Work planning and rostering software boosts manufacturing efficiency

Processors have achieved time savings of 25% in the organisation of labour, halved production waste and short-term sickness and boosted manufacturing efficiency by 30% - by installing Working Time Solutions software.

The software has recently been implemented by firms including Unilever, Manor Bakeries, United Biscuits and Coca-Cola Enterprises.

There were two main IT packages, said a spokesman for Working Time Solutions. “One platform, Work Scheduling, is used more by management and allows you to forecast shift patterns and run ‘what if’ scenarios to address workforce planning issues.

“Work Management enables all users to see their shift rota. Workers can download their shifts for the next few months, stick them on the fridge at home and make changes where necessary.”

A spokesman for United Biscuits said: “Working with Working Time Solutions allowed us to quickly and easily identify suitable shifts and shift patterns which will suit our businesses needs, as well as the work-life balance of our employees.”

“The system also allows for greater transparency for our staff - they can now see weeks in advance what their shift patterns will be, allowing them to plan their leisure time more effectively. As a business we hope to dramatically reduce and control overall costs and improve efficiencies through demand-led rostering techniques.”

Kevin White, md of Working Time Solutions, said: “Within some organisations demand rises from April and through the summer months and massively peaks between September and December to meet Christmas demand but problems and difficulties with short term recruitment, including lack of training and high wastage can lead to decreases in productivity.

“What we have been doing with our food industry clients is to work with them to analyse and understand the demand profile for their product. Then, using our suite of software, create appropriate shift patterns to meet that demand.”

Using Working Time Solutions enabled Colmans of Norwich to halve absenteeism and cut wastage from 5% to 2.5%, said White.