Could you tell us what your duties are at Socota Textile Mills Ltd?

I work in the Personnel Department. I’m in charge of salaries for our 430 employees, transport management and I coordinate all the social activities. I use SICORAX PAYROLL for the processing of salaries.

Did you take part in the choice of this program?

Yes and no. Indirectly to be honest, the decision was taken by my superior, but I did have a say in it.

How was the choice made?

At first, we had a manual system for the calculation of salaries. Then we installed a computerised system in order to improve the procedure. At a later day we started using SICORAX PAYROLL and SICORAX HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. Our Human Resource Manager showed an interest in these two programs and so we started by using them on a trial period.

By the end of the trial period, which was three months, we were able to appreciate the advantages offered by SICORAX . We found ourselves able to accomplish numerous tasks in a short period of time. Thus, we adopted the SICORAX PAYROLL and SICORAX HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT programs.

Was the transition period difficult?

It was quite difficult, as during the trial period we had to work in parallel with two systems concerning salaries. Our aim was to be able to identify all abnormalities that could crop up whilst using SICORAX PAYROLL.

This exercise was most beneficial because it allowed us to clarify everything and eliminate any difficulties that could give us problems in the future.

Was it necessary to modify SICORAX PAYROLL to fit your needs?

It’s true that SICORAX has been designed for all companies in general. We had to ask Uniconsults to modify certain functions of the program to be able to maximise on all offered possibilities. Numerous modifications were therefore made for maximum utilisation.

Was the system flexible enough for these types of modifications? Were you satisfied with its adaptability?

Yes certainly. Our factory operates 24/24. We have approximately fifteen teams, all beginning at different hours. Uniconsults was capable of making sure that SICORAX PAYROLL took all our specifications into account. In my mind, there is no doubt that it’s a very flexible program that can be adapted to all situations.

You had a transition period that lasted three months, whereby you used a manual system together with the computerised system. Was this period long enough for you to become totally familiarised with the new program?

The three-month period allowed us to evaluate and finalise our decision favourably. I personally took nine months to become completely at ease with the program. Throughout this period, there was always something to learn and assimilate.

Today, I have absolutely no difficulty. Thanks to SICORAX PAYROLL I gain considerable time.

What other benefits does the program offer?

SICORAX enables you to rapidly obtain personnel reports. This allows for better human resource management.

For example?

You can obtain reports on over time, bonuses and transport, amongst others.

All these reports are available to you at a touch of the mouse?

Yes and no. Yes because practically one only needs to touch the mouse to obtain the report. No because the required demand first has to be organised and prepared. Once the procedure is established, it is very easy to find the required report.

It’s sometimes difficult to get organised to find certain reports. In this type of case, I call on Uniconsults for their support. Their programmers are able to prepare the demand for the report. Once this preparation is finished, it’s easy for us to enter the relevant parameter the next time and find the report - at the click of the mouse.

By so doing, in five minutes we obtain reports, which before took two hours.

You have 430 employees, divided into teams of fifteen, each team having different working hours. How are the entries done regarding the fact that the teams arrive and depart at different times?

SICORAX PAYROLL functions normally with its own system and cards for arrival and departure times. Before adopting SICORAX, we already had a computerised clock card system and we asked Uniconsults if they would be able to modify their program to be able to adopt our system which was already set up. Therefore, our employees have continued using the same system and all input data is transferred to SICORAX PAYROLL.

Did the introduction of SICORAX have any impact on the staff?

Yes, because the pay slip produced by SICORAX contains all sorts of information. The staff immediately reacted, as they were surprised to see so much information. They quickly understood the utility of this data and they are now pleased.

Why?

The number of days of leave figures on the SICORAX pay slip. The employee obtains in detail information on local leave, sick leave and special leave. He can also find how much leave has been taken and how much is left for the year. There are also details on overtime amongst others. It’s total transparency.

Are there ever any complaints?

It sometimes happens due to some sort of confusion. The error doesn’t come from the system but from an in correct entry. It’s interesting to note that it’s the pay slip that allows for rapid detection of an error, and it is very easy to go back to the cause and correct the fault. So, a card badly clocked or not clocked is quickly identified by the system, which enables us to rectify errors before reports are printed.

Do you find SICORAX PAYROLL efficient?

It’s easy to use. It’s a user-friendly program on one condition – the computer system must be adequate. While you’re working, the program itself proposes advice. Advice that is easy to follow.

And its rapidity?

It enables us to work very quickly. In the past, I needed three to four days to complete a daily report concerning our 430 employees. Today I do the same job in about thirty minutes.

Has it ever happened that you need a report and can’t obtain it from SICORAX PAYROLL?

Never, we have a good working system with Uniconsults and we can count on them. As soon as we have a problem, we try to find a solution with their help. We have an agreement with Uniconsults for an assured after sales service. In the beginning, they came to our offices to rectify our problems. Today, our problems are minor and we are able to solve them by telephone. Problems are rapidly ironed out.

Would you recommend SICORAX PAYROLL to a friend?

Yes, because we have found out about all the advantages of the program.

If management remove SICORAX PAYROLL tomorrow, what reaction will you have?

Management decides and I will have to comply, but it will be very difficult for me. However, I don’t think this will happen. I cannot imagine such an occurrence, as we now know the advantages that can be drawn from this program.

26 August 2004

Interviewed by Jacques Dinan