Why a robust light industrial staffing software implementation pays off
Light industrial staffing isn’t simple. It’s a high-volume, high-churn workforce with complex scheduling, intricate shifts, and crucial compliance and safety considerations. Top-performing firms in this space need to be flexible and find new ways to scale their business, and cutting-edge technology can help.
Top-tier staffing software can make all the difference in growing and scaling your business, but implementing it requires time and effort. Every business wants to be efficient with its spending, but when it comes to implementing staffing software, a seemingly “cheap” implementation often comes with hidden costs and substantial risks that can derail long-term success. It’s like building a house without a solid foundation.
So, what exactly goes into a proper software implementation? It’s a multifaceted process that requires expertise, time, and a deep understanding of your unique business.
Let’s dive into what a robust implementation entails, and why putting in the work at the start can save your firm headaches later on.
What to expect from an implementation
Here’s a look at what a robust implementation truly entails:
- Workflow enablement: This foundational phase is about tailoring your new system to your unique business operations.
- Data migration: A successful data migration requires meticulous attention to detail during the pre-sales process to understand all the data sources leveraged by your team.
- Integration: Focus on establishing robust connections that keep your front and back office in perfect sync, ensuring data flows smoothly and accurately across your entire ecosystem.
- Testing: Thorough testing minimizes go-live risks and ensures your business operations continue without a hitch.
- Change management and training: Engaging a dedicated internal lead or partnering with change management experts can help shape the right strategies to support your team, encourage adoption, and ease the transition.
Ultimately, a proper implementation takes time because accuracy and alignment are key. It’s not just about installing software; it’s about building a system that will genuinely work for your light industrial staffing firm, ensuring it’s optimized for efficiency and growth.
When you work with a vendor who has implemented countless clerical and light industrial customers on high-quality software, they’ll not only advise you on best practices but also help you optimize your entire operation.
Why good implementations aren’t cheap (and why that’s a good thing)
It boils down to value. Here’s why investing in a quality implementation is worth every penny:
- Industry expertise costs money: Someone with specialized knowledge of light industrial staffing will provide more informed recommendations – and add more value.
- Avoid costly rework: Cheap implementations often skip critical steps, leading to frustrating and expensive rework down the line. For instance, the right testing ensures workflows are set up properly and working as intended. You save money upfront only to spend more fixing problems.
- Risk mitigation: A thorough implementation ensures compliance, avoids downtime, and guarantees your data is accurate and flowing precisely as it needs to. This proactive approach saves you from potentially devastating operational and legal headaches.
- Tailored to you: A quality implementation is tailored to the nuances of your business, with the right training in place to set your team up for success from day one.
How to spot a risky software implementation quote
Not all quotes are created equal. Be wary if you see:
- Lack of discovery or scoping: If a vendor doesn’t take the time to understand your unique needs, that’s a red flag.
- No training or post-go-live support included: Implementation isn’t over at go-live. Your team needs ongoing support.
- Hidden fees or change orders: What starts as “cheap” can quickly inflate with unexpected charges once the work begins.
- Fast timelines that skip testing or user feedback: Rushing through critical phases is a recipe for disaster.
- Generic software terms: If they don’t show an understanding of light industrial staffing workflows, they likely don’t have the specialized expertise you need.
The pitfalls of going with the lowest quote
Choosing the cheapest option can lead to a cascade of problems, downtime, bugs, or missed features to ensure compliance and safety. Plus, a vendor with limited experience in clerical and light industrial staffing won’t be able to make recommendations to improve your process — or provide additional support beyond go-live at all.
With these issues, your firm risks poor user adoption; if the system isn’t easy to use or tailored to your team’s workflow, recruiters, sales, clients, and candidates simply won’t use it. As Jared Mogan from MAU Workforce Solutions shared, “We had a lot of information stored outside of our system. We were using spreadsheets and Google Docs. We needed to marry up that information with data we had in our ATS, and we couldn’t do that with the tools we had.”
Additionally, a poorly implemented, limited option can stifle your growth. The Director of Operations and IT at Malone noted, “The biggest issue we had was being able to grow our tech stack. When we were in our previous system, it wasn’t truly an open API, so it was a lot harder to integrate any other software that we wanted to use within it.”
A seemingly affordable solution may just end up costing you more in the long run. A robust system that truly supports your light industrial staffing firm’s needs and future growth is worth the investment.
Invest in your future
The quality of your staffing software implementation isn’t just a line item; it’s a foundational investment in your business’s future. Don’t think of an implementation as a one-and-done event. Looking at the full picture includes considering the ongoing training and support you’ll receive long after “go-live.”
Your decision shouldn’t solely hinge on the initial cost or a rushed timeline. An implementation is the means to get you the staffing software that will truly grow your business. So, when talking to tech vendors, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Don’t just ask, “How much does this cost?” Instead, ask: “What’s included? Who’s involved? How will this help us grow?”
Choosing a robust implementation isn’t just about avoiding problems; it’s about setting your firm up for unparalleled success. It’s about empowering your team, streamlining your operations, and building a foundation that can confidently scale with your ambitions. It’s an investment that pays dividends for years to come.
Want to learn more about implementing software for clerical and light industrial firms? Check out our new Bullhorn One implementation playbook.
