Transforming Time Management at Hythe Engineering
At Hythe Engineering, staying ahead in the engineering sector means continually innovating and improving internal processes. The company recognised the need for a more efficient system to manage time and attendance, especially for contractors and hourly employees.
Enter the Connecteam project, a game-changing initiative designed to streamline workforce management.
The Connecteam Project
The project began with a clear mission: to enhance Hythe Engineering’s time and attendance systems to align with us becoming more agile, systemised and transparent. This involved implementing a sophisticated software which features communication tools, diversified and automated pay structures, geo-fencing, time clocks, and job scheduling features.
Connecteam is a complete employee management solution. It’s very user-friendly and will enable Hythe Engineering to manage its workforce in an efficient and cost-effective manner. It will also provide visibility and transparency of resource allocation to each of the projects that Hythe Engineering takes on.
The target audience was partly contractors and hourly employees eligible for overtime, ensuring accurate time tracking and efficient scheduling.
But as well as time management, the Connecteam interface also provides interpersonal benefits. Such as the introduction of a central communication platform utilised by both permanent and contracted employees.
Benefits of Connecteam for Hythe clients
For clients, the introduction of Connecteam has met the request for larger data analysis on project time and resource.
“We are actively finding ways of providing our clients with a deeper understanding of our operating costs for all levels of the business.
As we advance through the development of this software, we will be able to integrate further phases of a project plan and business levels. Not for monitoring, but for clarity on where people are focusing their time, so that we can highlight this to our clients.”
– Josh Mathias, CEO
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Josh Mathias, CEO of Hythe Engineering, provided the strategic vision for the project. He was supported by a dynamic team led by a business consultant whose role evolved into managing the project. Key contributors included Anisah Talib, Matt Cross, Mel Edge, Alex Moore, and Naseem Haitham, all of whom played vital roles in ensuring the project’s success.
Strategic Planning and Execution
The project strategy initially revolved around mastering the Connecteam system. The team became subject matter experts, configuring the system to meet the company’s specific needs.
Detailed planning ensured resources were allocated appropriately and timelines were met. A pilot test phase was crucial, allowing the team to compare payroll figures and assess the system’s performance.
Tackling Challenges Head-On
Change management and payroll accuracy were the two main challenges anticipated. The team addressed these by conducting thorough pilot testing to verify payroll figures and implementing systematic training sessions.
Effective communication and leadership were pivotal in managing these changes smoothly.
Success Factors: Team Effort and Leadership
The project’s success can be attributed to the team’s determination and collaborative spirit. Clear strategic direction from CEO Josh Mathias and quick decision-making played a crucial role. A structured and phased approach ensured all project phases were completed efficiently.
Project Highlights and Achievements
Connecteam proved to be user-friendly, making it easy for employees to clock in and out and manage their timesheets. The system saves time and improves efficiency, enhancing Hythe Engineering’s ability to manage resources and costs transparently and effectively.
Another of the many benefits is the reduction of time spent processing the hours for payroll. It used to take 1.5 days for an employee within the finance function to process the hours on a weekly basis. It now takes 30 minutes to process. This is a huge win for the business, not only for the time saved, but also the reduction of effort focused on a mundane manual process that added no positive energy to the finance teams working week.
The project achieved a high adoption rate among users, with minimal issues reported. The implementation was smooth, even with tight timelines, showcasing the team’s preparedness and adaptability.
Connecteam significantly improved Hythe Engineering’s operational efficiency, aligning with the company’s strategic goals.