St. Joseph's/Candler Health System Signs Contract With API for Employee Time and Attendance System.

Business Editors/Health, Medical & High-Tech Writers

HARTFORD, Wis.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 7, 2002

Organization Converted to API Because of Superior

Integration and Reporting Functionality

Automating Peripherals Inc. (API) announced today that St. Joseph's/Candler Health System, based in Savannah, Georgia, has gone live with the company's Payrollmation(R) time and attendance system.

Payrollmation automates and simplifies the time and attendance data collection and calculation process, streamlining time card management, improving employee morale, and helping organizations control labor costs.

When St. Joseph's/Candler was notified that its existing time and attendance was going to be sun-setted (discontinued), the Information Systems group decided to open their search to other vendors in the healthcare market. They selected API because of its integration with the organization's clinical information system and because of the system's extensive reporting capabilities.

"We liked API because they developed their own application and do not rely on third-party interfaces. For us, this means a more comprehensive product, knowledgeable staff and better support," said John Adkins, vice president and chief information officer for St. Joseph's/Candler. "We also appreciate the fact that API develops systems specifically for healthcare. Our industry is so complex, it is a benefit that Payrollmation was developed for our unique environment, and not for another industry."

Payrollmation provides organizations with streamlined automation, eliminating the need for manual data entry and cutting numerous manual checks every pay period. By providing critical labor information instantaneously, managers and administrators have the ability to control labor costs proactively. Supervisors can use this powerful management tool to track labor distribution, analyze costs and flag potential staffing problems. Customized reports can be created quickly and effectively to detail any type of payroll data. Reports are electronically routed quickly, putting the right information into the hands of the right people.

Employees are empowered with access to pay information 24/7 and more accountability is taken for their personnel information management, relieving some of the payroll and managerial staff workload. The Payrollmation Series applies pay policies in a fair and consistent manner, helping to improve employee morale. Various input options from badge readers, phones, PCs, and the Internet give employees flexibility when inputting their time.

St. Joseph's/Candler is also planning to implement API's DeductIt(R) module. This module allows employees to swipe their badge at the organization's cafeterias, gift shops and pharmacies to make purchases, which are automatically deducted from their paycheck. Adkins feels this will be a great benefit to employees, and will also relieve the burden of long checkout lines during peak times.

"API products are designed to offer benefits at every level of an organization," said Luis Garcia, president and CEO for API. "From IS to employees to management, St. Joseph's/Candler can expect benefits from API's comprehensive integration with existing systems, ease of use and availability of real-time information."

About St. Joseph's/Candler Health System

St. Joseph's/Candler of Savannah, Georgia, is comprised of St. Joseph's Hospital and Candler Hospital, two of the oldest continuously operating hospitals in the United States. It is the largest healthcare system in southeast Georgia and the only faith-based and locally managed facility in Savannah. Through groundbreaking innovations in such services as cardiology, oncology, digestive diseases, neurosensory disorders, orthopedics, women's and children's services and diabetes, St. Joseph's/Candler sets the standards for healthcare in the region. The system also maintains a strong presence in the community with its 16 physician management facilities, two home healthcare agencies and an extensive managed care network. The organization's Web site address is www.sjchs.org.

About API

API is a leading provider of payroll, human resource, time and attendance, education tracking and access control software for healthcare organizations. Founded in 1982, API has more than 350 installations in the United States, with customers ranging in size from 500 employees to more than 15,000 employees. The company has a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corporation and is a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider. The company's Web site address is www.api-wi.com.