Message from the President
CEO Tom Malone talks about the many exciting changes going on and recaps what was learned during recent executive visits with customers. Read more…
Accero Software Celebrates 35 Years
Founded on March 21, 1974 as Cyborg Systems, Inc., hits this unique milestone this year…35 years! Today Accero remains a market leader in providing affordable, comprehensive and configurable payroll and HR solutions. Read more…
How to Maximize Your Software during the Recession
Now more than ever it’s important to squeeze more value out of your Accero technology investment. We’ll show you how. Read more...
Top Ten Reasons to Upgrade NOW to Fast Forward
With a nod to David Letterman, we’ve created our own Top Ten list of why you should upgrade now to our new web-based user interface, Fast Forward. Read more…
Conversations: Linda Zavatsky Answers Your Training Questions
A true Renaissance employee who wears several hats, Linda puts on her training cap and talks about Accero Accademy. Read more…
Compliance/Legislative Update by Cindy Greenberg
Accero’s resident Regulatory Compliance expert, Cindy Greenberg, summarizes current legal changes and what it means to you. Read more…
Spotlight on Success: Wayne RESA Computer Consortium
Find out what happened when RESA Computer Consortium, part of the largest regional education service agency in Michigan and one of the largest in the nation, outgrew its homegrown solution. Read more…
Tips and Tricks
Our technical team shares some of their favorite product tips and tricks in this new regular feature. Find out more…
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Here at Accero it’s been a very busy and fulfilling first quarter, resulting in many exciting changes. We continued decoupling ourselves from Hewitt Associates by moving to new headquarters just outside of Portland, Oregon, and also by moving our Chicago team to new office space in the Sears Tower. We’ve hired sales reps and we’ve begun active marketing of the Accero products again. We worked feverishly to roll out version 6.0, our most ambitious, exciting software release in ten years! And we proudly introduced a new, streamlined optional browser-based user interface code named “Fast Forward.”
Simply put, we made a huge number of changes over a short period of time. But I believe the most rewarding change of all has been visiting customers.
In 28 days, Accero company executives visited 107 customer sites. Visiting with you has been an invaluable learning experience for us and the most fun that I’ve had since I started with Accero/Cyborg. We found out, for example, that you think that our payroll system is very reliable, scalable and stable. We’ve also been excited to hear that virtually every customer that sees Fast Forward believes that it is the biggest step by the Cyborg platform in 20 years. During our visits, we picked up some worthy, even fantastic, ideas for enhancements to our HR system. And we also heard a few of you express a need for a more active Accero presence at a regional level—so stay tuned for regional activities in your area.
On March 21, 2009 we celebrated our 35th anniversary in business. Obviously, we wouldn’t be here today without you, our loyal customers. On behalf of all of Accero, I wish to thank you for the last 35 years. We look forward to sharing many more years with you.
Happy 35th Anniversary, Accero Software!
Company plans to celebrate with an ambitious year full of innovative product releases and customer retention initiatives
In 1974, The Sting and The Exorcist were two of Hollywood’s most popular films. Work had just started on the Alaska Pipeline. And people were buying a new product called the “pocket calculator.” Also in 1974 but less known at the time, a new company, Cyborg Systems, Inc., was established to provide affordable, comprehensive payroll and HR software solutions to businesses.
Fast forward thirty five years and we are still around, still providing software to some of the same initial clients as well as many, many newer ones. How many software companies founded in 1974 can make that claim?
Today Accero is more focused than ever on customer success and satisfaction. Responding to key enhancement requests from our many loyal customers, we recently rolled out Version 6.0, a huge software upgrade that included more than 50 product enhancements, including better reporting options, Microsoft Excel integration and improved usability. “We’ve been serving clients since before Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, before Sony introduced the Walkman, and before the arrival of Visicalc,” said Tom Malone, Accero CEO. “The combination of our unrivaled years of experience, flexible solutions, blue chip client base and major ongoing product investment positions us—and our clients—for continued success.”
Thank you for making it possible for us to celebrate more than three decades in business! And, here’s to three more!
How to Maximize Your Accero Investment during the Recession
According to the folks who determine such things, the National Bureau of Economic Research, the U.S. has been in a recession since December 2007. That means we’re already a year and change into the downturn. As a result, companies no longer have any wiggle room and must be fearless in protecting their bottom line. One way to do this is to hunker down and squeeze more value out of current technology investments.
