Implementation of ERPNext HR & Payroll Solution with CAMSUnit Biometric Device

This implementation was done for Enrich Clothing Inc Bangalore which is an apparel manufacturer with multiple branches and manufacturing facilities.

ERPNext Modules of Accounts, Purchase, Sales, Manufacturing etc were implemented initially. So it was logical to take steps to automate Payroll and HR functions

First we did a comprehensive mapping of all features required by the client against what was available out of the box.

Important Needs were

1. Integrated Processing of Biometric based attendance with the ERP functions
2. Real Time view of Attendance to check employee IN/OUT behaviou
3. Daily versus Piece work basis(work done) Wage calculations
4. Maintain a proper Master record of all employees
5. Advance and Leave Management
6. Timesheet Entry for White Collar Workers
7. Face and Finger Scan as Biometric
8. Ability to correct attendance before processing Payroll
9. Employee Onboarding/Review/Performance Monitoring
10. Employee Lifecycle Management
11. Compliance Reports
12. Multiple Branch Monitoring and processing

Upon mapping we found the following minor custom needs which had to be undertaken. Our main focus was to however keep custom changes as minimal as possible

1. Integration of Biometric device with HR/Payroll
2. Salary Slip Format
3. Piece work basis processing of attendance
4. Compliance reports (as per state labour laws needs)

We analysed multiple solutions which are available in the market which have good biometric capabilities.

Some of them are Pagarbook, TrueMe, ADP, eSSL, FRSLABS, Spectra, CAMUnit.

Almost all of these solutions provided Biometric with Face scan. But for some reason only few had capabilities to Face scan using mobile applications. With advance technology its very prudent that low cost mobile face scan technology is available.

Most of these solutions were available at Pay per use per employee in payroll or attendance, quoted in the range of Rs 40–200 rs per month. This recurring cost could go high in case you have a large number of employees especially for Factory settings. Initial cost in some cases were quite high.

Interestingly the Pay per use solutions did not have much to offer with one time cost and minimal recurring cost.

We finalised on CAMSunit as a solution where we had to purchase Biometric Machines upfront and affordable setup and API fees

Many of the above solutions do not provide just Biometric function. These solutions have full fledged Payroll solutions as well.

We wanted to use ERPNext as single source of System so just needed biometric with integration,

If ERPNext HR Mobile application is upgraded to have a face scan capability then we may not require a biometric device and integration.

Lessons from this implementation

1. ERPNext HR/Payroll Solution is quite comprehensive in its feature set.
2. Quick customisation are possible without much resource needs
3. UI/UX enable for better User experience
4. Users have a seamless experience
5. Better reporting and Insights capabilities

For a growing small and medium enterprise this solution will work wonders since its reliable and lower initial as well as recurring cost.

Feedback/Questions/Comments are welcome