For years we were a reseller for a good time and attendance software program. Unfortunately it started to become old and worn out looking. Companies were asking for web based systems with an SQL database. The software we were reselling was written in Cobol (yes, cobol, from way back in the 70′s and 80′s). It was a old DOS (yes DOS, from way , way back) with a Windows front end on it. Not a true Windows system. Realizing the need to do something or become an “also ran” we started looking into other products we could resell. We found  found nothing we could feel good offering to our client base.

The next option was developing our own software. Many time and attendance dealers have done the same. In most cases, because of cost, they develop something very basic. We didn’t want that. We wanted a program that did everything the product we were reselling did along with additional features that our biggest competitors had that we didn’t. We quickly found out why most time and attendance dealers only did something basic. The cost for even one programmer in the U.S. was prohibitive. Therefore we looked offshore to India.

Originally we were reluctant to do this. We realized though that if we developed a good product and it sold well, increased our business, that it would create opportunities to hire additional employees locally. It took several years to get Time Advantage “on the street” but it is now out there kicking butt against the biggest competitors in the industry. We are now on version 3 and the future looks bright for us and future employees. We are currently looking for an additional support person and will be adding a local programmer. Without starting with offshore programming we would have never been able to do that.

Recently while talking to a prospective client about using biometric readers as time clocks, I was told “That is so 21st century”! Of course it is. Considering we are 12 years into the 21st century that is a good thing! Biometric clocks have become a standard in the Time and Attendance business.

We (Advantek Solutions) sell mostly the Recognition Systems Biometric Hand Reader. We have been doing so since 1992. This unit reads the size and shape of a hand as opposed to a fingerprint reader which reads… fingerprints! Fingerprint readers are susceptible to dirty fingers whereas hand readers are oblivious to dirt. Down the road technology will get even better. Currently there is facial recognition which we are testing.

Biometric technology along with a good time and attendance software such as our Time Advantage is becoming a staple for most businesses, even small ones.

Welcome to the blog of Advantek Solutions! Over time we plan to post information about the time and attendance and payroll business. We will pass on information on how to save payroll expenses, what is new regarding the calculating of employee time, benefit accruals, etc. and a list of successes as we go along. Please subscribe to our RSS feed so you can be automatically informed about new posts. Please check our “About Us” page to learn about who we are. Also, if you didn’t get here via our website then please visit it at http://www.advantek-solutions.com