Typical Characteristics of Bespoke WFM systems
As with all types of bespoke software, WFM systems by their very nature have been designed and developed to fit unique business requirements so key features for one organisation will be different to the next. However, there are some common characteristics that tend to be prevalent across bespoke WFM systems which we will look at below.
Customisation
First and foremost, bespoke WFM systems can be customised as heavily as is required to match an organisations unique business processes, roles and policies needs. This is in contract to off the shelf alternatives which are generally designed to fit the needs of a wide range of users across many different organisations meaning the features and functionality on offer are more generic.
Integration
Custom WFM systems can be designed to ensure they integrate seamlessly with any existing software solutions the organisation may have. This could include payroll software, hr software and employee performance systems to allow for the exchange of data. This is particularly useful when the data directly relates to decisions that need to be taken i.e. is a WFM is used for tracking employee time this can be pushed through to the payroll software to calculate accurate wages.
Scalability
By choosing bespoke, the WFM system can be built with the flexibility to scale with the business as it evolves. This means ithe WFM system will efficiently accommodate changing numbers of employees, the addition of new departments and allow for new and/or enhanced features for example.
Automation
A key selling point of pretty much all custom software is that it can be designed and developed in a way that allows for the automation of manual, repetitive and time consuming tasks. Common automations within bespoke WFM systems are forecasting, scheduling and reporting based using a mix of historical data and new data that is generated within the WFM system. Such automations can be decided on based on an organisations pain points.
Employee Self Service
Bespoke WFM systems can be developed to include employee self service features which can allow them to manage their schedule, keep track of performance, requests time off and a whole host of other useful tasks that would otherwise be manual and potentially time consuming or done through multiple different systems.
Compliance and Reporting
Adhering to compliance regulations, particularly in some heavily regulated industries can be challenging. By choosing to implement a bespoke WFM system, organisations can ensure they have access to the necessary tools to track and analyse workforce related data that highlights the information critical to ensure they are compliant. Reporting and analytics tools can be set up in a way that helps the business track the metrics that are important to them, providing valuable insights that are crucial for decision making.
Mobile Accessibility
Another highlight of bespoke WFM systems is that they can be developed to be accessible via web, mobile or both. This can help employees streamline their task management regardless of where they are. This can be a particularly useful features for companies with a mobile workforce and can lead to an enhanced employee experience.
Training and Skills Management
Another popular feature organisations who choose a bespoke WFM system rather than off the shelf may implement is a module for training and skills management. This allows the company to document and maintain visibility over employee skills, certifications and training requirements, helping in workforce development, optimisation and in some cases, compliance.
How Can we Help?
Over the years, we have successfully developed and implemented numerous bespoke Workforce Management (WFM) systems. Our approach focuses on working closely with clients to understand their current environment and unique requirements as well as their specific goals whether that be to enhance their project management workflows, improve staff scheduling or to enhance employee engagement. By tailoring the solution to meet our client's unique needs, we ensure efficient, effective workforce management.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can help you achieve your WFM objectives!