With the help of staff rostering software, businesses now have a way to simplify their scheduling needs. Learn how the way businesses handle scheduling has changed over the years, including how employee scheduling software can bring you into the 21st century.
Manual Scheduling Methods
Before the advent of computers, businesses had to rely on manual entry for all their scheduling and time tracking needs. According to studies, this manual entry can cause employees to waste up to 36% of their time.
Other issues related to manual entry include scheduling conflicts and inefficient schedules. These problems were a major drain on businesses. Managers would write schedules by hand, which could take hours. This not only took a considerable amount of time – these schedules were also difficult to edit or change.
Introduction of the Spreadsheet
In the 1980’s, businesses were pleased to discover the advantages of using spreadsheets. Thanks to computers becoming smaller and more affordable, more businesses were able to begin integrating electronic solutions.
By using spreadsheets, businesses could easily save and edit their schedules. They could also easily calculate total hours worked and share the schedule via email to other employees and managers.
Spreadsheets were a step in the right direction. Though, spreadsheets still required manual entry. The use of spreadsheets allowed managers to simplify the way they wrote out the schedule, but scheduling mistakes were just as likely to occur.
The Use of Employee Scheduling Software
Advanced staff rostering software has been around for over two decades. Yet, many businesses are just now discovering the advantages of this software. It has also improved and developed over the years to provide more functions.
Using staff rostering software, many of the issues discussed above are eliminated. For example, this software removes the need to manually enter any details. The rostering software can automatically generate complex rosters.
How does this software create a schedule? Using the same criteria that you would use to create a schedule, this software can quickly provide you with the most efficient schedule.
You can categorise your employees based on their skill set, position, pay rate, and availability. These factors are then used to build a schedule that works in the best interest of both the business and the employees.
The Advantages of Staff Rostering Software
In addition to eliminating mistakes and errors, there are numerous benefits to using the rostering software. The combined effect of these benefits can have a profound impact on your bottom line. After implementing this software, you should expect an increase in productivity and a reduction in absences.
Here is a closer look at the primary advantages of using staff rostering software:
- Reduce employee absences and call offs
- Simplify employee time off and vacation requests
- Create individual schedules for each department
- Receive shift notifications when the schedule changes
- View the schedule in real time and easily swap shifts
When employees have access to their schedule and you improve the way you handle time off requests, you will experience a reduction in employee absences. You are more likely to meet the needs of your employees, which naturally results in fewer call offs.
You can also make the process for requesting time off much easier for your employees. Instead of filling out a form and submitting it to a manager, they will simply make their requests through the scheduling software. Managers receive these requests instantly.
Businesses also have the option of allowing managers to receive automatic notifications when an employee calls off, a request is made, or when the schedule changes. This gives you the ability to deal with scheduling changes instantly before they result in a delay in production or your daily operations.
All of these details are available to view in real time. It is up to you to decide which permissions each staff member receives. For example, you can allow the heads of each department to have complete control over their individual schedules.
In the end, the rostering software could be the key to the future success of your business. It can help you reduce costs and maintain an efficient schedule.
Making the Switch to Automated Rostering
Overall, we have come a long way since the days of pen and paper scheduling. You no longer need to deal with the challenges faced by businesses in the past century. There are modern solutions.
If you are still relying on manual methods for scheduling, you may face some of the difficulties discussed. By making the switch to automated rostering, you can eliminate errors and streamline your scheduling process. Take advantage of these benefits today by contacting Advance Systems.