Here are three areas where Accero can help you weather the recession, stay compliant and protect your bottom line:
- System 6.0 Audits
You wouldn’t drive your car for 10 years without changing the oil or tuning it up. So, doesn’t your Accero/Cyborg system deserve the same treatment? When is the last time that you invited an Accero/Cyborg “mechanic” to look under the hood? Upgrading to Accero version 6.0 can help your company in its day-to-day payroll and HR processing. For example, improvements to the database structure can make your processing more efficient, perhaps even shaving cost from your bottom line. To understand where and how you can save with version 6.0, consider scheduling an audit with our Professional Services Team. These business-savvy consultants can find ways to streamline your use of the software and, as a result, save you both time and money. - Training
Did you know when we audit a client’s use of our software, we often find that it is being underutilized? The best way to ensure you’re maximizing usage is to take a class or attend a webinar. Our solutions have been market-tested over three decades and include a lot of features you might not be aware of but which you could use or might even need. Through Accero Accademy, we offer a full curriculum of practical and affordable classes and webinars, for both entry-level and advanced users, that show you how to get the most out of the software you’re using. If you have questions about webinars or training sessions, log in to our Resource Center and click the Learning tab. Or, send an email to learning.services@accero.com. - Stimulus Package
We have updated our software, including payroll table rate tables, to include changes required by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (aka 2009 stimulus package). The software updates will help minimize the processing and reporting impact of the stimulus package, and enable you to remain in compliance. To retrieve up-to-date information on the stimulus package that pertains to payroll and HR, as well as current regulatory information, log in to your Customer Portal account. And remember to check the portal regularly for the latest information.
GET READY FOR THIS YEAR’S CYBORG USERS ASSOCIATION MEETING!
By Doug Holland, North American Cyborg Users Association President
As you know, the annual CUA conference provides a uniquely concentrated learning environment and is a great way to maximize your current investment in Accero products and services .
We are pleased to announce the 2009 North American Cyborg Users Association Conference will be held in the Historic City of San Antonio, Texas from October 18 through 21at the beautiful Hotel Contessa right on the famed Riverwalk.
Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio is home to the Alamo, the mission site of the Battle during the Texas War for Independence. At the heart of a multi-cultural crossroads, blending the Old West with the Old and New Worlds, San Antonio should provide a wonderful backdrop for this year’s conference.
The CUA board & Accero have worked together to assemble one of the most robust and value-rich agendas in recent CUA conference history. This year, more than ever, we realize it’s critical that you see value from your time spent at the conference so that you can get EVEN MORE out of your Accero products when you return home. And we plan to DELIVER! It should be a great event--we hope to see you all THERE!
If you aren’t currently a member of the CUA, either go to http://www.cyborgusers.org today to learn more, or call the CUA office at 312.604.5015 or email us at cuahq@cyborgusers.org.
Top Ten Reasons to Upgrade NOW to Fast Forward
- Easy access to over 400 predefined reports!
- Browser-based means it’s easy to deploy and use.
- You’ll know instantly if data is missing from an Employee Profile.
- Building employee lists is a cinch!
- Reporting format options galore—PDF, CSV, TXT… you choose!
- Quicker and easier form, workflow and report selection.
- Better analytics—via 1-click Microsoft Excel integration.
- No more reaching for the mouse to select data from an option list.
- So intuitive it reduces training costs and burden.
- Act NOW and SAVE: introductory pricing is good for a short time only!
We are excited to offer you new upgrade services that will unlock all the exciting and powerful features of “Fast Forward”. You’re in control and can choose how you want to successfully upgrade:
- We do your upgrade using our implementation process.
- We help you. You do the technical portion and we do the Pre-Upgrade Audit and technical analysis components and give the results to you.
- You do your own upgrade. If you have the expertise on staff to perform the upgrade steps yourself, we can provide you with Accero’s Upgrade Management Kit (UMK).
- You can attend our ‘Upgrade Workshop’ and receive in-depth training prior to starting your upgrade. Contact your Account Executive to initiate the process of reserving Accero resources or attending our ‘Upgrade Workshop’.
CONVERSATIONS: Linda Zavatsky Answers Your Training Questions
What is your role at Accero?
I play multiple roles. I coordinate and develop customer and internal training, I also do work as a sales engineer and I do some senior consulting work. I’ve been with the company for 11 years, back when it was Cyborg, through its Hewitt ownership, and now as Accero.
What training services does Accero provide?
We offer training classes over the Web, short training videos and what we call “one-stop doc.” The one-stop doc enables a user to work through the training content on their own, including step-by-step directions and practical exercises. We accomplish all of this through what we call “Accero Accademy,” (yes – the extra C is there on purpose)our training and education department.
What kind of training class does Accero Accademy offer and how much does it cost?
