Why Rostering and Payroll Software Work Together

So maybe you are thinking...rostering software is used only to plan the roster and advise my staff when they need to work, whilst payroll software is used to just pay them, why do they need to be combined? 

Why do they need to be so deeply connected?

Well, whilst rostering and payroll are different processes, they are part of a single workforce management flow in your business. And as such, we think the case for selecting a single, combined, rostering/payroll solution is a strong one. 

Multiple Processes, One Flow. 

Think about it, what is the journey of an average employee in your workplace? 

They submit availability to work information to their employer (rostering), they are assigned shifts to work (rostering), they attend work and need to record their actual hours (time and attendance) and then a manager needs to approve hours for payment (payroll). 

The process starts with rostering and ends with payroll. In reality, both are needed for the entire flow to work, end to end. 

Having a single solution that can handle everything from rostering to time and attendance to payroll in one place is the smartest option for small businesses. One piece of software, all parts of the employee journey sorted. 

Time and Attendance is the Glue. 

In the middle of rostering and payroll should be a robust digital time and attendance solution. This will ensure that any differences between rostered work times and actual worked times are reviewed before payroll takes place.

A quality clock in and out system as well as a sound process of management review will make sure employees are not underpaid whilst employers are not overpaying for unworked hours. 

Time and attendance is like the glue between rostering and payroll that makes both processes effective. 

Cost-Effective.

Yes, you can implement a separate rostering solution and payroll solution and make it work but chances are you will need to pay for two tools, not one. 

A single rostering and payroll solution will almost always be more cost-effective.

Double Handling.

If you have multiple systems, even with clever integrations you will likely be doubling handling. 

One solution for rostering, one for time and attendance, and even a third solution for payroll will make processes highly ineffective and may result in having to manually transfer data, compromising integrating and costing valuable time. 

Effective Budgeting.

By using a combined solution, payroll information including hourly rates (taking into account awards penalties, etc) can be used in the rostering process to estimate labor costs. 

Roster budgeting can save your business a lot of money by ensuring rosters are fully costed based on estimated sales before even publishing. 

So there you have it. We think the case for having a combined roster and payroll solution is a strong one. 

If you are interested in options the team at RosterElf would love to have a chat about our software and how it can help you drive efficiency in your business. Contact us for a free demonstration.