Frequently Asked Questions and Next Steps for Users:
Q: Will the Text2Punch user receive an immediate acknowledgement that they have punched in or out?
A: Yes, the system will reply to all commands in a manner that will clearly acknowledge receipt of information and confirmation of command. Even improper entries will be acknowledged with an error message
Q: Why use SMS texting to manage attendance?
A: SMS texting functionality exists on all cellular devices going back to the 1990’s. Therefore, users are not compelled to purchase the latest smart phone to use the system. In addition, the design of Text2Punch utilizes the users unique phone number in its validation routine. This means that the user must punch in and out with the device assigned to them in the system and reduces the possibility of buddy punching and other undesirable practices.
Q: How will Text2Punch connect to other systems that I use?
A: Either the technical resources at your organization or the team at Text2Punch will set up one of the three options we currently offer for interface: 1) a generic CSV export which allow you to import, 2) a industry standard TRAN DAT format specifically for time collection device interface, or 3) an API (Application Programming Interface) with the distinct programs you wish to share data. This data sharing can an automated & scheduled process or executed manually by your administrator as needed.
Q: What are the benefits of connecting to these systems?
A: By sharing Text2Punch data with other systems the amount of data available to create reports is greatly enhanced. In addition, third party systems can incorporate data received from Text2Punch into their own processes and executables. For example, importing clock-in-& out data from Text2Punch into your financial system would make it easier to produce payroll and track expenses. In addition, combining the same data with with job code and revenue information would enable expanded analysis sales performance. Overall, it helps customers meet the growing demand for detailed data and measurable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
Frequently Asked Questions and Next Steps for Time & Attendance Dealers:
Q: How will offering Text2Punch help my organization service its customers better?
A: As outlined above, your customers are already faced with the burdens imposed by the evolution of the modern workplace. Likely, someone in the organization is already responsible for a time-consuming and manual process to track the employees that will benefit from a mobility product. Text2Punch will save time and increase the accuracy of this task by eliminating manual keying of data into scheduling and payroll systems. It has the added benefit of immediate notification of absence or tardiness to both the employee and their management alike, thereby increasing accountability at the point of execution versus after the fact.
Q: Some of the systems I recommend already have a mobile reporting utility, why is a stand-alone mobile punch in & out system a better strategy for my customer?
A: Some Time & Attendance systems offer baked-in or ad-on solutions with their products. The methods used to address mobility requirements vary from vendor to vendor, as does their cost and effectiveness. While some vendors may do a good job with mobility offerings, the baked-in approach prevents your organization from offering a best-of-breed solution. This can reduce negotiating power and increase system cost when changing vendors. With an independent provider of mobility service for reporting time in and out, companies don not have the expense of retraining their employees when payroll or time and attendance systems are changed.
In addition, Text2Punch can interface with other components of a time & attendance system as well as other systems that are outside of the category. These other system often have practical use for the data created and create opportunities for your organization to reporting, benchmarking and consulting services related to the acquired insight.
Q: Will Text2Punch add cost or revenue to my organization’s bottom line?
A: Text2Punch will either pay time and attendance dealers straight commissions or bulk partner licensing that will allow your organization to sell at retail prices.
Q: Can Text2Punch create other opportunities for my organization to succeed?
A: Text2Punch has a very low cost of entry and measurable return on investment for customers. This makes it an ideal tool prospecting new business or expanding existing relationships. Even customers that already have secured their system directly from the vendor or another dealer my engage your organization for a mobility solutions. Also, as mentioned above, the ability of Text2Punch to interface with third party software can create reporting, benchmarking and consulting opportunities for your organization.