Entry Software Corporation

Entry

resource schedule

How to Streamline Your Workplace Scheduling

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Traditionally, workplace scheduling has been done by creating a timetable that was given to employees or displayed at work, so employees could record their shifts as they come into work. Specific schedules were made for employees that outline their duties during their shifts. This system works, however, it is sloppy and has much room for error. Centralized schedules make it difficult to track employees unavailable days, unexpected sick days or changing project outlines. This system has grown to be simply outdated, with the many other beneficial systems now available.

With the strong tech-based society we live in, there is no surprise that tech companies have found a solution to the outdated scheduling issues for businesses small and large. Scheduling solutions provide a hub that gives employees a visual playground of the individual tasks designated to each person. Tasks can be added or removed by the employee and their superiors and can easily be adjusted if any unforeseen events occur. Additionally, any important events that need to be noticed, like meetings or interviews, can be scheduled in notifying everyone involved over email or text message. The beauty of using scheduling solutions is that it simplifies the work that needs to be done by the business! 

Still not convinced? Here are some more benefits of using an online scheduling solution:

Wide Selection

Online scheduling solutions come in various shapes and sizes. With the wide expanse of the internet, there are many scheduling systems out there; one is bound to best suit your business. Some scheduling solutions are built with certain users in mind ( e.g. TeamHeadquarters for IT Managers and CIOs). With a wide selection, this means solutions will fit in your price range. By researching you can find a scheduling solution that offers you exactly what you need, for the price you want.

Easy to Maintain

One of the biggest issues with the traditional method for scheduling is that it takes added time and effort from a business. However, an online software solution does most of the busy work for you! When you input information into the schedule, it will automatically notify each employee about their shifts or new update. Additionally, some scheduling software integrates with other known software, where they can notify you as well. Scheduling solutions reduce some of the workloads off your back, so you can redirect it towards building a better business.

Accessible Wherever, Whenever

About one-third of meetings scheduled online were scheduled during closed hours of the business. This statement shows how important online scheduling software can be to a business. With a traditional system, it would be difficult to notify everyone, that a meeting was scheduled for a certain time. With an online scheduling solution, you can access the database from home to input meetings easily notifying everyone involved!

The traditional system of scheduling, although it can be effective, is not “the best” for the modern tech-based business world. There is a variety of software available that will fit your business’s wants and needs. Online scheduling solutions are simple to use and maintain because they do all the “heavy lifting” of scheduling for you! Best of all, it is accessible from mobile devices or personal computers which will help organize your business better! It is worth the time and money to invest in an online solution of scheduling.

See how TeamHeadquarters can help with resource scheduling.

Tracking time, Service Requests and Project Tasks for Resource Management Insight

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To successfully manage an IT department, it is imperative to understand the anticipated roles of your team, as well as how they actually spend their time between tasks, projects and operational duties.

Many companies have developed piecemeal systems to provide this insight, using multiple tools and systems to keep track of daily tasks, responsibilities and major projects. For example, you may use shared calendars for assignments and due dates, email to manage incident requests, company time sheets for time recording, and spreadsheets to manage major project milestones and tasks.

When Piecing Things Together Isn’t Enough

As organizations grow and new technologies become available, some IT departments have taken management a step further by implementing software tools to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. Systems that can alleviate some of IT’s common pains include:

  • Time management solutions, like Timefox, let users track time, pull reports on time spent on projects and tasks, set estimates for projects and pull personnel reports.
  • Help desk solutions, such as HEAT, aid in the ticketing process from reception through resolution. Users can accept, assign and manage tickets all in one location.
  • Project management solutions, like Basecamp, allow users to manage multiple projects, to-do lists and milestones across the whole team. In addition, individuals can share files and messages, centralizing communication about assignments.

While each of these systems can be useful on their own, the unique needs of IT departments often require a combination of all three — a solution found in work management software.

With a single interface for time tracking, ticket management and project management, work management software includes all of the features mentioned in the solutions above, without the need for multiple platforms.

Benefits of Increased Insight

The unique toolset included in work management software gives you, the IT manager, one place to look for keen insight into your team’s performance. This enables you to keep projects and tasks on track, better assign workflow and keep your department working together as a cohesive, efficient unit. For example:

  • Know where your employees’ time is going. Are higher-level employees being burdened with menial tasks? Are employees using their time effectively?
  • Keep the right work with the right people based on strengths, experience and availability.
  • Assign tasks, run reports and have clear views of all projects and their statuses.
  • Identify weak links and top performers, and reward those employees whose productivity and efficiency stand out among the crowd.
  • Use knowledge-sharing tools and insight from timesheets to improve overall efficiency.

The key is to choose a system that works best for you and your team. If you’re currently struggling with managerial oversight of your IT department, a time-tracking, ticket-management, project-management or work-management solution may be a worthwhile investment.

IT managers, how do you keep track of your team?