2003 has seen some big changes in the demands placed on employers and manufacturers. With the introduction of the European Working Time Directive and new guidelines allowing parents with young children to apply for flexible working hours, the job of keeping track of payroll hours has never been more complicated.

Imagine implementing these new rules across a workforce which combines white- and blue-collared workers, some salaried, some hourly paid. Throw into the mix seasonal fluctuations in demand, round-the-clock working schedules, the occasional use of contractor services and you are looking at a logistical labyrinth.

 

Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd is one company that has all of the above matters to contend with and they have found themselves with an organically-developed solution. Back in the early 90’s, Monarch’s sister company, Monarch Airlines Limited were providing Payroll services, at a price.  It was decided that better – and more cost effective – control could be exercised if Monarch Aircraft Engineering undertook their own Payroll functions.  At the same time it was decided to replace the existing manual clocking and paper-based calculation system with an electronic Time & Attendance system.

 

Pat Thomas, who had recently assumed responsibility for the Payroll Department began to consider new solutions to maximise effectiveness and minimise error.

 

“I looked at the different software options that were available, and selected one created by P & Q International plc, called Q>TAR.  It looked flexible enough to handle all our needs.  In fact, it had some features like flexitime, access control and annualised hours which we didn't implement,” says Mrs Thomas.