Wanted: A modern tool for time recording and project controlling
When Sigrid Schmid started as Operations & Accounting Manager at eccelerate in 2017, the search for a new tool for time recording and project controlling was one of her first tasks. She remembers: “The existing tool was a bit old and no longer had the functionality that you would expect from such a solution.” In addition, moderate usability made work difficult in daily practice. Ms. Schmid explains: “With the old software solution, for example, it was not possible to create and evaluate evaluations of the current project status. ”
Ms. Schmid then learned about the cloud-based software solution ZEP from provantis IT Solutions through another consulting company.
ZEP stands for time recording for projects. The web-based solution has been on the market since 2000 and offers project-oriented companies a complete solution for time recording and reporting, travel expenses, project management and controlling, and invoicing.
“Even during the test phase, we were able to identify significant advantages of ZEP compared to the existing system. This was particularly true for usability and the intuitive user interface. The additional range of functions in the area of project controlling ultimately led to the decision to replace the old system with ZEP. ”
Sigrid Schmid
Operations & Accounting Manager at eccelerate
Since the end of 2017, ZEP has been using the ZEP Professional product line at eccelerate.
Time recording, expense report, vacation management, invoicing
In addition to working hours worked on individual projects, eccelerate consultants also record their travel expenses and expenses via ZEP. To do this, they access ZEP either via the web-based user interface or the mobile apps available for all common mobile operating systems. Absences and vacation periods are also managed via the ZEP system. In addition, eccelerate uses the billing module to create all project statements.
Comprehensive project controlling at a glance
In order to successfully complete her work as Operations & Accounting Manager at eccelerate, Ms. Schmid uses ZEP's extensive evaluation options for project controlling.
“I work with ZEP every day. As an administrator, I can access all ongoing projects and get a complete overview of the respective project status at any time. ”
Sigrid Schmid
Operations & Accounting Manager at eccelerate
In addition, Ms. Schmid has set up a corresponding account, which she can use to access all special project costs. In this way, it can record all expenses associated with a project, e.g. expenses for third-party service providers. These can then be compared with the income associated with the project.
ZEP from the cloud: Flexibility in everyday consulting
As far as ZEP's operating model is concerned, on-premise operation at the customer's premises or the use of ZEP as a cloud service is generally possible. In the latter case, the cloud solution is operated from a certified (ISO 27001, basic IT protection) high-performance data center on a fully redundant, highly available server cluster in Germany. The Internet connection to the ZEP servers is 1000 Mbit/s via redundant fiber optic lines. Online usage contract and order processing contract for ZEP meet all requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“For us, the advantage of cloud-based use is in particular the use of ZEP by our consultants, regardless of time and location. This enables them to access ZEP and record their data both in the office, but also on the go or — particularly important in times of corona — working from home. ”
Sigrid Schmid
Operations & Accounting Manager at eccelerate
Up-to-date solution, top service
“We didn't regret switching to ZEP. ”
Sigrid Schmid
Operations & Accounting Manager at eccelerate
Sigrid Schmid is very satisfied with the three-year assignment so far. “The solution offers us the expected functionality and ease of use of a modern software solution for time recording and project controlling. In addition, we benefit from professional ZEP support, which is always available to provide us with advice and assistance. ”
