancy features?
We always question why features are required. Why do you want the system to do that? What will you do next? We ask clients what they do in the real world and develop real world features, not features designed solely to look good in demonstrations.
Is it intuitive and nice to use?
Our interface is bright, easy to use, informative and intuitive. We do not use tabbed, grey, windows as our system is browser based. Screenshots in this document explain this most easily.
Does it synamically present information to you, with real-time graphs and proactive workflow?
Unlike dead, grey screens our screens will deliver information as you work including graphs and planners, without the need to run a report to create them.
Is the workflow part of the HR system? (make sure it is not an external workflow tool!)
Our Workflow is genuinely easy to use. Your users will be able to make Workflows and you do not have to refer to the supplier every time. Our workflow is built into the Cascade HR software, it is HR aware and is fully intergated to the HR system.
Are simple 'authorisation requests' handled without the need for workflow?
We have recognised that some ‘traditional’ workflows are in fact authorisation routes and therefore have created a system which allows, for example, a holiday process to be created and available for use by users in under a minute.
Does mailmerge work properly and store individual letters against individual employee records?
In Cascade when you mail merge to an individual or group a copy of the document will be stored against the employee records. As MS Word generally treats a mail merge as one document, this is not always achievable in systems using older technology.
Does the system have a sinlge log-in for users who perform multiple HR roles?
Cascade uses one log in to deliver the whole system. This is generally not the case and most systems require a log in for each module and also that a HR user has a HR login, and a self serve log in. One log in per user will control and give access to everything they are entitled to.
Is the system truly browser based?
Our system is browser based. This means it is easy and cost effective to roll out and update. Additionally Cascade does not demand high bandwidth from your IT Infrastructure. Furthermore this means users can access their log in to the system from any PC.
Is the screen designer really up to the job?
• Many suppliers state that ‘their system can add as many fields and screens as required’. With Cascade this is also the case but we have ensured that you can do this without paying us to do so; You can still take upgrades without losing your changes, and, there is no limit to the number of fields and screens you can add.
Can you build screens automatically from excel data imported into the system?
Our Microsoft Excel Import/Screen builder is unique. Our clients told us that when they wanted to add a new screen generally speaking this was because they had a spreadsheet with data in it which they wanted to stop using and bring into the system. Traditionally you would have to build the screen and fields and then map the spreadsheet to that screen before importing the data. In Cascade you can import the spreadsheet and the system will automatically create the screen and add the records. This is detailed elsewhere in this document.
Is the HR admin function browser based too?
As our system is completely browser based we do not have separate HR (which has all the functionality) and Self Serve (which has a set of features decided by the developers) modules. Instead HR can decide, using simple checklists, what a self serve user should be able to see and do from the whole system. This means that you decide what to devolve, not our development team.
Can you define holidays and absences in hours and minutes as well as days?
We can operate holidays, sickness and absence in days, hours and minutes or a combination, by individual, role, team, department, division or company wide.
Can the system handle complex shifts and rotas?
We can manage any working patterns and calendars. Shifts, rotating patterns etc are all accommodated. Even if you don't need this functionality today, best to choose a system that caters for it - just so that you are future-proofing your investment today.
Does the supplier own, write and support ALL of the software, including payroll?
We do not use any third party applications (other than MS Word and Excel) and the system is provided with Organisational Charts and Report writers built in that we have developed for our system and HR users specifically. We even have our own Online Recruitment solution with Document Parsing without any third party licensing. Even if you don't need a new payroll system now, make sure the supplier has their own payroll - you don't want your payroll/finance department dictating which HR software you should use in order to be compatible with them? Best for you to recommend the payroll that is from the same supplier as your preferred HR software supplier.
Is the payroll system HMRC approved and compliant?
Our HMRC approved Payroll system is a Cascade product. It is not a partnered, re-badged product, we do not resell it. It has been developed in house and is supported by our experienced Payroll implementation and support staff who are our employees.
Is the supplier based wholley inthe UK and are they a true brick-and-mortar organisation?
All of our staff are directly employed and based in the UK, and we operate from offices based in Leeds, Yorkshire. Ensure you visit any potential supplier to make sure they are bona fide.
IS the system a tool that does things easily, not just another boring database?
When you run a report in Cascade, unlike traditional systems where this data is just a report, the information returned can be used to perform further actions. For example, if you run a report showing all people with 5 absences in the last month, you can write/email/organise a personal review with them within 2 clicks from the report.
HR Software from Cascade
Cascade is the fastest growing supplier in the UK for fully integrated HR and payroll software solutions. Please review the other pages on our website to find out why you should consider us for your new HR and new payroll systems.
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