Efficient project management
tm concept ag offers a range of services throughout Switzerland, such as technical field service for radio and communication networks and infrastructure buildings. As a result, the company's 41 employees, including 39 telecommunications employees and two architects, are often involved in on-site projects. “In 2010, there were two to three projects where employees had to work directly with the customer and the employees were therefore regularly absent.”, explains Daniel Berchtold, head of the fixed network sector. It was very time-consuming to have an overview of the project hours of these employees. In addition, the newly opened branch in Landquart required another large amount of time, as the project hours of these employees had to be recorded centrally.
ZEP web-based solution
Daniel Berchtold therefore decided to look for a web-based solution so that employees could constantly access project hours while on the move. After testing around 15 competitors, he chose ZEP because the tool offered him a “good price-performance ratio.” “The web-based SAP solutions were too complex for our company”, he adds.
Low implementation costs
Daniel Berchtold familiarized himself with ZEP at the end of 2010 with the test account and then checked step by step which modules were suitable for the company. He rented it from provantis IT Solutions GmbH as “Software as a Service” (SaaS) and put it into operation at the beginning of 2011.
When introducing the software, you had to “bite your teeth,” says Berchtold. Four division managers of the company first recorded their projects and employees. This introductory phase took around eight man-days. The effort was significantly lower compared to the previously used Excel solution: “Excel took us five to seven working days each year; with ZEP, we only have the effort once”, says the landline expert. According to Berchtold, it was also one of the few seamless software projects.
Probation in practice
The Aarau-based service provider uses the modular ZEPsoftware for time and vacation recording as well as for project management. It is also used to exchange data between PDF and CSV formats. In addition to recording time on the go, the easy handling and clarity of ZEP have particularly impressed tm concept ag. “ZEP is easy to use and is well thought-out”, notes Berchtold. The hours were easy to record, including those of part-time employees. As a result, the working hours of 60 or 80 percent employees could be integrated into the system without any problems. “Planning is now also transparent for management and project management”, Berchtold adds. Previously, this had only been the case to a limited extent.
Mobile time recording with the iPhone
For mobile use, the company mainly uses the iPhone. According to Berchtold, ZEP works in principle with the iPhone, but the iPhone version is less stable when it comes to synchronizing data. However, the manufacturer is already working on new apps. Berchtold points out: “What I've criticized is complaining on a high level. I am very satisfied with ZEP and another solution is out of the question for us. ”
user service
Since the structure and functions of ZEP are simple and self-explanatory, the service provider rarely makes use of user services, such as manuals, Internet FAQ and program help. “I don't need much support”, according to the landline manager. If the service provider still needs help, the IT experts in Ditzingen can be reached very easily via the hotline and provide expert assistance.
Looking to the future
tm concept ag would like to keep the purchase of ZEP open. According to Daniel Berchtold, the decision to buy the software is linked to the question of the future size of tm concept. Daniel Berchtold can only imagine acquiring ZEP from a larger company.
, Daniel Berchtold concludes.
