Companies are facing challenges and are looking more than ever for an opportunity to optimize their workforce logistics data and spend. Currently, specific tools with many innovative features are emerging to help manage operations to reduce spend while adding best in class technology.
Among these solutions, the best integrated software solutions book and track air travel, ground/marine transportation, accommodation, and workforce scheduling, all in the same platform. Decision makers for workforce logistics should consider the following sample analysis and research points.
1 – Does the software platform correspond to your needs and budget?
Figure out what it is you really need and develop a vision. This might seem obvious to most, but if you know what you want, ideally separated into a must-have list and a nice-to-have list, it will be much easier to figure out if any given solution fits your business needs.
Consider every aspect of your workforce logistics plan and supply chain (accommodation, all travel mediums and roster scheduling). Prioritize by engaging your staff in the software selection process. Use their knowledge and expertise in the field, establish what needs to be improved and then identify potential sources of savings. The implementation of logistics software is really an investment, not an expense.
2 – Does the workforce logistics software have an intuitive interface?
When looking at the solutions available, companies should never overlook the fact that the product should be intuitive. A worthy system must also be efficient and easy-to-navigate to increase employee’s satisfaction and performance. It should have automation and AI!
Be sure to choose a solution with a web-based / cloud-based access to integrate every stakeholder of your operational processes and travel supply chain, such as contractors, travel agency, aviation provider, bus operator, camp, marine operators, safety-security, and any other department involved in workforce logistics. This is especially critical in remote operations.
3 – Does the workforce logistics software adapt to your reality?
Can the platform scale up to follow your business growth or vision? Implementing a new solution through an organization can take a certain amount of time and effort. Be sure that the software you choose can adapt from a small project (100 people) to a large project (10,000 people).
The last thing stakeholders wish to face is the need to re-evaluate and re-invest in a new solution when the existing system cannot manage the company’s emerging needs.
You should select a technological partner that will not only provide the perfect solution but the expertise and competence to implement smoothly, according to your organizational policies. Always make sure there is a real person behind the screen for customer and technical support after implementation.
4 – Does the workforce logistics software enhance your operational processes?
Whether you are in the early stage of a project or looking to reduce costs, you need to choose a solution that will integrate all parts of your workforce logistics to eliminate the burden of complex manual processes and improve project efficiency. Stakeholders need to ask themselves:
- Does the software facilitate all my operations?
- Does it help to track and monitor critical issues / challenges?
- Can I automate some HSE? (COVID tracking, NO FLY list, etc.)
- Does it allow reporting of all actions taken to improve performance?
- How are updates and upgrades managed and priced?
It is important to remember that a satisfactory solution should offer the capability to manage accommodations, travel, and workforce in one integrated platform and give access to an efficient reporting tool in real time
5 – Does the software include a dedicated team and services to support you?
Get the support you need when you need it. The key to good software implementation is the work accomplished upstream of it. Rely on a company who will be able to guide you through the necessary adjustment towards operational optimization and cost savings. Pick a company you can trust.
You want to be able to count on an experienced and comprehensive team that will collaborate with you to improve your processes and adapt the software platform in accordance with your specific needs. Ask for industry referrals and supplier references.
Following those indications, you should be able to determine the best logistics solution for your company that meets your budget and exceeds your expectations.