TEMs Support Remote Workers During Critical Monthend Timelines

Based on labor data, Tech Republic estimates that just 29% of workers can do their jobs remotely. Many of those who do work from home face slower connections and may not have access to enterprise-level systems, such as Telecom Expense Management Systems. As of the time this article was written, the COVID-19 death toll has reached 3.4%, according to the World Health Organization.

Employers are struggling to expand their work-from-home policies to include as many employees as possible. It may be a good time for company leaders to invest in automated solutions that make this process go more smoothly.

This article looks more closely at the challenges of working at home during the pandemic and discusses the benefits of working with reliable ERP systems during critical month-end timelines.

Things to Consider for Expanded Work at Home Policies

The following considerations can help employers expanded their work from home options without compromising security and privacy.

Making the Decision

The following steps can guide employers deciding whether to implement work from home policies:

• Review existing resources and client agreements to decide wither remote work is feasible.

• Have a plan in place for communications, resources and expense reimbursement

• Review insurance policies such as employee benefits and workers’ compensation to weigh your liability and obligations

• Stay flexible and open to out-of-the-box solutions

Confirm that Your IT Infrastructure Can Handle Remote Work

Start by addressing the equipment and systems needed by remote employees not prepared to work from home.

• Beef up help desk capacity to support remote workers

Communicate Clearly and Often

Company leaders must keep critical lines of communication open for employees. Examine existing policies and be prepared to implement new ones. Business continuity, cybersecurity and bring your own device (BYOD) policies must be clear to make remote work as secure and productive as possible.

Keep the following tips in mind when establishing communication practices:

• Keep managers on the same page to ensure consistent policy applications

• Provide clear instructions for system access

• Distribute tips for a safe “workspace”

• Be understanding and solution-oriented

Ensure Data Security

Work from home policies should be consistent with your organization’s written IT security program. This ensures the safe access, storage and dissemination of confidential business data.

Some key safeguards you may wish to implement include:

• Require VPN access only for a secure connection

• Implement two-factor authentication

• Provide secure laptops to employees

Communicate critical reminders regarding the handling of confidential information, including

• Types of business and personal information that should be protected

• Minimum necessary rule, which states employees should use the minimum information necessary to complete their tasks

• Being aware of email phishing attacks, particularly those using the Coronavirus as bait

• Saving company data only on secure networks, not unsecured personal devices

• Avoid printing sensitive materials at home or sending them via personal email

Obtain Signed Employee Agreement for Remote Work Policies

Consider including these items in the agreement:

• Requirement to complete work as assigned

• Expectation of availability during business hours

• Confirmation of understanding of the company’s security, privacy and confidentiality policies

• Expectation of safe conditions and habits while working at home

• Work time should be recorded

Choosing Reliable ERP Tools Including Automated TEMS

Working from home is much simpler if your company already has reliable Enterprise Resource Planning tools. Valicom software developers have built the Clearview TEM software to address telecom expense management tasks. The platform receives continuous enhancements as a response to customer requests. Clearview offers SOC II certification credentials to meet clients’ security needs.

Here are the top reasons to make Clearview part of your remote work strategy:

• Scalable: Permission-based access for users

• Integrated: Manage wirelines, mobile assets, servers and data from the same place.

• Web-Based: Easy-access platform is easy to deploy.

• Features: Inventory management, invoice payment and auditing, reporting and cost allocation.

• Clearview integrates with accounts payable systems for easy bill management.

How Does This Shorten the Month-end Timeline?

When it comes to validating and analyzing telecom expenses, there’s a lot of information and dense reporting to comb through for many companies. This makes remote work more challenging for telecom expense analysts responsible for signing off on month-end expenses.

Telecom Expense Management Systems automate expenses coming from different source systems and provide reports that alert stakeholders of variances and trends. Having key data points available at the click of a button certainly streamlines month-end processes for remote employees in these uncertain times.

Contact Valicom today for more information on how our Clearview solutions can help your company clear the books faster during month-end.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JEFF POIRIOR

Jeff brings 25 years of telecommunications and information technology management experience in voice and data networking, server support, and telephony and security; with a significant emphasis on customer service. Prior to joining Valicom, he was chief of the infrastructure support section for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Jeff was the vice president of operations for CC&N, overseeing telecommunications, help desk, data and desk side support services. Prior to that, he served as the associate director of technical resources for Covance, responsible for managing systems and network operations supporting 1700 users in Wisconsin and Virginia. He has also led data center operations at Magnetek Electric, supporting mainframe systems, client/server applications, telephony systems, and computer-aided design. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cardinal Stritch University and a master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix. In addition, Jeff is a past board member of the Wisconsin Telecommunication Association.