Staff scheduling is no easy task. Managers are constantly faced with issues like overlaps or double assignments. That is why an efficient and optimal scheduling system can be useful.

Our previous post titled “Finding the Right Fit: The Programming Tools You Should Be Looking For” outlined four of the most basic features a programming tool or program should offer. In addition to assisting managers and supervisors with event planning and employee scheduling, these tools should also have a user-friendly interface and navigation that won’t intimidate the user, and should help reduce company costs by reducing paperwork and hassles. related expenses.

But beyond this, what else can a programming tool offer? While the basics are enough, a scheduling tool that offers more features for managers and employees alike is much appreciated, especially if it means more flexibility and convenience. With all the possibilities open when it comes to computer technology, there’s no question that programming programs and tools can, and should, offer more than just the basics.

Here are some questions you might want to ask to see if there’s anything else you can get out of that programming tool you’re considering buying.

1. Do you allow multiple views? As the person in charge of employee scheduling, you’ll definitely want to view your employees’ tasks and activities on a daily, weekly, and even monthly basis for better tracking and control. Therefore, your scheduling tool or program should offer flexibility when it comes to viewing employee calendars. Check that your scheduling system allows you to easily switch from one calendar view to another.
2. Do you offer customization options? The purpose and use of a programming tool may vary depending on the nature and needs of your business. But since you’re investing in a system that’s meant to help you better optimize your operations, you might as well get a program that can do a number of things for you. Your scheduling tool should allow for more customization so you can tailor its usage to your business needs. For example, check if the tool allows you to also enter the skills of your employees and the skills required for a particular task so that you can make a comparison between the skills of the employees. When you do staff scheduling, for example, you can assign someone more suitable for a task, since the system can extract and match the skills of your employees with the skills required for the task. This type of filter option is a custom feature offered by some programming tools that you may find useful.
3. Do you offer sync and access on other platforms? Some employees work remotely; others are based in the field and may not be in the office regularly. It is ideal if the system used in staff scheduling also has synchronization or access options on other platforms. This can include email synchronization so that an alert automatically goes into your employees’ email, allowing them to check for new assignments via email, without having to send them more emails, as your scheduling tool will do so. does for you. Another example is automatic synchronization with your employees’ online calendars.

A scheduling system is part of a business’s investments, and like any other investment, it should be something that can offer a wide range of services to help make business operations more efficient. It’s always worth checking to see if your scheduling system can do more for you and your business.