Charles Trent
Charles Trent is a leading vehicle recycling and
management company in the UK. Established in 1926, this family-run
business offers a range of services including vehicle salvage,
dismantling and storage. Charles Trent has been at the forefront of
environmental performance in the dismantling industry over the last
30 years.
The case for an HR solution
Alison McMullen, head of HR at Charles Trent, joined the
organisation two-and-a-half years ago. Her responsibilities
encompass setting HR policy, advising the top team, learning
and development, recruitment and payroll.
She currently handles HR on her own, following a recent
restructure. The initial search for an HR solution was based on the fact that the
company relied on paper based records and some basic payroll
information to produce management information on HR issues. As
demands grew from the management team, these systems were unable to
support the business and Alison was tasked with finding a suitable
HR solution.
"There was a distinct lack of control over information,"
explains Alison. "There were inaccuracies in our data which arose
from not having all the information in one place and therefore
difficulties in producing accurate management information to base
any business decisions on.
"It was critical that the software we chose was easy to implement and use - we needed
to train people over the 'phone in remote locations so this was
paramount," Alison continues. "It goes without saying that a good
reporting facility was also a priority and the ability to interface
with our payroll."
Why SelectHR?
After demonstrations from three other HR solution providers,
Alison and her finance director agreed the product best suited to
their needs was the SelectHR Web Edition.
Alison had already used a previous version of SelectHR with a
former employer so she was aware of the company's credentials and
the system's capabilities, but had not seen the web-enabled version
with all the latest developments included.
"Our decision was not only based on my previous knowledge of the
product, but also on the price and the functionality that was
included," says Alison. "In comparison with the other suppliers,
SelectHR offered more for the money and our sales person was
thorough and professional throughout."
Implementation and training
SelectHR met the budgetary requirements and was implemented
within the three month timeframe initially specified by Charles
Trent. Any teething problems like setting up defaults were quickly
ironed out and relevant data was imported into SelectHR from
spreadsheets and other sources, bringing all the HR information
into one place. Once the data was cleansed and Charles Trent's
organisation structure set up on SelectHR, Alison could start
reporting straight away.
Training was provided for Alison and her then colleague, the HR
officer. With the management team located nationwide, their
training was then completed by the HR officer over the 'phone. An
easy-to-use, intuitive HR solution makes this possible and brings
training costs down to a minimum.
"Absence is at its lowest level here since I joined.
Having easy access to absence data through SelectHR helps us
identify problems early on and take action!" Alison McMullen, Head of Human
Resources
"We currently use the basic employee information, the Absence
and Training modules," she
explains. "I hope to roll out the Self-service facility later this year,
although managers already have access to their team's data."
Measurable benefits of SelectHR
Using an HR solution can address a number of HR issues including
absence, training, budgets and headcount. In Charles Trent's case,
using SelectHR has had a noticeable effect specifically on
absence.
"Absence is at its lowest level here since I joined. Undoubtedly
having easy access to absence data through SelectHR has helped me
and the line managers to identify problems early on and take
action!" explains Alison.
"We have also been able to reduce the HR/Payroll headcount in
the last 6 months due to SelectHR, which demonstrates that
processes are generally running smoothly and effectively and we
have saved money because of that."
Availability of management information
Given the difficulties and experiences before the implementation
of SelectHR, management information can now be reported on quickly
and easily. "Information is readily available and also accurate,"
says Alison. "Previously I had to rely on various spreadsheets and
information from our payroll, which was not always sufficient for
my needs."
The Dashboard facility also gives
real-time management information at a glance, which makes it much
easier and quicker to see the bigger picture on subjects like
absence. Graphs and charts can identify trends quickly and pick out
problem areas.
Plans for the future
Alison intends to continue developing her use of SelectHR to
experience all the benefits.
"I would like to roll out Self-service to our management team as
soon as possible. I am also considering purchasing the Health &
Safety Module in the next 12-18 months to add to the capabilities
of SelectHR.
"Since SelectHR has been implemented, I have been able to
produce accurate, reliable management information and reduce costs
in key areas - both of which were my initial goals from the
outset."
Choosing a new HR & payroll system is a long-term commitment, so it pays to spend time getting it right. In this highly practical guide, we explain the principles and aims of an RFI (Request for Information) and also include a quick-start template to get the ball rolling.
Find out more »
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