Blogs & Latest News
A brief introduction to Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
This article looks at Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours and covers strategies to implement and manage this resourcing system
Overcome the headache of multiple spreadsheets & limitations of existing systems by using
cloud software specifically designed
to optimise shift-based working.
The product of over 25 years' experience,WORKSuite® features powerful shift pattern design, scheduling, roster management, T&A, compliance & analytics tools.
It provides a single, secure database of all working time information that integrates seamlessly with other finance, HR and workforce management systems, feeding them accurate data in real time.
Explore the functions & benefits of WORKSuite®
Design optimised shift patterns that support productivity & employee wellbeing
Functions:
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Cover graph provides visibility over labour demand & supply
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Powerful algorithm finds optimal shifts based on your needs
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Automated design creates multiple shift patterns in seconds
Gain immediate visibility & control over all aspects of scheduling
Functions:
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Intelligent search to quickly identify, check & assign employees
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Integrated database can store & recall infinite shift patterns or rotas
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Scheduling tools to easily & accurately update rotas
Make handling exceptions quick, easy & accurate:
Functions:
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Easy configuration to meet your specific needs
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Automated processes to efficiently manage time & attendance, holidays, absences & shift swaps
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Real time data and built-in checks to flag gaps, clashes & inconsistencies
Empower your workforce with myTIME self-service:
Functions:
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Enable employees to check holiday availability, request time off & organise shift swaps
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Communicate decisions & changes efficiently & effectively
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Secure & accessible from employee’s own devices (smartphone, tablet, desktop)
Maintain compliance with Working Time Regulations & other legislation or policies
Functions:
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Automatic generation of compliance warnings
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Fail-safe mechanisms to stop potential breaches
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A single, secure database of all working time information
Make decisions based on live, accurate working time data
Functions:
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APIs seamlessly feed HR, T&A, Payroll & ERP systems with accurate data
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Interactive dashboards provide instant access to key information, custom reports & statistics
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Powerful analytics tools support workforce strategy & planning
Shift Pattern Design
WORKSuite® features
unique shift pattern design tools that aren’t available in other workforce planning & management software:
- Harness our powerful algorithm to calculate your organisation's optimal shift patterns.
- Design custom patterns based on demand variables & custom-defined preferences.
- Quickly identify gaps, compliance issues, fatigue risk or other concerns.
- Visualise the impact of shift changes using an interactive interface.
- Accurately factor in volatility & exceptions (e.g. events, holidays).
- Generate calendars which illustrate a sequence of shift patterns over time.
- Use unlimited shift lengths & durations to build seasonal or standby/call-in patterns and incorporate rest/meal breaks.
- Execute ‘what if’ scenario modelling & easily experiment to find optimised solution.
Use the shift pattern design tools in WORKSuite® to create innovative, flexible shift patterns that improve productivity & appeal to employees.
The visual, interactive software can also be used to engage employees...giving you a tool to co-design shift patterns that balance the needs of your organisation & its shift workers.
The capabilities of our technology can be further enhanced through a specialist shift pattern design consultancy service that will help you devise & implement optimal solutions.
You can learn more about Shift Pattern Design here.
Rota Scheduling
WORKSuite® executes day-to-day shift worker scheduling tasks easily, consistently & accurately
in the cloud:
- Access live roster information to quickly gain a detailed & accurate picture of cover, overtime, TOIL, flex and reserve.
- Use intelligent search to identify the best source of cover & assign teams with the right combination of skills to specific roster lines (multiple skill profiles, primary skill markers etc).
- Harness real-time modelling to compare multiple roster patterns & re-optimise schedules in line with demand & labour supply.
- Assess rosters, monitor variations, examine cover delivered & pinpoint potential staff shortages before they arise.
- Give managers /supervisors an immediate understanding of employees’ status & availability through the master calendar.
- Store /recall an infinite number of different shift lengths, patterns & rosters from the integrated database.
The comprehensive rota scheduling tools in WORKSuite® provide immediate visibility and control over
key aspects of shift-based workforce planning and management.
Those responsible for day-to-day administration and tactical planning will find it automates many time-consuming
and frustrating processes and ensures scheduling is responsive to change.
Time & Absence Management
WORKSuite® makes handling exceptions quick, easy & accurate:
- Comprehensive automation of time & attendance data collection & conversion of worked hours for payroll.
- Automated processing of working time records & generation of attendance exceptions from across all devices & locations.
