Enterprise Time Tracking Software Idiocy
Going between client sites all the time I also get to touch a lot of "enterprise" time tracking software packages. Most of these must be the most retarded (apologies to those with mental disabilities, there is no way you could actually invent something that dumb).
Of course, companies need to know what their employees and consultants are spending their time on. This is not the problem. But ERP systems' (they want to be called this, but they aren't). The problem is, in a word, usability. And this leads back to the classic dichotomy between the two types of software in the world:
Elective Use Software
Compulsory Use Software
Elective Use Software:
By definition, it's what a user elects to use. In order to be elected, this software must provide some sort of value or reward to the user, usually revealed in a day-in-the-life product planning exercise. The test is simple: Does a user's day or particular activity get markedly better with the product vs. without? One can also use the term made famous (but not invented by) Steve Jobs: "suck less"
The hallmarks of software of this sort then, is that provides utility, and so is actually something you can use, and will use because it makes your day better. Not only that, but most software of this nature also has the job of convincing you of the utility it provides quickly, and intuitively.
Compulsory Use Software:
Classic IT software falls very much into this category, as does just about anything labeled "enterprise". Because the person purchasing the software is not the person using it, usability, and by extension, productivity takes a back seat. Really. Look at SAP, look at the time entry systems where you work, and stuff written by your internal IT departments for internal consumptions. Cumbersome user interfaces, unclear instructions, and overall very unintuitive.
The irony. The enterprise planning software and time trackers actually impede productivity as they are designed today. Bravo.
Of course, companies need to know what their employees and consultants are spending their time on. This is not the problem. But ERP systems' (they want to be called this, but they aren't). The problem is, in a word, usability. And this leads back to the classic dichotomy between the two types of software in the world:
Elective Use Software
Compulsory Use Software
Elective Use Software:
By definition, it's what a user elects to use. In order to be elected, this software must provide some sort of value or reward to the user, usually revealed in a day-in-the-life product planning exercise. The test is simple: Does a user's day or particular activity get markedly better with the product vs. without? One can also use the term made famous (but not invented by) Steve Jobs: "suck less"
The hallmarks of software of this sort then, is that provides utility, and so is actually something you can use, and will use because it makes your day better. Not only that, but most software of this nature also has the job of convincing you of the utility it provides quickly, and intuitively.
Compulsory Use Software:
Classic IT software falls very much into this category, as does just about anything labeled "enterprise". Because the person purchasing the software is not the person using it, usability, and by extension, productivity takes a back seat. Really. Look at SAP, look at the time entry systems where you work, and stuff written by your internal IT departments for internal consumptions. Cumbersome user interfaces, unclear instructions, and overall very unintuitive.
The irony. The enterprise planning software and time trackers actually impede productivity as they are designed today. Bravo.
Labels: corporate idiocy, dot-bomb, sheeple
posted by jaydub at 10:58 AM
6 Comments:
I think you can also have a look at Replicon's easy to use cloud based employee time tracking software, which has got a great customer support. Quick to implement and many features all under one hood.
Nice post..really liked it
Please try our online cloud and web based time and leave, exception tracking system ,
time off tracking system fully functional for 180 days for 200 users
I-workforce gives
time tracking software which is user friendly cloud,SaaS based software that is hosted
in datacenters over USA and Canada ,gives 24X7 support
Time tracking software option is one of the best option of all as it tracks electronically who’s on the clock or not. The information shared by you is really helpful...
Time Management Solutions
I know time tracker that doeasn't engage employees' attention because it track their activities automatically. It's called TimeCamp . I think that's the future. You guys know this app?
them to switch employments regardless of what or even deliver reports with the GPS stamped areas. More engaged work propensities bringing about more efficiency and less reporting blunders. Also, it disposes of the "center man," who no more needs to spend unlimited hours disentangling obscure transcribed times and ambiguous signs of which employment those times went to time management app
индивидуалки питера невероятно интересны!
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