Tech Insights

Kelio: From time clocks to HR SaaS

From a leading time clock manufacturer to a provider of HR software, Kelio has made a major shift in its business model. Discover how the European company has combined its hardware expertise with software engineering to build a modern HR platform.
Kelio: From time clocks to HR SaaS
Xavier Lernould
Xavier Lernould
CEO Novity
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The future of work is not just about remote working. It is also about how businesses manage time. AI and automation are changing the workplace. Yet companies still face a familiar challenge: how can they manage people, skills and schedules in a hybrid working environment?
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In our weekly Xavier's Tech Insights series, we explore companies that turn complex challenges into business opportunities. This week, we look at Kelio, formerly Bodet Software.
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Kelio is an example of a successful shift in software strategy. Once known for its time clocks, the company has evolved into a provider of integrated HR software. Its transformation shows how strong product and software engineering can help an established business adapt to new market needs.

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The challenge of moving from hardware to SaaS

Rebuilding a platform after 40 years in business is a major challenge. For established manufacturers, the risk is becoming too dependent on existing hardware and outdated software systems. Under the leadership of Managing Director Eric Ruty and his teams, Kelio has successfully changed its business model while keeping its core expertise.
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With the launch of its Sirius solution, the company has turned its long-standing experience in time tracking into a modern, scalable, fully web-based platform.


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Why Kelio stands out
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Connecting hardware and software

Kelio has an important advantage: it manages both hardware and software. Connecting modern time clocks to complex cloud applications requires expertise in both areas. By placing time and attendance management at the centre of its platform, Kelio provides European businesses with a complete, secure solution that gives them greater control over their data. Its ability to connect physical devices with SaaS software also helps it stand out from competitors.
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Using data to support flexible working

Four-day working weeks, hybrid working and flexible hours are changing how businesses operate. Managing these arrangements is difficult without reliable data. Kelio helps businesses turn legal and HR requirements into useful information for planning and decision-making. Data is no longer used only to meet compliance requirements. It also helps organisations manage working hours fairly and offer greater flexibility.
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Building trust through clear time management

As businesses rethink how people work, understanding how time is spent becomes increasingly important. A good Human Resources Information System (HRIS) should not simply monitor employees. It should help protect their work-life balance. By making working hours clear and ensuring they are respected, technology can strengthen trust between employers and employees.
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A closer look: The strength of Kelio's hybrid model

Kelio has made complex technology easier to use through a clear, intuitive interface. Moving from hardware engineering to user-focused software development is not simple. The company has reviewed its existing technology and built a stronger foundation for future needs.
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Its main strength lies in one important decision: software is no longer just an extension of its time clocks. It is now central to the business. Kelio shows how an established French manufacturer can adapt to the SaaS market. By combining decades of industry experience with modern software development, the company has created a new direction for its business.

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Company spotlight
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→ Company: Kelio
→ CEO : Eric Ruty, CEO.
→ Secteur : HR Tech
→ Why Kelio stands out : Kelio has successfully moved from hardware manufacturing to modern HR software. Its ability to connect physical devices with cloud applications helps businesses manage working hours while supporting employee wellbeing. This combination of established engineering expertise and modern software design makes Kelio a company worth following.

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Sources

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Read Xavier Lernould's post

Published: 27 April 2026 – LinkedIn.

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La Pépite de Xavier - Kelio

Frequently asked questions

How does Novity help software companies connect hardware with SaaS platforms?

Connecting physical devices, such as time clocks and IoT equipment, to cloud software is a major technical challenge. Kelio's move from time clocks to HR software is a good example. Novity supports software companies with dedicated engineers who understand both embedded systems and complex web architectures. Our senior engineers build secure, reliable APIs. These allow physical devices and cloud applications to exchange data smoothly and in real time.

What are the main challenges of developing SaaS HR software?

Moving from on-premises software to SaaS requires a different technical approach. Businesses need multi-tenant architectures, high availability and continuous updates without service interruptions. Kelio has successfully managed this transition. Novity helps software companies modernise their applications and improve their cloud infrastructure. Our engineers bring expertise in cloud technologies and DevSecOps. They help businesses update legacy systems and scale their platforms as user numbers grow.

How does Novity help technology companies protect their data and maintain control of their systems?

Software companies, especially those working in HR or access control, manage highly sensitive data. They need to retain control of their source code, software architecture and hosting environments. Novity supports these requirements by working as an extension of clients' internal technology teams. Our engineers use the same processes and tools as their clients. This allows businesses to retain full ownership of their intellectual property and control over their software architecture. It also supports GDPR compliance while helping teams deliver their product roadmap.

How can European software companies overcome the shortage of tech talent?

Innovation depends on strong research and development teams. However, the shortage of experienced software engineers in Europe can slow down projects. Novity helps businesses address this challenge through an integrated engineering model. We recruit and retain experienced professionals across software development, QA, product management, data and AI. These engineers work directly with our clients' internal teams. This helps software companies maintain development capacity and bring products to market without relying entirely on local recruitment.

Why should businesses modernise legacy software architectures?

Older software systems can limit performance and make it harder to introduce new features. To remain competitive, businesses need to review their architecture regularly without disrupting ongoing development.

Novity helps  European technology companies assess and modernise legacy applications. This can include moving to cloud environments or adopting microservices. Our dedicated teams support the transition while maintaining service continuity. They also help prepare software for new technologies, including AI and automation.

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