- Keep full records for each employee by recording all hours & exceptions to their planned rota.
- Track balances in real time (holiday accounts, hours worked, overtime, sickness, training, skill expiry and more), set thresholds & trigger alerts / reminders.
- Rely on the system to support decision making by flagging gaps, clashes, inconsistencies, issues & by generating insightful reports (e.g. Bradford Factor).
- Easily customise the software to meet your organisation’s specific time & absence requirements, rules & processes.
WORKSuite®'s streamlined holiday & absence management workflow replaces the duplication
& inefficient recording processes associated with maintaining spreadsheets or multiple systems.
The transparency & control it gives you means you can monitor variations, assess cover, check balances &
confidently reschedule resources in real time.
Employee Self-Service
WORKSuite® myTIME app enables employees to make changes to their shift patterns & rotas
through their own devices (mobile, tablet, desktop):
- Give employees visibility over shift patterns, overtime, time banks & holiday availability.
- Enable individuals within a team to request holidays or overtime/additional hours & to swap their shifts through shift bidding.
- Communicate changes, notifications & updates to individuals or groups in real time via SMS, email or intranets / internal social networks.
- Set parameters to ensure changes are compliant & maintain adequate cover (demand data, contracted hours, wider regulatory requirements etc).
- Automated workflow makes checking & authorisation simple, quick & accurate
- Tailor what requests employees can submit, data they can view & actions they can take. Set permission levels for managers, supervisors & employees.
- Rely on the system to maintain accurate, up-to-the-minute records by automatically updating the central database with authorised changes.
The myTIME employee self-service app in
WORKSuite® reduces your administrative burden
& empowers shift workers to co-manage their shift patterns and rotas via the cloud.
The secure, intuitive interface is optimised for mobile devices. Provide your shift workers with a level of control that supports engagement, whilst also maintaining the integrity & accuracy of your working time data.
You can learn more about Employee Self-Service here.
Demo WORKSuite®
Compliance checks
WORKSuite® helps mitigate risk & maintain compliance with regulations, legislation or policies:
- Gain instant visibility over compliance & identify employees at risk of breach.
- Risks are flagged automatically & actions can be blocked if they may result in a breach.
- Quickly produce a comprehensive digital audit trail when required.
- Check real time adherence, including clocking in /out & breaks.
- Configurable to incorporate custom best practice & compliance (sector-specific standards).
- Maintain a single, secure, GDPR-compliant database of all working time information.
The comprehensive compliance tools in WORKSuite® ensure you can check, maintain & improve compliance with Working Time Regulations & other legislation.
Its warnings and fail-safe checks will help you support employee wellbeing & avoid punitive fines or reputational damage.
Demo WORKSuite®
ROI Calculator
Integration & Analytics
WORKSuite® has powerful integration & data analytics functions to support decision making
& other workforce systems:
- Real-time access & analysis of all key working time data.
- Customise interactive dashboards to instantly view the information you need.
- Use APIs to seamlessly feed HR, T&A, Payroll & ERP systems with accurate, live working time data.
- Easily generate working time reports & statistics at all levels (organisation-wide…right down to individuals), over any time period & for specific types of variance
- Harness accurate, detailed records for each employee stored in the personnel database.
- Overlay data with HR / ERP systems to create a comprehensive picture.
- Track key metrics (e.g. holidays taken and/or remaining, training, overtime, absence, reserve hours, time off in lieu) & use to inform workforce strategy, planning & management decisions.
The integration, analytics & reporting tools in WORKSuite® ensure that essential management information can be harnessed quickly & easily via the cloud.
Use its insights to ensure your decisions relating to workforce optimisation & employee wellbeing are based on the intelligent analysis of accurate, current data.
You can learn more about ERP & T&A integration here.
Demo WORKSuite®
Configuration, Implementation & Cloud
WORKSuite® is flexible &
can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. It is easily configured, quickly implemented & uses API technology
to seamlessly integrate with other workforce systems.
Cloud deployment removes the need for servers, software installation, infrastructure maintenance & significant up-front
costs. Risk is reduced, costs are managed, & you’ll see benefits sooner:
- Easily tailored to organisation-specific work rules, internal policies etc.
- Avoid costly errors by automatically supplying payroll with accurate, up-to-the-minute information.
- Feed accurate working time information via API to your existing payroll, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Time & Attendance (T&A) or HR reporting systems.
