We were contacted by one of our partner clients, Xlteq, to help optimise the collection of timesheet information for Warburton Engineers.
Warburton’s legacy approach to this was using a paper based form system. The time sheets data not only included working time on site, but also locations, building plots, bonus codes and mileage claims.
Each of the paper timesheets took an average of approximately 30-45 minutes for the payroll department to enter into their back end systems. With over 120 engineers, this task took 60-75 hours per week!
Xlteq built a MSSQL based data system designed in conjunction with the client, this has a MS Access front end. This is a great system for office based workers, but not so for the Engineers.
Design a web application to interface with the MSSQL Azure database and allow data entry for timesheets
Build as a Progressive Web Application (PWA) for on site staff to be able to use when off-line
Deploy, host and support
Granular mock-ups were provided of each user screen for the web app, and workflow supplied to engineer the creation of users from existing data.
A single revision of the concept with minor changes was then supplied and agreed.
This application and PWA was built in our Jolojo HEX environment.
Stored procedures were used to interface with Warburton's data allowing us to:
Create users on Jolojo HEX if the user exists as an employee in the Azure MSSQL Data (users self-sign up)
Read and Write timesheet data for each user
Our application is in charge of its own user permissions and we store user passwords. This allows us to leverage the in-built functionality of Jolojo HEX for account creation, logging in and password resetting.
After the user management was constructed and tested, the user facing time sheet pages were built.
During the whole project we used an iterative approach to delivering the application for testing. This allows for change management during the build phase as inevitably, with applications such as this, further functionality is thought of.
Working with BarkWeb on the Warburton project was superb as ever. Their level of understanding of what will work, what should be avoided and suggestions is always invaluable to projects we partner on. As a bonus, project communication, budgeting and client liaison is top-notch. I don't want to recommend them, because I just want them to do work for us! Seriously though, if you have a web dev project in the pipeline, make BarkWeb part of your must call companies.
PD - Xlteq
Warburton are saving 1,000's of man-hours per year in verifying and managing paper based time sheets. Accuracy has been exponentially increased further reducing administration overhead.