A Product by the Bonnet Group, Inc.
Federal FMLA regulations dictate that certain paperwork be completed in dealing with FMLA issues. As such, there is a legal onus on employers to efficiently process claims using these forms. However, maintaining a physical library of the paperwork and quickly filling out such forms consumes time and money.
To this end, numerous software solutions have been created to deal with FMLA compliance issues. Some of these are parts of larger systems or stand-alone products. One such solution, TBG ® FMLA, has been developed by The Bonnett Group HR Systems. This product runs on the PC platform in either solo or networked configurations.
What is it?
The software enables employers to:
1) Track FMLA requests and leave, and
2) Expedite completion of necessary forms/paperwork to comply with FMLA regulations.
How does it help HR professionals?
HR professionals are required to comply with FMLA reporting procedures and produce necessary paperwork for FMLA requests and leaves. As such, any employer who is covered by the FMLA must meet these requirements. Software packages, such as TBG ® FMLA, aim to support the HR professional in meeting the requirements.
How does it work?
For the purposes of this review, the TBG ® FMLA Version 4.0 sample system was used. Installation of the software was easily accomplished using a standard installation "wizard".
After installation, the company data must be completed. This must include vital statistics, as well as company leave plans and insurance plans. Multiple companies can be supported within the program, each having its own set of leave and insurance plans. Specific details of insurance plans are required, so original policies would need to be consulted. Practically, the entry and viewing of company data is done using the Company Edit and View buttons on the header of the interface. The controls are within easy reach and make editing go smoothly.
Next, the employee database must be imported into the software. This can be done from existing records using the Import Employee Data option. New employees can be added within the program, as well as deleted. Again, there are Employee Edit and View buttons in easy reach to make access to employee data simple.
At this point, the basics of the company and its employees should be in the system. From this point onward, only routine changes to the existing employee or insurance database are needed. Much of this work would involve a simple update to the employee records database.
With a functional database in the FMLA system, occurrences can be entered for specific employees. This is the real purpose of the program. For each occurrence, specific dates must be entered pertaining to notification, request, response and details of leave dates. The Occurrence Edit button allows quick access to the form handling this data. Once the specific data is entered, correspondence letters can be automatically generated within the Occurrence Edit form and printed. Available automated reports include Medical Certification, Employer Response and Confirmation of FMLA leave.
From a broader perspective, the program also enables the user to produce reports of FMLA and insurance usage for the entire company. There are eleven FMLA reports and four insurance reports available to the user.
Competitors Itellisys Corporation´s FMLA Tracker (www.intellisysinc.com)
Strata Systems´ FMLA Pro (www.stratasystems.com)
Manual The sample program comes bundled with a small amount of documentation to quickly explain the key features of the software. Given the simplicity of the interface, there is little need for voluminous documentation. The program also has a handy help feature with a standard Windows ®-style Help interface.
Installation The program uses a simple "wizard" installation.
Limitations The database functions are quite limited, requiring the use of outside HRIS. However, this program does not purport itself to replace any existing HRIS or serve as an HRIS. In addition, users familiar with Windows ® and Microsoft ® applications may find that the simple interface takes some time to learn as it deviates from the interface used by many Microsoft ® applications.
Pricing Model TBG ® FMLA Version 4.1, including one year of support and free upgrades, costs $348.
Scalability The program can be merged with the Bonnett Group´s Time and Attendance system to provide more comprehensive management the FMLA system can provide on its own.
Security Passwords can be created for single- to multi-level security. The network version includes client/server security measures.
System Requirements The program requires a minimum Pentium 120 with 16 Mb of Random Access Memory (RAM), 25 Mb of workstation hard disk space initially, 10 Mb of hard disk space for growth of data (workstation or server), Microsoft Windows 95 ® or higher, CD-Rom Drive (diskette version available upon request), Windows ® compatible printer and 8-bit (256) color monitor at 800 x 600 pixels.
The program provides an easy-to-use, yet comprehensive means to produce legal documents required of all employers covered by the FMLA. The cost of $348 per system compares well to the $795 price tag for FMLA Pro.
The Bonnett Group, Inc. (http://www.tbginc.com/) is a Georgia-based firm that specializes in providing solutions for HR systems. They have three main HR software packages: FMLA, Attendance Management System (AMS) and Position Management and Applicant Processing (PMAP).