- Can be tailored to suit low complexity environments as well as the most demanding & dynamic organisations (multi-user, multi-site, multi-territory etc).
WORKSuite® helps unlock the value of your investment in other systems by providing advanced shift planning, scheduling & management capabilities via the cloud.
It harnesses modern, proven technologies to ensure it can be configured, implemented & integrated quickly…so you can get
on with optimising your shift-based workforce.
Demo WORKSuite®
Security
WORKSuite® features class-leading security to minimise data-related
compliance and security risks:
- A Security Control Protocol based on best practice methodologies & international standards.
- Extensive Access Control System with encrypted storage of passwords & role-based access restrictions controlled by administrators.
- Additional layer of login security through Multi-Factor Authentication.
- All hosting services are ISO 27001: 2013 certified & use a co-location service to provide high availability.
- Custom retention, access and alert policies and produce full audit trails.
You can do away with insecure & inconsistent spreadsheets or paper trails as WORKSuite® provides a single, secure database of all working time.
Rely on our software’s sophisticated technical & physical controls to maintain security & prevent unauthorised access to sensitive workforce information.
Demo WORKSuite®
ROI Calculator
Usability & Support
WORKSuite® is flexible & powerful but has a simple to use interface
& is supported by a team of technical & subject matter experts:
- Get up & running quickly with simple, remote configuration requirements.
- Use the software on desktop & mobile devices, anywhere in the world, any time of the day.
- 24/7/365 access to class-leading support & persistent monitoring to guarantee service uptime & service patch levels.
- Managers, shift planners & staff benefit from an intuitive, streamlined interface that is simple, logical & delivers great user experience.
- Tailor apps, tools & functions to your requirements & add more as and when you need them.
You will always be on the latest & best version as WORKSuite® automatically
upgrades via the cloud.
Naturally you will also benefit from an ongoing development programme that’s shaped by customers & our own consultants,
who bring a wealth of insight across key sectors.
This ensures we regularly introduce powerful & highly valuable new functionality, so you can continuously improve how
you plan, manage & monitor your shift workers.
Book a free 1-2-1 consultation at our Shift Planning Clinics
Consult free with experts in working time, shift pattern design & workforce planning & management
Blogs & Latest News
10 signs you should consider Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
Adopting Annualised Hours enables truly responsive Demand-Led Rostering systems to be created
Blogs & Latest News
Overcoming common shift work planning and management challenges in manufacturing
Exploring shared sector pain points and how to address them
Blogs & Latest News
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Blogs & Latest News
Working Time Solutions views on skills shortages featured in Manufacturing Management
A summary of our article in Manufacturing Management which discusses whether manufacturers’ shift patterns are fit for purpose in tackling staff shortages.
Blogs & Latest News
Ports & Airports - Why continued Brexit uncertainty is pushing workforce planning up the agenda
Workforce planning will be key to avoiding operational problems or capitalising on opportunities.
Blogs & Latest News
On route to optimisation: Transforming shift working for field-based employees
This article explores the benefits optimised shift working delivers for employers and field-based service managers or engineers
Blogs & Latest News
Shifting the dial: Workforce optimisation and regulatory frameworks in Utilities
Creating optimised and flexible shift patterns and rotas could strengthen utilities companies’ RIIO-2, PR19 and AMP7 plans.
Blogs & Latest News
Seasonal shift patterns in manufacturing: Don’t let peak production periods harm your business
Responsive resourcing systems are key to managing cyclical demand efficiently and effectively.
