Shift handover is slowly getting easier these days. The reason is due to the introduction of cloud-based shift scheduling software and workforce management tools. Now it is no longer a hectic task of paper and pencil. Even though Excel or Word have been streamlined with some strategic tools for controlling costs, planning, and communicating with your team members, it is nothing compared to the shift software.
In this article, we will throw a light on the new generation of shift scheduling software, and we will also discuss why you need it. Here, we will provide you with some tips that will help you to integrate the software successfully into the business.
What is shift scheduling software?
It is a way to schedule the employees to work for certain jobs during a specific period. For example, suppose you want to manage your café. In that case, shift log software will organize the servers, baristas, and support staff so that all the services, preparations, and clean-up hours are covered very professionally and at ease. If we go back to 25 to 30 years ago, then shift scheduling meant filling in the paper calendar’s name and job.
It was somehow challenging and time-consuming work that most managers dread. But soon, when laptops, tablets, personal computers, Wi-Fi, smartphones, and the cloud were introduced, it slowly started to become easier. These advancements in technology made it possible for managers to access the powerful shift handover software like Eschbach.
Now you no longer need to spend hours planning and organizing things as busy managers can create well-thought-out schedules that incorporate overtime controls and labor-cost in a fraction of time with just a few taps or clicks.
Benefits of using Shift software
-
- Time management: One of the key features in shift software is the amount of time it helps an organization save. When you incorporate the shift software into your plan, you can ease out and use straightforward functionality. This way, you can create a perfect schedule in few minutes instead of hours. You also get the time to save and focus on improving the way you and your team’s work and grow the business towards success.
- Improving access: Much modern cloud-based software like Eschbach makes it possible and easy to access the shift log software anywhere and anytime. It also doesn’t matter if you are on a laptop, tablet or desktop, or your smartphone, but as long as you are connected to the internet, you can do schedule creating, make amendments in it and communicate it to your employees.
- Fewer errors: If we talk about pen and paper or simply just Word or Excel, you are less likely to make mistakes that could destroy your whole planning and scheduling. If you use a shift handover software, then making errors very less and the program itself alerts you about the errors. Eschbach helps to incorporate a built-in artificial intelligence that will help you keep track of the time and hours every employee worked. There are also other variables, so the software will notify you to change if you schedule something wrong.
- Integrating other business areas: Software designed specifically for shift scheduling will also integrate with other digital components of your business like invoicing and payroll.
Usage of Shift software
- Instant shift handover building: Apart from building your schedule by starting on Monday and all through the week, the software will structure shifts precisely. It will also make sure that you have a core experience on which your recent employees can rely. Mixing the best employees with new hires is a great way to create stability.
- Planning in advance: Shift handover software will also make it much easier to prepare for the worst-case scenario. You can create a chart of availability of the employees who might be willing to pick up extra shifts in the chances of illness or no show, no call situations. The software will also help to compile a list of reliable part-time employees or the employees who left on the excellent term so that you can call them in a part of ‘Plan B.’
- Setting up of labor costs: Labor has become one of the most significant expenses in many businesses. The right shift log software allows you to set up labor budgets that will work for your operation. If you keep these numbers in mind, you can create a perfect schedule to keep your budget and labor expenses under control.
- Creating the template: Many shift scheduling software includes templates that will help you speed up the process. You can benefit from these software features by customizing the templates to your certain needs and requirements. When the time comes to sit down and schedule for the next quarter, month or week, you can format the shift slots and all the relevant information. It will also allow you to focus on giving the correct employee schedule at the correct time and place and helping your business run smoothly.