3 tips to streamline your software-based pay review

It’s rare to complete a complex process without facing a slight hitch. But when a big issue arises, it can usually be traced back to significant missteps made earlier in the process. So how can you avoid them? In this post, we’re going to talk about some best practices for your software-based pay review process

Decide what data is essential

When working with Excel, it is easy to keep adding columns of data till your heart's content. However, is all the information you’re adding necessary in order for a manager to make their decisions? Adding more detail than what is required could further complicate the pay review process. Third-party providers will be happy to import all the data you request, but bare in mind that this has implications. Loading speed is the first thing. The more data that the system has to load, the longer it will take. Though pay review software providers do everything they can to improve system speed, it still doesn't change this simple rule.

All that information also has to go somewhere. This means you risk cluttering up the interface with non-essential data, and in turn make decision making harder for the users. Payreview gives you options for how your data is presented, such as order and placement on different panels. However, this will only go so far before you create an information overload.

Appreciate how software is built

Sometimes a piece of software doesn't quite work the way you would like it to. Having it changed to suit your needs isn't always an easy conversation to have, even if the request seems simple, but it can be possible.

Development teams usually already have a busy schedule. Often they'll be working on high-priority tasks such as security and performance upgrades. If not, their focus will be on features which are beneficial to the whole user base rather than a single customer.

There is also a rigorous process that development requests have to go through:

Design: This stage needs to ensure that what's on paper is the most effective approach. What seems like the obvious answer isn’t always the best implementation when you consider the system as a whole.

Build: This stage requires a developer to turn the design into efficient code. They will prototype the feature and consult with the product managers throughout the build.

Test: Finally, QA testers must make sure that the new feature works in many scenarios and that it hasn't affected anything else.

All this takes time, care and consultation between multiple teams. This is why it's important for customers to start their own testing of the pay review software early. If you have any requests that you think will need bespoke development, ensure to share them as soon as possible, you’ll want time on your side.

Keep a collaborative mindset

You want your pay review to run smoothly. The software vendor wants your pay review to run smoothly. To succeed in this, you’ll need to work as a team.

You will have internal deadlines to meet and sometimes these are tight. That is the reality of business. But to be sure that things will work properly, the software vendor will have deadlines for you too. These deadlines are not arbitrary and if they’re not respected then there’s a real risk of delays or issues. Your best bet is to start the process as early as possible. If you’re unsure how much time would be ideal for you, Amite can provide a consultation service through Paydata (our sister company) to help with this.

Software vendors will also be happy to set up a system in a way that best suits your business. In return, they’ll want you to present your data to them in a specific format. This format is important as it is usually the only way a system will accept the data. If the format isn’t kept to, someone will have to manually clean and organise the data. This will often require back and forth between the customer and vendor. This can result in the slowing down of the review and the introduction of errors. So if data is requested in a certain way, it’s best to try and stick to that request.

In Summary

Cut down the data import so it more manageable. Is there information that your managers can do without?

Seek to understand the software development process, though this can seem complex, a basic understanding will help mitigate future headaches. Has enough time been left to make changes to the system?

Ultimately, work as a team. Make sure the team are all on the same page with the process and make sure people feel comfortable to ask questions, help each other!