I work for a company that has been bought and sold a few times to large corporations. The last acquisition was about half a year ago. Here are the steps necessary to enter hours worked.

First I log into my terminal using Id and password from the former company. This used to be sufficient credentials to run the timesheet program. Now I have to enter something called the Pulse system. It asks for its own Id and password and it requires dual authorization, so I have to start a VIP program to copy the password it generates.

Next I use IE to go to the timesheet program. It asks for yet another Id and password. There appears a screen saying that there is a security risk, and I have to click a link saying that I accept the risk. After entering my hours, I have to remember to exit from the Pulse program. Otherwise, I will get connection errors when running Web programs.

Three user Ids and passwords seems a bit excessive. I just wanted to let off some steam. Have you ever come across something comparable?