Changing or upgrading your payroll system comes with several fantastic benefits. Saving time and money, improving integration and making everyone’s lives easier are all excellent reasons to consider a change.
But if the shift is mishandled, the results can be disastrous and lead to long-lasting problems. Read on for tips on avoiding a terrible payroll system migration.
Give the project the time it needs
People may indeed enjoy coming to work. But for most individuals, earning money is the main reason. Our careers make the world go round; they help us support our families and ourselves so that we can afford the lifestyle we want.
Not getting paid correctly, or not getting paid at all, is a massive problem for your Team Members. As a business owner, you want to make sure your Team Members are getting paid correctly and on time. This protects your business but also protects their happiness.
Changing payroll systems is a massive undertaking. There are many moving parts and people who will be affected. Ensure that this project is given the time and attention that is needed.
Determine what is necessary to make the transition, understand who will be affected, and communicate with everyone involved. The planning process is crucial. Treat it as the groundwork for making the shift, and the rest will fall into place.
Map out integrations
All payroll software handles the basics, but that’s just the start of your new system. Learn what other software can be integrated with your new platform—research what add-ons you need and integrate accordingly.
Your new system will be able to connect with HR software, time-tracking tools, advanced accounting functions, and so much more. Visualise your completed new system and understand how to get it all working together.
Once you have the complete picture from the planning stage, transitioning will be much smoother.
Adjust the platform to your needs
The leading motivation for implementing a new payroll system is to simplify things. However, many businesses overlook the ways that new technology can help. It’s easy to rely on old processes for getting things done because they’re familiar, but when switching to a new payroll system, that would be a mistake.
Ensure you are aware and know all the features of your new software. This is where the real-time, money, and energy will come in. If it can be automated, do it. When these tools prove their worth, your team will understand why the business switched.
Don’t bring over bad data
When switching or implementing a new system, take the opportunity to go over your incoming data. All of it. Keep what you need according to relevant tax agencies, and get rid of what you don’t need.
Payroll software is beneficial, but it can only do so much. If you enter insufficient data, it will give out insufficient data. Ensure you are reviewing the information you’re inputting with a fine-toothed comb to ensure the best results.
Test, test, test
This phase is critical and often overlooked. Make sure to test things out before officially implementing anything. There’s no quicker way to turn your Team Member’s off of something new than for it to work poorly or not right off the bat. Take the time to test now and reap the benefits when it goes live.
Final thoughts
Changing your payroll system is a huge operation. But with some preparation and planning, it can be a smooth and rewarding transition.
If you have any questions, feel free to Join the conversation…