Cortel Business Solutions Optimizes CheckPoint HR to Automate Payroll and Benefits Administration, and Deliver Employee Self-Service Portal

Edison, NJ (December 5, 2006) – CheckPoint HR, LLC, provider of a Web-based platform to automate all aspects of human resources, payroll and benefits operations, today announced that Cortel Business Solutions continues to achieve time and cost efficiencies in utilizing its on-demand HR platform. Since 2002, the New York City-based communications company has leveraged CheckPoint HR’s Web-Based Human Resource Management System (HRMS) to automate payroll services and benefits administration as well as deploy a centralized portal for employee self-service. CheckPoint HR’s 24/7 on-demand, Web-based platform automates all aspects of the HR lifecycle, ranging from recruiting, background checks, and benefits outsourcing to employee self-service and training.

“We ran our first payroll in June 2002 and launched the employee self-service portal a few months thereafter,” explained Dianne Avoletta, Cortel’s Vice President of Administration. “CheckPoint HR is an integrated extension of our business and we utilize it in so many ways to automate most aspects of human resources.”

Supporting 77 employees including field service technicians, customer service agents, and sales and operations personnel, Cortel utilizes CheckPoint HR to proactively manage its human resources operations, including payroll, benefits administration, training and employee self-service.

Prior to CheckPoint HR, Mrs. Avoletta used a DOS-based payroll software solution that her company was quickly outgrowing. “We needed the capability to have better visibility into our payroll processing as well as the flexibility to make changes easily. CheckPoint HR also provides us with bulletins on tax code changes and compliance deadlines so we can stay in front of these important issues that can impact our business.”

Linking its time and attendance system used by field technicians to CheckPoint HR’s platform, Cortel has reduced payroll processing and improved data accuracy. The company also integrated its sales commissions application, as well as its medical and dental benefits into the system, eliminating many paper-based processes.

“We are heading toward a paperless HR environment,” explained Mrs. Avoletta. “With CheckPoint HR, we are at least 50 percent paperless and will continue to eliminate additional processes through the use of the Web-based portal.”

Through CheckPoint HR’s role-based security feature, employees can login and access their personnel file, which includes viewing paid time off (PTO), payroll history, direct deposit information, merit increases, W-2s and their annual reviews. Employees can also change certain personal information, such as address, bank accounts related to direct deposit, etc. Cortel utilizes the system as an important communications channel incorporating company news and bulletins, broadcasting important events, providing updates on benefits programs, special meetings, technical training and even acknowledgements related to birthdays, weddings, and birth announcements.

Additionally, CheckPoint HR offers a broad range of online training programs for Microsoft applications as well as Employee Assistance Programs which includes online resources and direct phone access to trained counselors to address personal and family issues.

Cortel also tracks and maintains inventory of all corporate assets used by field technicians within the system including laptops, service vehicles, cellular phones, E-ZPass tags, and gas cards.

Looking to the future, Mrs. Avoletta is working with CheckPoint HR to create general ledger codes that can be integrated between the payroll application and its accounting system, which will save processing time and improve data accuracy.

About Cortel
Cortel is a full-service communications company providing a range of telephone, data, network, structured cabling, fiber-optic, wireless, backup and home automation solutions. Serving more than 1,200 organizations throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, Cortel clients include Baruch College, Steiner Studios, Long Island College Hospital, Staten Island University Hospital, Monroe College, and North American Airlines. For more information, visit www.cortel.com.

About CheckPoint HR
Since 2001, CheckPoint HR, based in Edison, New Jersey, has helped small- to mid-size organizations automate all aspects of their human resource operations. As a leading Administrative Service Organization (ASO), CheckPoint HR’s innovative Web-based Human Resource Management System (HRMS) technology platform offers an affordable, comprehensive solution to manage payroll and benefits administration, as well as other business-critical human resources processes. This human resources outsourcing (HRO) service allows small- mid-market organizations to deliver world-class services to its employees, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiencies. Clients include such names as The American Stock Exchange (AMEX), The Applied Companies, Starwood Capital, Flemington Family of Dealerships, LaBranche Financial Services, and Quintum Technologies. Further completing its HR management solutions, CheckPoint HR boasts one of the largest insurance agencies in the Northeast through The Wilshire Group, its wholly owned subsidiary that offers its customers benefits procurement backed by a sales team of licensed insurance brokers. For more information, visit www.checkpointhr.com or call 800.385.0331.

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Copyright © 2006 CheckPoint HR, LLC. All rights reserved.

Industry keywords: Human Resources, HR Outsourcing, Payroll Services, HRIS, HRMS, Administrative Service Organization (ASO), Benefits Administration