Wasting Time? Time is wasted when:- A group of people must wait for one person.- A Team cannot readily access the same document or data.- A Task must be redone due to insufficient supervision.
'Horizontal' Software may be called a Suite - or a Platform. - It is very flexible & made to Create new information.- Can be used to create Vertical (specific) Applications.- An example would be 'Adobe Creative Suite'or MS Office.Vertical Software is developed for a specific set of Tasks.
The Platform is Broad & flexible by Design.- WYSIWYG Design tools for Novices autogenerates code.- Powerful Editors allow Experts to further customize.- Includes an underlying and thoroughly integrated database.- Robust, multiuser access without onerous fees.
Wasting Talent? Talent is wasted when:- An Expert is assigned a task that is suitable for a Novice.- A Novice is assigned a Task that way over his/her head.- A Novice that is eager to learn new skills is denied access.- Team members are pigeonholed. Latent talent, undeveloped.
There is another 'Great Divide' and that is the one between the Haves and the Have Nots. Younicycle is affordably priced for any business, not just the 'Fortunate 500'. Available as a SaaS (online) or as a Server package.
'Vertical' Software is often called an 'Application'. - It is typically developed for a specific set of tasks.- Is 'powered by' the underlying Horizontal Platform.- An example would be 'Recruiting' or 'Benefit Enrollment'.
Wasting Money? Money is wasted when:- Multiple software packages must be purchased.- Multiple licenses or 'seats' must be purchased for each.- Multiple user interfaces must be learned (extra training).
The Great Divide is Knowledge. If you have the required depth of Knowledge, you can accomplish difficult tasks but without it, you will either 'give up', assign or pay an Expert or purchase yet another limited use software application.
Cost? 1) Server package for $400. No limit on number of users.2) Online vsn (SaaS) = $480 per year (3 users).3) Custom programming from $25 to $75 per hour.
Many spokes. Younicycle's framework will allow you to create many types of Vertical Applications, defined only by your imagination. An Actuary - or a Recruiter, a Benefit Consutant or Insurance Carrier can create compelling, plug-in Solutions.
Need an Edge? Many possibilities:1) Create Customer Solutions & give to them for Productivity.2) Create and sell as a suppemental source of revenue.3) Create, give it away - but charge for added customization.4) Become a Partner. Sell Younicycle + your Solutions.
One wheel. We've designed the IT Vehicle so that:1) Experts can work side-by-side with Novices.2) WYSIWYG Tools auto generate complex code.3) Each 'mini-app' you create can be shared (or sold).
Getting there is the hard part ... but we've made the trip much easier. We have spent many years 'blazing a trail' and building the IT vehicle that can get you there, safely & affordably. Yes, it is easier - but Easy is a relative term.
Start here. Get there. It's a given that you want to provide superior service for your customers and always keep a responsible. technological edge. But how? Younicycle can give you that edge - & be white-labeled for your identity.
It's coming. Like it or not, your competitors are standing outside your customers' front door and can be invited in with a few clicks of a mouse. We have the high tech and you, the relationships. Let's talk while the sun is still out.
Personalizing your Employee Communications is critical whenever personal Knowledege is required. Use Retirement as an example. Why would an employee care about John or Jane Doe's retirement security? Meaningless, inaccurate information is not only irrelevant, it's dangerous. Do it right.
The 3 Steps for effective Employee Communications:1) Inform: Let them know it exists. Where? When?2) Educate Employees: What is it? How does it work?3) Personalize the content. John Doe is not real.
Employers: Collaborate internally, with us or other Vendors 1) We (or other Vendors) can provide Full service2) Do it yourself (DIY). You can always ask for help.3) Initial full service -> then DIY in the future.
Your Employee Benefits may be very Cool - but will be ineffective if they remain Hidden. Employee Benefit Statements help your Group understand & appreciate their Personal, Big Picture. We have more than 20 years of experience and know all the possible pitfalls.
Poor Henry. Overcome by events beyond his control.Approximately 3 minutes.
Test, test, test. You are essentailly creating a very unique, niche piece of software. More than 80% of software development is 'killing bugs'. Below is an very abbreviated list of items that should cause pause:
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Employee Benefit Statements: Pause when:
1) Someone suggests "We can do this whole thing with a spreadsheet and Word!"- If you try, we suggest you begin to dust off your curriculum vitae.2) Multiple formats for keyfields. If you use SSN's and you see '000-12-3456' on one table and '123456' on another table, you are about to have a problem.3) You notice that an employee is missing from a census. If one is missing ...4) You see different deduction amounts for the same benefit & ee classification.5) Someone shows as having a benefit that should not (or vice versa).6) A Table that should have only 1 row per employee has > 1.7) Wage data 'seems low' for certain people. Check for multiple pay sources.8) A PT employee has an FT deduction for health (other) or vice versa.
A complete list could be quite extensive; as minor as typos but as major as mismatched data. If you ever get the notion that data has not been JOINED (matched) properly, stop and evaluate before you proceed. Don't be ashamed to ask your IT/DBA to take a look. Their SQL experience is likely much deeper than your own.
Employee Benefit Statements: Miscellaneous:
1) Avoid 'fancy' covers in first year. Covers, binding and offset printing can add another difficult variable. You'll have enough challenges and won't need yet another.2) Use one-pass printing, ideally from your own location and physically located in HR.Aligning 'pre printed' images with variable, laser printed text is not dependable. (also, security)3) Do not, under any circumstance, put an SSN anywhere on an employee benefit statement. (security)4) Avoid adding other personalized materials for collation with the employee benefit statement. (human error - collating).5) Do not pass off folding, stuffing or other tasks to the mailroom or temps. Keep it in HR.6) Always remember to delete terminated employees prior to print.7) Always have a disclaimer that has at an absolute minimum, words to the effect of: "This is NOT a legal document. When in conflict with legal documents, the legal documents prevail."8) Do not be pushed to hit an arbitary deadline. Be calm and methodical.9) Preliminary Group meetings can be helpful by using a sample (John/Jane Doe). Don't be ashamed to tell employees it is the "first effort" and they should not panic if there is an error. Consider a prior 'Train the Trainer' session with Department heads.10) Do not distribute the actual personalized statements at a Group Meeting. Very bad idea.11) Be prepared for phone calls. Have notes and files readily available. Be prepared for 'lost /I didn't get my statement'.12) Take copious notes during the entire process. The process does not end.13) If you get in over your head, stop the Project & get professional help. If that is not an option, then abort.
Do not depend on 'good luck'. Rely on a methodical approach, many eyes and attention to detail.
DIY Tutorial 10: Getting Started Employee Benefit Statements (Common errors)