Blogs & Latest News
The importance of cloud software in shift working environments
Major new release brings our specialist workforce planning and management system to the cloud
Blogs & Latest News
Views from the ‘Digital Works for People’ conference 2018
We're proud to have been recognised as delivering one of the most innovative European projects in the 'digitalisation at work’ field
Blogs & Latest News
Increasing predictability with Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
Organisations which depend on zero hour contracts to meet fluctuating demand need to look at alternative resourcing models
Blogs & Latest News
Sharing best practice at the Emergency Services Roster Review Seminar
Working Time Solutions hosted a unique event for Emergency Services focused on designing dynamic rosters that respond to changing demand profiles
Blogs & Latest News
Rotas that meet demand and employee aspirations will be key to the future of ambulance services
Discussions at the Ambulance Leadership Forum highlighted the importance of engagement and adapting to change
Blogs & Latest News
Managing 24/7 shift patterns for Siemens
WORKSuite® software helps Siemens Healthineers manage 7 days a week operation
Blogs & Latest News
Ambulance Leadership Forum - Time is of the essence
Rosters, rotas, shifts…call them what you will; but resourcing patterns have the potential to influence many of the issues under discussion
Blogs & Latest News
Looking to improve shift patterns? Our Workforce Planning Events and Webinars will help
We regularly host Workforce Planning events and free webinars designed specifically to help organisations looking to improve the productivity and wellbeing of shift workers
Blogs & Latest News
Workforce Optimisation…plugging technology gaps in an airport environment
Airports looking to optimise shift patterns need to ensure their workforce planning and management systems are capable of handling seasonal peaks and fluctuations in demand
Blogs & Latest News
2017 - Working Time in review
Barely a week goes by without something related to Working Time hitting the headlines
Blogs & Latest News
4 steps to minimise the impact of adverse weather this winter
Adverse weather conditions can have a catastrophic effect on organisations which do not have contingency plans in place to ensure that the workforce is managed successfully
Events
Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours Clinic
Free 1-2-1 consultation with one of our expert workforce planning and management consultants
Events
Workforce Planning Masterclass
The UK's leading event on optimising shift work - 14th May 2020
Events
Shift Planning Clinics
Free 1-2-1 consultation with our leading workforce planning and management consultants
Events
Join WTS at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2019
Transforming shift work at the UK’s key HR event
Events
Emergency Services Roster Review Seminar: Sharing best practice - 20th June 2019
Build your knowledge around designing, implementing and managing demand-led rosters
Events
Fatigue Risk Management in Practice: Working Time Solutions & HSE Joint Event - 2nd July 2019
Develop your understanding of fatigue, share risk management experiences, discuss challenges & create solutions
Case Studies
Siemens Healthineers
A workforce planning and management solution to help Siemens Healthineers work 7 days a week
Case Studies
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
By designing optimised shift patterns, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency could meet variations in demand while reducing labour costs and protecting vital skills
Case Studies
Premier Foods
One of the UK's largest food manufacturers saved £1m by designing seasonal shift patterns that better met demand...reducing use of overtime and temporary labour
Case Studies
Wales & West Utilities
This utility company modernised shift patterns for 300 emergency engineers to boost efficiency, streamline practices and meet new regulatory requirements
Case Studies
Dublin Airport Authority
Dublin Airport Authority made significant and sustainable payroll savings by designing shift patterns that accurately reflect seasonal demand
Case Studies
PPG
Introducing Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours delivered a wide range of benefits for this manufacturer
Case Studies
Thames Water
This utility company designed new shift patterns to create £10m of efficiencies and meet regulatory demands
Case Studies
Unilever
This food manufacturer's new shift patterns increased efficiency from 55% to 85%, while reducing administration time and boosting staff morale
Case Studies
Emirates Aluminium
New shift patterns prioritise work-life balance for Emirates Aluminium employees
Case Studies
Accolade Wines
This wine distributor implemented a new shift pattern with fully rostered holidays and an allowance of reserve hours to use during seasonal peaks in production
Case Studies
Celtic Manor
This venue removed its over-reliance on agency workers by designing efficient new shift patterns
Case Studies
INEOS
Installing specialist software to provide a comprehensive database for the day-to-day planning, management and monitoring of working time
Case Studies
l'Anson
Implementing new shift patterns allowed this feed manufacturer to flex up during very busy periods and flex down during the quieter summer months
Case Studies
York Minster
This venue's security team implemented an annualised hours system that reduced administration and provided clear visibility over shift patterns
Case Studies
The University of Northampton
The security team at this university reduced high levels of overtime, improving operational planning and giving employees a better work-life balance
Case Studies
University of London
This university implemented an annualised hours system which helped save money, reduce overtime and improve employees work-life balance
Case Studies
Health Assured
This healthcare business designed a 24/7 shift pattern to meet fluctuating demand for its services and provide flexibility for growth
Case Studies
Transportation and logistics services
Shift pattern design and rota scheduling software and services
White Papers
A ticking time bomb?...The 'top 10' Working Time risks
Does your approach to managing shift workers put you at risk of punitive fines, lost business or reputational damage?
