With the completion of the needs analysis (phase 1) the second phase, namely design and development of the employee scheduling, leave management and timekeeping system can be initiated.

The objective of design activities is to transform business requirements identified during previous phases, into a detailed system architecture which is feasible, robust and brings value to the organization. The objective of these development activities is to transform the approved solution and design into a working system that is consistent with functional and technical requirements identified during earlier phases of the project life cycle. The following activities are of importance here:

Develop detailed project plan

Once the vendor has been selected by management, and more information is available, a more detailed plan can be developed. This plan should include realistic timetables regarding the implementation of the system. The use of project-planning tools may be useful here.

Develop user groups

It is important to identify user groups throughout the organization. These groups will provide input throughout the project. This help keep user needs in the forefront and ease implementation when the system distribution occurs. Some of the user groups to keep in mind are timekeepers, employee schedulers, human resources, payroll, employees, production planners, and training coordinators.

Purchase hardware

The step in the process is the purchasing of hardware. This needs to be considered regardless of whether the workforce management system will be SaaS or on-premise. It is important to remember that this can occur at several points during the project. A major user complaint normally is the shortage of PCs in the early stages and these needs must be considered as part of the planning process.

Modify/customize initial system

All the systems purchased require modifications and it is important that attention be paid to this aspect at this stage.

Establish procedures and guidelines to support system

One of the most critical steps in the process is the establishment of procedures and guidelines to support the system. This is not an easy task and requires considerable thought and time to develop. It is important that the rules and procedures should support the system and must also reflect the organizational realities and the system’s limitations. The procedures and guidelines must be clear and enforceable.

Test system and user acceptance

After all the above steps have received attention, tests should be conducted for the respective modules.

Convert data

At this stage the necessary data must be entered or imported into the new system.

Train System Administrators

A further step that must be taken is the identification of system administrators and the training of them. Activities typically include:

• manage database integrity and data quality, with the goal of enabling more users to add and change data.
• establishing and maintaining hardware and software standards to assure compatibility between systems, and optimal communication between users and systems and to minimize duplicative or redundant procedures.
• safeguarding employee privacy and implementing and administering security policies and procedures.
• marketing employee scheduling, leave management and timekeeping products and services throughout the company to ensure all employees understand the available services and use them to benefit the organization and
• training new employees to use employee scheduling, leave management and timekeeping products and services.

About Resonance Software

Resonance Software is the makers of WorkSight workforce management solution — a secure SaaS and On-Premise application trusted by many Fortune 500 companies, including some of the most recognized brands in North America. The secret to our success is that our products work how employees want, while also granting enterprise IT teams the data security, visibility and control they require.

Our team encompasses some of the most experienced Consultants, Developers, and Trainers worldwide, specializing in Workforce Management solutions for the manufacturing environment. All WorkSight products and solutions are designed by industry experts, created specifically for our niche markets, and are developed from industry analysis to maximize appeal for the target consumer. And, with extraordinary training, innovative and productive features and superior customer support by industry experts, our solutions achieve a new level of product performance.

WorkSight Flow's professional services are designed to help you during every step of your journey. www.worksightflow.com/services-and-integrations