We offer classes in the Accero full suite of products. Our education program includes focused training in each of the disciplines as well as the technical aspects of owning and operating the Accero systems. Although the cost of a typical class might vary slightly, generally speaking our Web classes are priced at around $1000 per participant. Obviously, current topics focus on what’s new in version 6.0, the new Fast Forward interface and our response to the stimulus package. Future plans include offering more video training as well as some exciting new classes. So stay tuned.
What benefits can a client expect to receive from Accero training?
Training gives users the knowledge that they need to feel confident in their use of the system. From beginning users to the experienced ones, we have a class to meet their needs and expand their understanding and use of the system. Over and over again, we find organizations that have not fully implemented all of the functionality that would be of benefit to them. Training is the best way to get started in truly leveraging the system and to maximize your technology investment.
Where do clients go to register for classes or find out more?
All of the training classes are listed in the Resource Center. Registration is just a click away. In addition, short training videos are now available on the Resource Center under “Videos”.
Compliance/Legislative Update
By Cindy Greenberg
The items below briefly describe recent regulatory updates. Where appropriate, bulletins and updates may be available for downloading at the Accero Resource Center.
- COBRA model notices available from the DOL
On March 19th, the Department of Labor (DOL) published model notices for employers and health plan administrators to assist in notifying certain employees, spouses and dependents about the COBRA premium assistance subsidy and extended election rights to health care coverage under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Copies of the notices are available at the DOL Web site at: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRAmodelnotice.html
- Minimum Wage
On May 25, 2007, President Bush signed legislation that amended the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by increasing the federal minimum wage rate. Effective July 24, 2009, the third and final increase will raise the minimum wage rate to $7.25 per hour. Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher minimum wage. In addition to noting the wage increase, employers should ensure that they are properly displaying a copy of their state’s current minimum wage poster in a conspicuous location in the workplace that notes the wage increase.
Information for the FLSA and other DOL compliance material may be found on the DOL Web site at: http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm
- California Withholding
The 2009 California budget bill signed on February 20, 2009 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger contains provisions that increases the state income tax rates and reduces the dependent tax credit retroactively to January 1, 2009. The revised income tax withholding tables will be developed by the California Franchise Tax Board, upon the finalization of the tax rate schedule
The Budget is available on the California Budget Web site at: http://www.dof.ca.gov/budget/
- Illinois Withholding
In Governor Pat Quinn’s FY 2010 budget proposal for tax reform, the Illinois personal income tax rate would increase by 1.5 percent to 4.5 percent and the personal exemption would triple from $2,000 to $6,000.
For details on the proposal, including a compare tax calculator, visit: http://budget.illinois.gov/
- Michigan Unemployment
Under the ARRA, states are granted a two-year waiver from having to pay the interest owed on money borrowed to fund unemployment benefits for workers. Lawmakers in Michigan amended the law requiring a “solvency tax” to take advantage of the waiver. If Michigan fails to pay back its federal loans by 2010, employers with negative balances in their unemployment tax accounts may see the additional tax rate in 2011.
The public act (HB 4239), is located on the department’s Web site at http://www.legislature.mi.gov
- Canada Withholding
Canada also had an unexpected change to their payroll withholding (increase to thresholds and basic personal amounts decreases withholding). In the Budget 2009 announced on January 27, 2009, the income thresholds and basic personal amounts were retroactively increased to January 1, 2009 (effective April 1).
Tables on Diskette (TOD) and the on-line calculator are updated to include the April 1 change and available at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tod-tsd/menu-eng.html
- Canada Record of Employment
On March 15, 2009, the Government of Canada changed the Employment Insurance (EI) Regulations that affect Records of Employment (ROEs) submitted electronically, such as ROE Web. The changes will allow employers to issue an electronic ROE no later than 5 (five) days after the end of the pay period during which the first day of the employee’s interruption of earnings falls.
Additional information on the ROE changes or how to register for ROE Web can be found at: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/roeweb
The Company: Wayne RESA Computer Consortium; Wayne, Michigan
The Industry: Education Services
The Challenge: Keeping abreast of new and best practices, up-to-the minute federal and state mandates and cutting edge technology, Wayne RESA supports 21st century learning for today’s students and teachers. Wayne RESA Computer Consortium, part of the largest regional educational service agency in Michigan and among the largest in the nation, supports the Payroll, HR and Benefits Management processing needs of 57 distinct school districts throughout the state. The diverse agency eventually outgrew its homegrown solution.
The Solution: In 1998 Wayne RESA found what it was looking for in Accero Software, known at the time as Cyborg. Today, the agency serves approximately 150 Accero end-users, across all client districts. The agency runs Accero version 5.1.3 on an IBM z/OS mainframe, with a Microsoft SQL 2005 database backend and a custom front-end. Interfaces to various applications, such as Kronos and TimeClock Plus, help fill out the solution.
