So apparently we have a new Workforce Central version coming soon (“to a theater near you”!). Kronos Workforce Central Suite version (WFC) 6.3 is slated for release in December. In addition, Kronos is also releasing new hardware. So what is in store with the latest version of the Kronos software? More importantly: What’s in it for us? Over the next few entries I would like to invite you along as I detail some of the available new features that you receive with the new WFC version. After the careful review of the new features, we can take a stab at this question: Will the Kronos WFC “sequel” be a better user experience or just more special effects? I myself will side with the former vs. the latter.
Why upgrade? With any set of new features, understandably there is a cost analysis with any change. The question is: What type of return is evident by implementing those new features? Regarding new features, the decision to upgrade may be hinged with user acceptance testing of those features. For user acceptance, it helps to have a test environment for this purpose for their first exposure.
Brief history: A quick note on how Kronos decides to incorporate new features. Skip this paragraph if you are not interested in the history! New features are a conglomerate of ideas from both Kronos and those that use the system every day. Kronos has a Request for Enhancements (RFE) program on their customer web site that is used to gather ideas from Kronos Administrators and users. The RFE program has been around for a number of years and continues its existence today. Some new features are based on industry trends, but many are from customers. If multiple companies make similar requests for the same RFE, the enhancement is more likely it be added in a future version of WFC.
Preview: What’s exciting? In an upgrade for WFC to 6.3, there are actually new products and new features. For instance, two Kronos components that were previously stand-alone applications are now tightly integrated into WFC (previously Data Collection Manager and Connect). Due to the product change with Kronos Connect (interfacing), you now have the capability to run or schedule an interface from the web easily. The first article’s focus will be entirely on WIM (Workforce Integration Manager) new features. There will also be an article to discuss WDM (Workforce Device Manager) changes. In the base Workforce Timekeeper product, you now have the ability to mark an exception for review or resolve that exception through the timecard. In the upcoming series, I’ll discuss how all of these new features can provide value. Each article will also have a section on backward compatibility. If there is no backward compatibility (because it is an entirely new feature), I’ll be sure to denote that as well. This “new feature” series will be exclusive of new features to customers currently using WFC 6.1 and earlier and interested in upgrading. Each blog article will focus on one area within Kronos. The next articles will pertain to more changes (new Timecard features, System Settings, etc.).
So bring a bag of popcorn, the theater tickets will be no charge as always. :-) Your participation as a Kronos administrator or user is more than welcome!