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.
The Data item from the employee's perception will appear impersonal. Remember to think like an employee.
However, in order to make it more personal, data manipulation will be required. 'Fixing' the above would usually involve decomposing (breaking apart) the ee_name into 2 separate data items(LAST|FIRST), then reassembling to account for variations (data entry errors) within the data, the most common being the middle initial. Some employees will have "J" whereas the next employee may have "K."
However, in order to make it more personal, data manipulation will be required. 'Fixing' the above would usually involve decomposing (breaking apart) the ee_name into 2 separate data items(LAST|FIRST), then reassembling to account for variations (data entry errors) within the data, the most common being the middle initial. Some employees will have "J" whereas the next employee may have "K."
DIY Tutorial 6: Getting Started Employee Benefit Statements (data, calculations)
Employee benefit statements are usually complex documents. When we say 'complex' we do not necessarily mean 'complicated', which is a relative term. Complex (our usage) means 'multiple data types'. When you start using terms like 'data type', it is time to get your HRIS or IT person on your Project Team.
So far, you have identified static text & perhaps the general placement/style of other elements (images, logo, vector artwork, colors) + the placement of variable text. You know your document size so now it's time to dig into your variable data requirements.
Your employee benefit statements may include two basic categories of data:- direct data (employee id, wage rate, etc)- derived data: data that is 'manipulated' to varying extents and based on other data. A simple example would be:
So far, you have identified static text & perhaps the general placement/style of other elements (images, logo, vector artwork, colors) + the placement of variable text. You know your document size so now it's time to dig into your variable data requirements.
Your employee benefit statements may include two basic categories of data:- direct data (employee id, wage rate, etc)- derived data: data that is 'manipulated' to varying extents and based on other data. A simple example would be:
You will need to ask your HRIS person/IT not only if they can supply the 'base data', but also if they will be able to create the derived data in an acceptable format. Here is what you need to do:
1) Make a list of every variable item on the employee benefit statement with every expected simple variation (remember the health text ... Carrier, Plan type, Choice). There may be >30 simple variations of this specific item.2) Make a list of every variable item that includes a derived, calculated value. An example would be displaying the Future Value of a 401(k) Account balance given the employee's date of birth, the present value of the account balance and mutiple rates of return.
Why make this list? You need to determine the capabilities of your people. They may say: "Can do, but it will require 80 hours, maybe more with debugging." ... or it may not be possible with your current system.
1) Make a list of every variable item on the employee benefit statement with every expected simple variation (remember the health text ... Carrier, Plan type, Choice). There may be >30 simple variations of this specific item.2) Make a list of every variable item that includes a derived, calculated value. An example would be displaying the Future Value of a 401(k) Account balance given the employee's date of birth, the present value of the account balance and mutiple rates of return.
Why make this list? You need to determine the capabilities of your people. They may say: "Can do, but it will require 80 hours, maybe more with debugging." ... or it may not be possible with your current system.
Data itemee_nameDoe JR,John J
Derived Data (on statement)ee_nameJohn J. Doe, JR.
Supplying accurate Direct Data is rarely a problem for HRIS or IT. Supplying variable simple data can be more challenging. Providing derived, nested, calculated & correctly formatted data may be beyond your current capabilities.
A valid question at this point would be:"Why don't I just ask them before I go through all of this work?"
If you have 'close access' then that would be a good idea. HRIS may be more closer than IT. After all, you are in the same Department - but - they still will not be able to read your mind. They will need a very detailed description with examples.
Hint: Don't ask questions that begin with the phrase "Can't you just <insert request>?" Seemingly simple (in your mind) requests can be stupefyingly difficult to fulfill. Find out now what can & cannot be done.Then go back & revise your list as required.
If you have 'close access' then that would be a good idea. HRIS may be more closer than IT. After all, you are in the same Department - but - they still will not be able to read your mind. They will need a very detailed description with examples.
Hint: Don't ask questions that begin with the phrase "Can't you just <insert request>?" Seemingly simple (in your mind) requests can be stupefyingly difficult to fulfill. Find out now what can & cannot be done.Then go back & revise your list as required.
If this does not bother you now, it will later. Your expectations for your employee benefit statement project will rise as you work through the process.
It is a moving target.
It is a moving target.
