Delegates at Manchester's CIPD Conference saw the launch of a single IT HR solution that promises to streamline all HR operations into one single platform.

Croner Employment Assist allows HR managers to keep records and report on virtually any employment metrics, including appraisal and attendance data, age/sex statistics and training. Employees can also use it to update their own information, while a traffic-light system alerts managers to immediate actions or risks.

The launch comes after a successful one-year pilot by Premier Coffee, the largest franchise of Costa Coffee.

"All our HR functions were paper-based," said Paul Downey, general manager, Premier Coffee. "Now our managers can proactively manage day-to-day responsibilities without worrying about all the forms they need to fill in."