White Papers
Workforce optimisation...plugging technology gaps in an airport environment
As passenger numbers increase, airports face significant challenges in ensuring that they have the right amount of staff in place at all times
White Papers
Healthy…happy…flexible - Using shift patterns to enhance employer brand
The battle for talent feels like it’s turning into a war of attrition
White Papers
Mind the gap - Overcoming Working Time shortfalls in T&A / ERP systems
Identify where the principal Working Time-related gaps may be in T&A/ERP systems and the common issues this creates
White Papers
Shifting sands...Brexit's impact on workforce planning and management
We explore the questions Brexit poses around workforce productivity, flexibility and compliance
White Papers
Smarter not harder...avoiding the trap of excessive working hours
Identify common causes of excessive hours, evidence the impact and look at how to tackle overworking
White Papers
Weather the storm…preparing the utilities workforce for extreme events
How workforce planning can be used to mitigate risk, increase resilience and maintain compliance
White Papers
National Living Wage...using shift patterns to offset rising costs
Offsetting rising labour costs through shift pattern design and effective roster management
White Papers
Solving the puzzle...improving workforce productivity
We look at how organisations can improve their productivity through changes to Working Time
White Papers
Holiday headaches...planning annual leave for shift workers
Identify common issues, evaluate gross/net hours systems and explore how to maintain productivity whilst accommodating annual leave
White Papers
All aboard...gaining employee buy-in for a Working Time change
The importance of employee engagement when making changes to Working Time
White Papers
The great debate...8 Vs 12 hour shift patterns
We look at the 8 vs 12 hr shift debate, explore the advantages and disadvantages of both and help define the best solution for your organisation
White Papers
Mind your step...managing a workforce during adverse weather
Tips and guidance on how to minimise disruption to the workforce during adverse weather
White Papers
Hard day's night ...permanent night shifts and the alternatives
Arguments for and against these shift patterns and potential alternatives
White Papers
Flexi friend...handling flexible working requests from shift workers
Explore changes to flexible working regulations and how to assess requests in a shift work environment
White Papers
In the mix...rotational Vs fixed shift patterns
We provide an analysis of these two systems including advice for designing new shift patterns
Blogs & Latest News
A brief introduction to Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
This article looks at Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours and covers strategies to implement and manage this resourcing system
Blogs & Latest News
10 signs you should consider Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours
Adopting Annualised Hours enables truly responsive Demand-Led Rostering systems to be created
Blogs & Latest News
Overcoming common shift work planning and management challenges in manufacturing
Exploring shared sector pain points and how to address them
Blogs & Latest News
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Highlights from the Ambulance Leadership Forum 2019
Blogs & Latest News
Working Time Solutions views on skills shortages featured in Manufacturing Management
A summary of our article in Manufacturing Management which discusses whether manufacturers’ shift patterns are fit for purpose in tackling staff shortages.
Events
Demand-Led Rostering and Annualised Hours Clinic
Free 1-2-1 consultation with one of our expert workforce planning and management consultants
Events
Workforce Planning Masterclass
The UK's leading event on optimising shift work - 14th May 2020
Events
Shift Planning Clinics
Free 1-2-1 consultation with our leading workforce planning and management consultants
Case Studies
Siemens Healthineers
A workforce planning and management solution to help Siemens Healthineers work 7 days a week
Case Studies
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
By designing optimised shift patterns, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency could meet variations in demand while reducing labour costs and protecting vital skills
Case Studies
Premier Foods
One of the UK's largest food manufacturers saved £1m by designing seasonal shift patterns that better met demand...reducing use of overtime and temporary labour
Case Studies
Wales & West Utilities
This utility company modernised shift patterns for 300 emergency engineers to boost efficiency, streamline practices and meet new regulatory requirements
White Papers
A ticking time bomb?...The 'top 10' Working Time risks
Does your approach to managing shift workers put you at risk of punitive fines, lost business or reputational damage?
White Papers
Workforce optimisation...plugging technology gaps in an airport environment
As passenger numbers increase, airports face significant challenges in ensuring that they have the right amount of staff in place at all times
White Papers
Healthy…happy…flexible - Using shift patterns to enhance employer brand
The battle for talent feels like it’s turning into a war of attrition
White Papers
Mind the gap - Overcoming Working Time shortfalls in T&A / ERP systems
Identify where the principal Working Time-related gaps may be in T&A/ERP systems and the common issues this creates
White Papers
Shifting sands...Brexit's impact on workforce planning and management
We explore the questions Brexit poses around workforce productivity, flexibility and compliance