Continuing to add functionality based on customer demand, the latest MeritAgCheck update takes the app a step closer to a full farm management tool.
The initial MeritAgCheck platform was developed around ensuring operators performed daily, weekly and monthly checks on machinery. However, customer demand for software that enables them to digitise multiple parts of the business has led to a number of updates, creating a centralised platform that can help keep track of incoming and outgoing fuel stocks, remind owners of upcoming checks and audits, manage staff and help businesses remain compliant when these are due.
Each update has been based on customer feedback, and the latest addition to the app is no different. According to Jon Stewart, managing director of MeritAdvantage and part of the MeritAgCheck team, there have been increasing requests for a timesheet system. “This will be the largest update we’ve done for some time, and we’re launching just ahead of harvest, when farm owners and contractors will be looking at bringing in seasonal staff.”
The mobile app
Operators given access to the timesheet module within MeritAgCheck can use a simple drag-and-drop function within the newly installed calendar. This will indicate the amount of time worked. Details can also be filled in by clicking on the date and filling in the prompts.
The time can be split into worked, on break, overtime (if applicable and the operator has access to it) or holiday, although this last option would likely be filled in on the desktop version in the office. There’s also a notetaking
function, which can help to allocate and differentiate the tasks done.
For operators working for a contracting firm, or in businesses where there are set hours, the notes section can be used to describe operations, equipment used and other points of note from the day.
“If a contractor pays a day rate, or a salary to operators, then the calendar function can also be used to show the different tasks completed and any job codes, which can help with invoicing,” explains Jon.
The desktop app
The desktop enables office staff or owners to go into more detail within the timesheet tab. Staff members can be given access to the timesheet functionality or assigned to groups so set hours and overtime rates can be applied to multiple team members in one go.
“It’s also possible to adjust the calendar function, changing the increments of time that need to be accounted for,” adds Jon.
One of the key features of the update is the ability to download timesheet information as a CSV file. This enables the data collected to be uploaded to most accounting software and actioned to pay staff or create invoices. It is also possible to send reminders for timesheets. These can be daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
However, the company hopes that over time it will become second nature for operators to update the timesheets at the end of each day. “It may take a little time for people to get used to this way of working, especially if they are used to paper timesheets, but everyone wants to get paid and if MeritAgCheck is already part of the business, they will be used to accessing the app for multiple tasks in a day,” Jon says.
The new functionality should help to eliminate human error caused by paper timesheets, or bad handwriting, or any number of reasons why inaccurate information may inadvertently make its way to payroll. However, like with other functions within MeritAgCheck, it is possible through the desktop app for a manager to go back into the timesheets and adjust if mistakes are made. Data can also be checked over before being downloaded as a CVS file.
There are two versions of MeritAgCheck available for Android and Apple devices – Essential, which is free of charge and enables daily checks of commonly used machinery, or Premium, which provides full access to every part of the app.
Premium is priced at £7.90/month for the first three users (including VAT) and £1.90/ month for each additional user. Annual subscription options are also available for larger farms, contracting firms and estates. New users can take advantage of a 30-day free trial.