Keeping track of employee milestones in incentive or recognition program is a must. Thanks to the addition of a new Service Anniversary Module to its Aspire software, Altour Incentive Management is simplifying the process for organizations big and small. The Mesa, Arizona based, enterprise-wide incentive management technology and solutions company, recently rolled out the new application as an optional addon to any .Net Aspire program or as a stand alone solution.

"Unlike traditional incentive companies, Altour is first and foremost a technology company. The Aspire software allows HR managers and others to implement technology that gives them administrative efficiencies through an online headquarters for recognition," says Cheryl Nuttall, founder and executive vice president of business of Altour Incentive Management.

Program administrators will appreciate the many user-friendly features of the Service Anniversary Module, including the ability to interface directly with Outlook to create an appointment on an employee's anniversary date within a supervisor's calendar; automatic award issuance based on demographic data and client preferences; option to create customized messages for each event; and a comprehensive choice of award options.

Functionality and flexibility are key components of the Aspire software suite. "The software allows organizations to have great flexibility in integrating different reward options. For example, for enterprise global implementation, there are different needs depending on the regions that your employees may reside in. Instead of a one shoe fits all approach, we mix and match reward options to include non-monetary awards, extra vacation days, parking space and more. An organization can change the award options without changing the technology."

According to Nuttall, plans are in the works to enhance Aspire even more in 2009, with migration to more mobile technology capabilities, such as someone being able to nominate and recognize and employee from an iPhone, among other functions.

Source:  Manage Smarter PDF 11/12/08, in association with Nielsen Business Media, Inc.

Altour Incentive Management (AIM) has announced that it will be releasing pre-packaged, pre-tested products that combine some of the top features of its Aspire software in order to meet the needs of changing demands from consumers. The Mesa, Ariz.-based AIM has been in business for 12 years, offering software aimed at simplifying and streamlining corporate incentive programs, including sales and recognition initiatives.

This new line of products is targeted at "mid-tier" companies that are just looking to run the basic functions of an incentive program on the platform, are perhaps just starting a formal incentive program or embracing an automated recognition program after running a manual one in the past. Rosemarie Christofolo, president of AIM, says that their goal is to give customers who might not be interested in all the "bells and whistles" of an expansive incentive platform something simple, affordable and user-friendly to run their program. Instead of a customized program for their specific wants, many companies were more interested in something straightforward to get them started.

"After ten years in the industry, what we started to hear more was, 'you're the expert, tell us what will meet most of our needs,'" says Christofolo, explaining that the features these packages come with cover 80 percent of the functions customers regularly request (additional bells or whistles can be added at the client's request).

AIM currently is offering three Aspire software bundles: a standard and premium employee recognition program, as well as a sales incentive program. Customers purchasing one of these can add additional custom features as they choose.

As AIM sees a demand for scaled-down incentive programs, Christofolo says there are still plenty of companies looking for the full tailor-made package. "There is still a category of clients that are global companies, want it done exactly their way and are willing to pay for it," says Christofolo. "But for a number of them, this mid-tier solution really does the trick."

Source: Manage Smarter, in association with Nielsen Business Media, Inc.