Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using AretéStaff^TM software?

• AretéStaff^TM processes data in the same manner your agency processes client and employee data.  AretéStaff^TM provides order entry, assigning, confirming, timesheet approval, payroll/invoice processing and exporting of data to accounting.

What about customer support?

• You may purchase a maintenance agreement from Areté Staffing Institute, Inc.  We cannot stress enough the importance of having a maintenance agreement in place.  This agreement entitles you to:
   
  1. Unlimited customer support during normal business hours.  Any questions or problems are handled immediately by our staff.  You have the comfort of knowing that you will never be without the help you need, when you need it.
  2. Free program upgrades.  As we continually improve AretéStaff^TM, upgrades will be offered to our clients who have a maintenance agreement in place at absolutely no cost.

What do upgrades consist of?

• Upgrades are changes to the software and additional components that will be added to improve AretéStaff^TM on an ongoing basis.  These are not modules.  Modules are add-ons that can be purchased separately.  As we get feedback from our clients about AretéStaff^TM, we use these suggestions to add features that make the system easier to use and more productive.  Each upgrade is free to you if you have a maintenance contract in place at the time the upgrade is released.

What about training?

• Your licensed copy of AretéStaff^TM comes with initial training of core personnel.  This training is provided over the Internet.  We do also offer on-site training at your agency should you request it.  Contact us for the price of this service.

Do you offer custom design work?

• Yes.  Normally, additional components to AretéStaff^TM will be addressed through upgrades.  However, if we haven't had enough requests for a specific addition, or if you need a component added in a timelier manner, we would be happy to custom design a component to fit your needs.  We will quote you a final price before work begins.

We have many years of data in another system.  How can we move it into AretéStaff^TM?

• We will analyze your existing data and convert it into AretéStaff^TM.  Data migration is not included in the purchase price of AretéStaff^TM.  It may not be possible to convert ALL of your data into AretéStaff^TM.  Someone from your assigned AretéStaff^TM implementation team will work with you on the details.

We receive candidate resumes over the Internet.  Can AretéStaff^TM help us process them?

• AretéStaffNet^TM provides an online application, including most components in a resume.  This feature is available to anyone browsing your version of the AretéStaffNet^TM web site.

What is the network infrastructure required for running AretéStaff^TM?

• A local area network running the TCP/IP protocol with Windows Server.  Please refer to our Network Diagrams for a more detailed explanation.

I would like to restrict access and/or editing of data by specific users.  Can AretéStaff^TM handle this?

• AretéStaff^TM provides complete information privacy by module, tab, menu or field.  Data restriction can be controlled by group or individual user.  You decide what a user may access and modify.

AretéStaff^TM looks like a pretty sophisticated program.  How long will it take to teach my staff how to use it?

• Training is available to your office staff.  We can provide you with details of the Training outline best suited for you and your needs.

What do you need from me to create a proposal?

• You do not need to prepare anything before asking for the proposal - we ourselves will ask you some questions to determine what is needed from you to create that proposal.  Access to you and your project team members for answering questions is essential.

Is there a demonstration version of AretéStaff^TM and it's modules available?

• Yes!  You may contact us for a free, no obligation demonstration from us by calling 800-636-2342.  Or, if you prefer, you can email or fax your request.  Please include the name of your company, your address, phone number and the name of the contact person who will be reviewing this program.

What accounting programs does AretéStaff^TM interface with?

• AretéStaff^TM interfaces to MAS90, Great Plains, ADP and Microsoft Navision.  We also have customized interfaces to our existing client's accounting software.  Please discuss your accounting interface needs with your Areté Staffing Institute, Inc. team member.

What are the system requirements for running AretéStaff^TM?

• Please refer to our Network Diagrams for a detailed pictorial explanation.

What experience has Areté Staffing Institute, Inc. had with home health care?

• We have designed software programs and performed accounting services for home health care agencies for the past seven years.  The President of Areté Staffing Institute, Inc., also served as Vice-President of a home health agency for four years.

What is Areté?

• Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition 1999 defines Areté as “excellence…especially, in the full realization of potential or inherent function of a person or thing. We at Areté Staffing Institute, Inc. strive continually for excellence in the software programs we develop while helping your agency to achieve excellence.

How many users can I have in AretéStaff^TM?

• You can have as many users in AretéStaff^TM as you like. Simultaneous access to the program is unlimited. Licensing is issued by key access granted by your Areté Staffing Institute, Inc. team member for each site (company/branch).

What is AretéStaff^TM?

• AretéStaff^TM is the core software program developed by Areté Staffing Institute, Inc. This program is a basic supplemental staffing application that provides the tools to efficiently and effectively fill client orders with qualified staff.

What is AretéStaffNet^TM?

• AretéStaffNet^TM is an optional web-based application designed to connect in real time with your AretéStaff^TM database following clients and employees to view and communicate schedule changes. Data transfers back and forth between AretéStaffNet^TM and the AretéStaff^TM database. In addition, emails transmit messages from the web users to the database users.

What is AretéTravel™?

• AretéTravel™ is an optional module to AretéStaff^TM. It captures the data you now store in various databases and spreadsheets, and seamlessly integrates all data and functions into one automated system. The program provides features needed by each department for effective and efficient job performance. All company data is at your fingertips for management analysis and decision making.

What is AretéIn-House™?

• AretéIn-House™ is an optional module to AretéStaff^TM designed to automatically schedule full and part-time employees. Your open orders are available immediately to AretéStaff^TM for match and assignment by flex pool and supplemental staff.

What area of the healthcare industry is your product targeted?

• AretéStaff^TM is fully web-enabled with comprehensive staffing capabilities. It is targeted at the following areas of the healthcare industry:
   
  1. Supplemental staffing
  2. Private duty staffing
  3. Travel staffing
  4. In-House staffing
  5. Vendor on Premise staffing

Is AretéStaff^TM and it’s optional modules a Windows system?

• Yes, AretéStaff^TM and it’s optional modules is a Microsoft^® Windows Visual Basic^® 6 32-bit Windows application. AretéStaff^TM utilizes the Microsoft^® Open Data Base Connectivity Application Programming Interface and Active Data Objects to communicate with the AretéStaff^TM database that resides on a Microsoft^® SQL Server.

Is there a limit to the size of the database?

• As a highly sophisticated system, AretéStaff^TM can process virtually unlimited amounts of data. We do recommend the use of approved back-up methods.

Who has/ is currently using AretéStaff^TM?

• Our powerful staffing solutions are used by several staffing agencies nationwide. We work with companies of all sizes, who chose AretéStaff^TM software because it can easily evolve in line with their changing needs.

Would you be happy to provide us with contact details of a selection of customers where we could obtain a testimonial?

• Yes, we have a number of clients who are AretéStaff^TM reference sites – simply contact our sales team for further information.

What sort of technical support can be expected?

• A full range of pre and post sales support services including comprehensive project management and software support, helpdesk, free upgrades to the latest version of AretéStaff^TM available to existing clients with current maintenance.

What level of training can be expected post-installation?

• Each new client is assigned a project manager who will oversee the implementation of their AretéStaff^TM system. Part of the project manager’s role is to assess the training needs of the client and to liaise with Areté Staffing Institute, Inc.’s training department to arrange the appropriate courses.

How is AretéStaff^TM serviced?

• AretéStaff^TM service is provided via phone, e-mail and site connectivity. Service technicians are available 7:30 am to 5:30 pm CST. Emergency service is available 24 hours/7 days weekly. E-mail is continually monitored and responded to within two hours.