The Results: With a small staff, they continue to support the bi-weekly payroll processing and on-going HR processing and Benefits Management needs for more than 37,000 employees across multiple school districts.
Client Comments: “Because our Accero modules run so smoothly, our district clients only call us if there’s staff turnover and they need additional training or they face a scenario they haven’t experienced before. With very limited resources, we’re able to support a large and diverse client base.” -- Kathy Jones, Director Computer Services, Wayne RESA.
Are you a Success Story? If so, we’d like to feature you in an upcoming newsletter. Please email us at customersuccess@accero.com.
We asked our in-house experts to share some of their favorite product tips and tricks. They came back with a pretty hefty list but here are just a few for starters……Stay tuned to future issues for more from the Accero team.
HOW TO CORRECT A SALARY/RATE SCREEN (40-SCR) ERROR
If a mistake is made on the 40-SCR but the effective date, incumbency (if appl.) and Type of Change is correct, there are two ways to fix the mistake:
- Delete the data on the screen and re-enter correctly, or
- On the incorrect 40-SCR, enter 0 (zero) in the Percent Change field and hit enter/save (this will clear all salary/rate values). Then, enter the correct hours and/or rate and/or salary information in the usual fields.
The advantage to the second approach is you don’t have to re-enter data in the top half of the screen. You simply re-enter the hours and rate data. NOTE: if you make a mistake on the effective data, incumbency or Type of Change fields, you will need to delete the 40-SCR data, since it is part of the key to the row, and re-enter the item from scratch.
HOW TO MASS UPDATE HEDS FOR EMPLOYEES
HHMSCR is a valuable tool to mass update HEDs for employees. In particular, using employee # "ALL" or "ON FILE" will enable you to perform a mass update without requiring you to enter every EE number. It is important to remember to use "ON FILE" when you only wish to affect EEs who have the HED currently. Only the changed fields need to be entered, not all fields. You can only update a single HED at a time with the "ALL" or "ON FILE" options.
WARNINGS: a) For Frequency code, this can be dangerous to use via HHMSCR since anyone who had the HED turned off (code "00") will have it re-activated if any other value is used. Be sure to get a list via WRITER or Impromtu of those who were already inactive before running the mass update; this list will make it easier for you to manually change EEs back to inactive after HHMSCR. b) Use of "ALL" should be rare because all EEs will be changed by the mass update, whether the HED already exists or not and regardless of EE type.
HOW TO REPOSITION SCREEN DISPLAY WHEN ROLLING THROUGH HEDS AND TAXES
When using multiple screens that roll through a number of rows for the company or EE, such as A8ISCR, HHISCR, HT-SCR, or JT-SCR, you can return to the beginning at any time by entering code "F" in the Code-2 position via Control-O. Code 2 is the second position of Codes 1-2 box in Control-O.
A second feature of these screens is the capability to start or go back to a particular point, such as an HED number or a Tax ID. Again using Contrl-O, enter in the Additional Key a 1-character segment code followed by the HED or Tax ID:
- For A8ISCR, this is segment code B (e.g., B100)
- For EE HED screens, this is segment code H (e.g., H500)
- For EE Tax screens, this is segment code J (e.g., J2NY)
A partial value can also be provided such as B1 to start at A8 100, H75 to start at HED 750 or higher and J3 to start at the first type 3 Tax ID.
EASY CHANGE TO AUDIT TRAIL AND COMBINED REGISTER TO IDENTIFY YEAR END REPORTS
To identify whether a pay report is for current production or year end, ask your I.T. staff to modify report generators Audit Trail (0101) and Combined Register (2222) with the lines below (or similar) via P9CNVT pull. Then ask them to load the changed program into your year end P20IN file where generators are stored:
RPT01
** R.RPT01
R2010222061* Y E A R E N D *
999999
RPT22
** R.SRT22
999999
** R.RPT22
R2220222054*Y E A R E N D*
999999
OPTION TO RECAP SELECTIVE AUDIT TRAIL WARNING MESSAGES AT THE TOP LIKE REJECTS
As delivered, all REJECT messages are recapped at the beginning of the Payroll Audit Trail (0101). You can selectively have any other warning or informational messages recapped as well. To do this, I.T. must change the appropriate message in either RPT0A or RPT0P generator table by substituting the dash after WARNING to a colon (:), and then reload the generators with these changes wherever your active generators reside.
Top candidates for this message change include:
- WARNING-ADJUSTMENT OUT OF BALANCE
- WARNING-TWO KC TRANSACTIONS
- WARNING-INACTIVE EMP. TIME CARD
- WARNING-THIS TIME CARD BYPASSED
- WARNING-OVERTIME FOR EXEMPT EMPLOY