MANAGER: a multi-user computer scheme for management of laboratory staff working hours

To administer a flexible-working-time system in a busy medical microbiology department, without increased administrative workload, a set of programs was produced for computer monitoring of staff time-keeping records. The programs--initially written to facilitate management and minimise clerical work, and extended to encompass all staff absences--are collectively called MANAGER. They allow efficient management of working hours and staff absences, using a multi-user laboratory computer. The programs were all written in MUMPS and evolved in-house, but could be developed for any multi-user laboratory computer system.