Ellen Caves, HR Manager at Fosters Bakery, recalls their initial requirements for a new time and attendance system: "We first looked at getting a new system in 2020. We used to have a time and attendance system to help with our payroll, but we had four different systems that didn't talk to each other, so we needed a system that was all-inclusive to make our payroll a lot easier.
"We spoke to a lot of people, but we chose Tensor for the price point and what was offered. The demo was really good; Kevin was amazing — he's worth his weight in gold for Tensor!"
Ms Caves praises the training they have received; "We've had a couple of days of training with Kevin. He was brilliant with making sure we were getting on with the system okay; he set us up, worked with us, spoke to us whenever we needed assistance and he provided brilliant customer service and gets back to me really quick!"
The Tensor software trainer is also highlighted: "He's helped us streamline our payroll systems; not perfect now but we're getting there!"
Due to the nature of their business, Fosters Bakery chose Suprema Facial Authentication for their Time and Attendance system: "We're a food manufacturer, so we can't have physical clock-in stations as we need to reduce physical touch in the production area, hence why we use the facial authentication system. There were a few problems at first when we were setting it up but gradually it got easier as we used the system."
A particular feature offered by Tensor is particularly notable, says Ms Caves: "It's very user friendly, especially the self-service module. Our staff can easily book their holidays without going through a complicated website and it's really easy.
"The system as a whole is really easy to use."
Tensor offers a Helpdesk for its customers to contact if they have any issues or questions: "[The helpdesk is] great, but sometimes it does take a bit of time to get a reply," says Ms Caves. "But I understand they're busy so I wouldn't complain. We only had a problem when we moved one of our facial authentication stations, but they resolved it remotely."
A benefit of using Tensor is that its different systems — including Time and Attendance, HR and Access Control — are all integrated, so they can be added or extended as business needs dictate.
"We're really happy with the system and service," says Ms Caves. "We could definitely do more ourselves, but we're really happy with what we're getting.
"We don't use the system to its full potential because we don't need to now.
"We might look into HR systems, but it's not something we need at the minute."
The Tensor system is such a success for Fosters Bakery that Ms Caves has suggested Tensor to others looking for Time and Attendance solutions: "Yes, absolutely! I have recommended Tensor to forums. It's really user friendly, from both HR and the employees' perspective.
"[Tensor is a] great move that we made, great price point, support level is spot on."
Find out more about Fosters Bakery at fostersbakery.co.uk