One comp package for DOS and Mac - TotalComp 2000 allows HR applications to be run in both Windows and Macintosh environments - Software Review - PC Power - Evaluation

If you are a Macintosh fan and an HR professional, then you are frustrated. First, PC DOS users tend to view the Mac as a toy. It is just too easy to use and Mac users have too much fun, so it can't be a serious PC. Second, there are just not many human resource applications for the Macintosh. Third, even if there were packages, most HR information systems are not on Macs.

The SKOPOS Corp. comes to the rescue of HR Macintosh users. We can now have the effectiveness of the Macintosh and interface with other applications or operating systems. This interface capability allows HR departments to import data from information systems to TotalComp 2000[TM]. The application runs in both the Windows and Macintosh environments.

TotalComp 2000[TM] is built on Omnis 7+, a relational database management system by Blyth Software. TotalComp 2000[TM] offers the unique capacity to transfer applications between DOS and Macintosh operating systems. This connectivity and functionality makes TotalComp 2000[TM] especially attractive to Mac users in a DOS world. The package offers functionality build on current technology. The use of Omnis 7+ puts Totalcomp 2000[TM] in the world of cross-platform compatibility.

What it does?

TotalComp 2000[TM] is an integrated compensation package that includes job evaluation, pay-structure development, salary-survey analysis, Salary planning arid regression analysis. Users can customize the functions that are included or create their own to fit corporate policy. There are also standard reports and graphics, and the ad hoc report writer allows the user to create custom reports.

The software setup is straightforward and described clearly in the manual. Setup includes establishing company data, divisions and departments The next step is to define the job codes and pay structures. The pay-structure module allows for three formats: minimum-maximum, step and points. It is also possible to create a custom minimum-maximum or step pay structure.

Job families identify groups of job codes. These job families become a valuable tool for the compensation manager in doing analysis. After the job code and pay structures are established, employee data can be entered by direct keying or importing.

The package integrates the job-information file (points, current salary range, market range, etc.) and the employee-data file. The job code is the key link between the job-information file and the employee-data file. The job code on the employee file must exactly match the job-code file or the link will not happen.

The basis for the TotalComp 2000[TM] job evaluation system is point-factor evaluation, which provides eight factors with a series of subfactors. You can use this module as is or change it to meet your specific needs. The package will calculate total and weighted points.

The performance rating and position within the salary range form the basis for the merit increase plans. A busy comp manager will find the ability to do multiple merit matrixes a great time saver. Either the employee's compa ratio or range position will decide the merit increase. The proposed structure information appears in the employee file after the salary increase update. It is possible to import or type bonus information directly into the employee file. The compensation, bonus and merit increase define an employee's total compensation.

An additional aid is the payroll report. This report calculates the annual increase amount based on the merit and bonus increases.

Tired of referring to large, cumbersome survey books? TotalComp 2000[TM] has a salary-survey module integrated with the other modules. It is not necessary to key in all the data; the import function also works with this module to save data entry time. Delivered reports and ad hoc queries provide a variety of analyses of internal pay rates to market rates.

The administration module contains the ad hoc report writer, graphics and the import-export function. The report writer is powerful and flexible, with three different layouts, multiple file selection, calculated fields and the ability to customize the finished product.

If you need more than the seven graphic reports that come with the package, then use the export feature in the ad hoc report writer. This export feature allows users to create graphic reports by exporting report data to other software applications.

The import function is powerful and dangerous. If you goof in importing the initial database, you can delete it. However, if you update the database with additional employees, there is no way to delete this addition or to delete large sections of data. You have to page through the database and delete each bad record. This is a concern, because an import doesn't always work right the first time! The import function is not for the timid. Back up your data before attempting to do an import and practice on a few records before doing a large update. The vendor is aware of this issue and will be addressing it.

What we like

The application has a comfortable learning curve. There was little need to contact SKOPOS for clarification on the basic functions. The integration between the functions is easy to grasp. The system's functional design follows general compensation procedures. This logical design aids the learning and implementation process.

The inter-platform connectivity of TotalComp 2000[TM] is an exciting capability Importing and exporting can be done using Dif, Sylk, dBase, Lotus WKS, delimited (commas or tabs), one field per line, and Omnis data transfer. This allows updating of the employee, job-table and survey files with the power of the PC versus the slow process of keying data.

The ad hoc report writer is powerful. Delivered layouts are in columns, labels or rows. If that is not enough, it is possible to create custom templates. The package shares editing capabilities with other Macintosh graphic packages. Users who are familiar with other Mac applications will easily grasp the editing capabilities of the report writer. It is easy to get involved with the development and layout of a report. The software supports this creativity and will meet the needs of the most demanding end user.

What needs improving

A dedicated Macintosh user may experience minor discomfort with this program. We expect certain features like a close box on every window. We also expect certain command-key functions such as command Q (quit), command N (new), command O (open) to be available throughout an application. I got tired of leaving the keyboard and moving the mouse to a radio button. SKOPOS is currently looking into this issue.

The search function within the employee file could be more flexible. It requires the full and correctly spelled name or the employee number to locate an employee file- Unfortunately, users do not always have the correct spelling or full name. The ability to scan a complete listing of employees and then select the employee would be helpful. This should be corrected by the time you read this article.

The documentation for ad hoc queries needs more detail and examples. Concepts such as "Child of," "Not Child of," "Parent of' and "Not Parent of" need clear explanations and examples. These ideas are inherent in relational databases; but until more HR staff members become acquainted with these terms, an example can communicate a thousand words. The documentation as a whole was thorough and clear. A section on ad hoc queries for the novice user would be extremely helpful.

To sum up

After working with HR clients on system interfaces, I appreciate the flexibility and power of TotalComp 2000[TM]. This system can adjust to the user's corporate environment and has the technical sophistication to connect with other applications and platforms. TotalComp 2000[TM] is well-integrated and clearly adds value to the compensation function.

Rebecca Roberts is an HR practitioner and HRIS manager who has survived the implementation and maintenance of a network that fully integrated DOS and Macintosh PCs.

TotalComp 2000[TM]

SKOPOS Corp. 4966 El Camino Real, Suite 216 Los Altos, CA 94022 (415) 962-8590 Version: 2.0 Price: $4,995 for a single user. $1,750 for each additional user. This cost covers all modules. It is not necessary to implement every module at installation. When the user is ready to expand, the modules are available for implementation at no additional cost. Product Uses: An integrated compensation package for managing job evaluation, pay-structure development, salary planning, salary-survey analysis, ad hoc report writer and regression analysis. Technical Features: Real-time direct access to mini and mainframe computers with sequel databases, through SQL LINKS, from either Macintosh or DOS platforms.

HR Software for the Macintosh

Product

Human Resource Information Systems HRIS-III ABRA2000 HRS/PRO 2000 EMPLOYEESystem Applicant Tracking ATS-III ABRATRAK MACHUNTER, RMS Position Control ATS-III Compensation TotalComp 2000 Management Development PRAXIS

Vendor

Human Resource MicroSystems: San Francisco Abra MacDabra Software: Sunnyvale, Calif. SKOPOS: Los Altos, Calif Ultra Concepts: Fountain Valley, Calif. Human Resource MicroSystems Abra MacDabra MacHunter, Santa Monica, Calif. Human Resource MicroSystems SKOPOS Acumen International: San Rafael, Calif.

COPYRIGHT 1992 Society for Human Resource Management
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