Getting personnel: tools for managing employees - business software: includes notes on a barcode software package and software for building multimedia web sites - Evaluation

Entrepreneur, Sept, 1996 by Cassandra Cavanah

This program could be a life-saver for harried managers with relatively large staffs but may be a little more than a small-business owner needs.

* BOTTOM LINE

If you're ready to get your personnel issues in order, there are plenty of tools available to help you. We've only touched the tip of the iceberg in this column.

Of the three programs reviewed, Jian's EmployeeManualMaker is a must-buy for its treasure-trove of information. Descriptions Now! gives you all the tools needed to create readable and concise job descriptions. And Employee Appraiser is a tool worth considering if performance reviews are a big part of your management responsibilities.

RELATED ARTICLE: Report Card

4: EXCELLENT 2: FAIR 3: GOOD 1: POOR

EmployeeManualMaker 3.0 Jian List Price: $139

Pluses: Integrates with your Macintosh or Windows-based word processor for easy editing

Minuses: Manual file is large and may prove cumbersome to search

EXCELLENT

Descriptions Now! KnowledgePoint List Price: $129

Pluses: Lets you literally write job descriptions in minutes

Minuses: None of note

EXCELLENT

Employee Appraiser 3.0 Austin-Hayne List Price: $129

Pluses: Extremely robust toll that lets you manage and review all aspects of an employee's performance

Minuses: Might be more than a small-business owner needs

EXCELLENT

RELATED ARTICLE: Hot Disks

NEW AND NOTABLE SOFTWARE

* Barcode Anything: If your business involves inventory or shipping and receiving tasks, consider using a bar-coding system for tracking and managing your product. Zebra Technologies' new Barcode Anything suite is an affordable product for small businesses. For $379, you get labeling software, a scanning wand and tracking software in one integrated package. Call (800) 477-5589.

* Macromedia Backstage: Web cruisers continually demand more of the Web sites they visit, and a small multimedia application can go a long way in attracting visitors to your site. The Macromedia Backstage product line is a powerful family of tools for building dynamic multimedia Web sites with discussion groups, Shockwave, Java and other advanced Web technologies. Pick up a copy on Macromedia's Web site at www.macromedia.com. Prices start at $79 for Backstage Designer.