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Sanderson, the leading UK-owned management software provider, has announced a partnership agreement with Tensor plc for the supply of Smart Card based Time & Attendance and Access Control systems to their customers. The collaboration deal provides enhanced Time & Attendance capabilities for users of Sanderson’s Unity and Formul8 software management systems. The agreement also includes the supply of Tensor’s sub-dermal fingerprint reading biometric equipment and software which is particularly effective in security focused environments, such as the MOD, printing, private document management, food processing, nuclear and defence. Tensor has also included extra software features that help Sanderson’s customers to easily meet the requirements of the EEC Working Time Directive, including keeping track of the number of hours an employee should legally work and ensuring that shift breaks and rest periods are taken within the specified guidelines. Commenting on the partnership, Peter Beer, General Manager, Sanderson, said: A major part of Sanderson’s corporate strategy is to work closely with other software vendors. This enables us to provide customers with additional and innovative functionality by taking advantage of the best technology available. The collaboration between Sanderson and Tensor will provide Sanderson customers with the latest in Employee Attendance recording, which combined with Unity and Formul8’s payroll and other employee related modules provides one of the most complete and accurate human resources support systems around.

Tensor plc were personally awarded their ISO9000:2002 certificate today by Trevor Nash, Managing Director of National Quality Assurance, the 2nd largest UKAS approved assessor in the UK. Said Nigel Smith, Chief Executive of Tensor This qualification is independent recognition of the quality of Tensor and it’s Smart Card and Biometric Time and Attendance and Access Control Products, as he received the certificate on behalf of Tensor. … and what’s more – I am unaware of any of our competitors who, like us, have achieved ISO9000 for their entire organisation he exclaimed. Whilst reviewing Tensor’s computerised administration system, Mr Nash remarked, We were impressed with the way Tensor hold their Quality Manual and Quality Procedures wholly in an electronic form over a computer network. It’s one of the most advanced systems our assessors have seen, as it allows Tensor to instantly get the information they need to run the business. I am sure that one day all companies will follow Tensor’s lead and introduce this type of paperless system he said. For more information on certification or of the National Quality Assurance then please visit their website.

Tensor plc has been awarded the ISO9001:2000 Quality Management qualification by National Quality Assurance the 2nd largest assessor in the country. This is for Tensor’s entire operation of the design, manufacture, installation and servicing of their Smart Card and Biometric Time & Attendance and Access Control products. This qualification is independent recognition of the quality of Tensor and it’s products said Nigel Smith, Chief Executive of Tensor. It adds even more power to our slogan, Tensor – the name you can trust in Time & Attendance and Access Control he said. To find out more about the ISO9001:2000 qualification the please visit the National Quality Assurance website.

As we all know, the UK is the only country in the EEC to have an opt-out for workers who want to work more than 48-hours a week. While UK workers cannot be forced to work more than an average of 48-hours per week (normally calculated over 17-weeks), they can voluntarily enter into an opt-out agreement. This must be in writing and signed by the employee. The �opt-out� is due to finish in December 2003. The EEC will now, Undertake a study (due out October 2003-ish) on how the opt-out is being used in the UK. They will look at – overall usage by UK employers/employees – any abuse of the opt-out – relationship between the opt-out and workplace accidents Consult with the European Parliament and Council seeking their opinions and produce a report of recommendations (due out November 2003). The report is likely to – suggest no amendments to the existing opt-out OR – include legislative proposal amending the opt-out. The TUC are leaning on the Government to end the opt-out and the Government currently say they would like to keep it (but they may not get a choice!). The Government also want to be seen as �good Europeans� and simultaneously cabinet ministers criticise the UK�s �long working hours� culture. Separately, the trade union Amicus have brought an action in the European Court claiming the UK has incorrectly implemented unmeasured and partly unmeasured working time in the Working Time Directive. If successful this will affect white collar workers. Many people think it is only a matter of time before the UK looses it�s opt-out. Either way, employers (both public and private) need to make sure that they can prove the hours worked by employees. In practice this means accurately recording start and finish times and the easiest way to do this – is with a Smart Card.

Tensor has appointed Beyond Leading Biometric Technology Inc. of Shenzhen, China as its new manufacturing, component assembly and technology partner. This appointment will not only allow us to manufacture our sub-assemblies closer to the electronic components source, but also give us an export springboard for Tensor products in South Eastern Asia said Nigel Smith, Chief Executive of Tensor. The two companies will be working closely together utilising Tensors existing Smart Card technology and new sub-dermal fingerprint reading biometric designs with the existing laser-based fingerprint reading systems of Beyond Leading Biometric Technology Inc. It is anticipated that over 2,000 square metres of manufacturing facility will be used by Tensor in Shenzhen. We are very pleased that Tensor have appointed us as their business partner in China, and we look forward to a prosperous long-term relationship with them. , exclaimed Parrich Tan, Executive Director of Beyond Leading Biometric Technology Inc.

After many customer requests Tensor Plc is happy to offer a Free Security Audit. Most companies and organizations, large and small, are reviewing their current security arrangements and many have been surprised how easy it is for strangers to gain access. Tensor has a lifetime of experience in advising the police, security sensitive organizations, airports and airlines, government departments, local authorities, utilities, international companies and many smaller companies on Access Control and the Identification and Monitoring of employees and visitors. During an audit our Security Specialists will: Visit your site, free of charge, to offer advice on physical access control, employee and visitor attendance monitoring. They will listen to your organization’s requirements and how you wish to manage access for employees and members of the public. They will then help you develop a Security Plan that is user-friendly without compromising site security. Offer state-of-the-art Smart Card technology to give you peace of mind control without being obtrusive or a nuisance to your workforce. Essentially, day and night, you will know where people are and when they passed through specific areas. Help you plan the installation of exterior and interior access controlled doors, turnstiles and car park barriers. They will also advise how these should be connected to existing equipment such as fire alarms. If you are interested in free service is available for a limited period only mail us directly at securityaudit@tensor.co.uk

The seaside resort town of Yarmouth had a boost to its economy today with the opening of Tensors� new offices at Haven Bridge House. At a time when Yarmouth sees monthly closures and redundancies, it�s a breath of fresh air when employment �good news� is reported. Both the television networks and local radio were quick to pick up on the story, as were the local papers. Nigel Smith, Chief Executive of Tensor was kept somewhat busy with interviews. The new jobs will be created over the next 24 months as Tensor expands its Customer Support facilities to meet growing demand for Smart Card products. �We are winning a lot of business from the older, less technologically advanced competitors in Time & Attendance and Access Control� said Nigel Smith. �This has caused us to widen our Helpdesk and other support facilities to meet future expansion.� Tensor has invested heavily in the new facility, which boasts 21st century telecommunications and computer systems and runs on the concept of a paperless office. High-speed ADSL digital links automatically update the network file servers between Haven Bridge House and Tensors� headquarters at Hail Weston in Cambridgeshire. The new communications system handles traffic for Voice, Data and Video. As you would expect, they have installed a first class Time & Attendance and Access Control system to augment the other technology within the new building � made by Tensor � who else?