Gamma Partners with Taylored for Integrated Time Clocks
October 18, 2011 Alex Woodie
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Gamma Software, a developer of accounting and human resources software for the IBM i OS, has hooked up with the IBM i consultancy startup Taylored Software, the companies announced last month. The two companies have worked together to create a direct interface between Taylored’s new NetShift time clock system and the GammaSoft Executive Suite. Typically, when two or more IT vendors are involved with the same customer, you can count on there being a bit of work involved to get those products to talk to each other. It just goes without saying that the system integrators will get some billable hours whenever two IT products of any consequence are integrated. That’s what makes the integration between the GammaSoft Executive Suite and Taylored’s NetShift Employee Time Tracking System so unique, says Gamma president Gary Mayfield. “We both did quite a bit of work getting it set up this way,” Mayfield tells IT Jungle. “The cool thing about this is it’s accessing our payroll and HR files directly on the i,” he continues. “Most time clocks don’t do that. They have to be interfaced some way. But this is interfaced directly. So when you update a code file in payroll, add a new job code in payroll, or change the employee master rate of pay, the time clock sees it immediately.” This high-level integration simplifies the initial deployment, and also pays dividends down the road with easier maintenance and tighter data security. It also improves data integrity, since there’s no need to house a second set of time and attendance data on the time clock system. This also makes it easier for managers to run ad-hoc queries and reports to analyze their labor situation.
The first installation of the NetShift time clock is currently underway at a Gamma customer, a saw mill. Medford, Oregon-based Gamma at one point was heavily focused on the logging industry, but has diversified its business strategy and now sells and supports its RPG-based accounting package with customers in every industry. Mayfield sees the potential for his customers to save a lot of money and improve their labor efficiency by utilizing the new NetShift time clocks. “It now gives managers the detailed information they want on demand and helps reduce costly errors in critical areas,” he says. The NetShift time clock features a 10-inch color touch screen, an aluminum-magnesium case, and a scanner for barcodes or magnetic stripes. (It can also work with biometric scanners.) The device does all the hour calculations, including overtime and breaks, and was developed to be easy to use by non-technical workers. It keeps audit records, provides managers with tools for reviewing and approving records, and also has the capability to present information in the worker’s native language. The NetShift clock is the first product unveiled by Taylored Software, which was founded earlier this year by John Taylor, who was previously a principal at Key Consulting, a provider of IBM i software and solutions for Nevada’s casino industry. Key’s sister company, Keyology, also offered networked time clock devices. Taylor sold his stake in the Key companies prior to the launch of the NetShift offering. Taylor is targeting companies in all industries with his NetShift time clock, although there is still a special affinity for IBM i-based systems, and Gamma’s accounting software in particular. “NetShift and Gamma’s HR/payroll package are all Power i-based systems,” Taylor says in a press release. “The best features of both systems have been brought together to help managers analyze and extract information that supports quick decisions, solid employee management, and real bottom-line cost savings. Employers love the way the NetShift smart time clock works so seamlessly with Gamma’s backend systems, while placing more control and functionality at the clock.” RELATED STORY GSI Unveils Maintenance App for IBM i
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