Is your WFM tool costing you time and money?

It's tough to put a precise dollar value on the cost of inefficient workforce management (WFM) software. The problem isn't a single glaring issue with a clear price tag but rather a death by a thousand cuts. What starts as a few lost hours here and there, plus some manual workarounds, can quickly snowball into systemic dysfunction.

Before you know it, you're neck-deep in workflow inefficiencies that you've unconsciously learned to tolerate. You find yourself in survival mode, merely reacting to problems as they arise instead of proactively preventing them or focusing on strategic, big-picture operations.

Why are we still tolerating inadequate WFM technology?

So many workforce management professionals tolerate inadequate technology as just part of the job. Why? Perhaps it's because they're perpetually firefighting, dealing with the repercussions of unreliable WFM platforms. Or maybe it's because there hasn't been much innovation in the workforce management industry for decades, leaving them resigned to using the same old tools.

Regardless of the reason, it's costing organizations a great deal of money. And it’s costing employees valuable time, increasing stress, and resulting in a lot of unnecessary redundant work.

Three major ways outdated WFM technology is failing you

1. Implementation issues: Implementation lays the foundation for operational success. But what happens when the implementation phase drags on for years or when your software vendor doesn't provide adequate support throughout the process? These lengthy implementation periods are massive time sinks and hidden cost drivers. Custom integrations can be especially complex and time-consuming, further delaying the process and increasing costs.

2. Technology issues: The limitations of legacy WFM platforms are baked into the foundation of the technology itself. Designed decades ago, they were never intended to support today's complex, distributed, multi-functional teams. These old-school tools are fraught with constant lags, delays, and loading issues. Every new feature seems to break an existing one, ultimately creating more problems than they were intended to solve.

3. Data issues: Data is essential for any effective workforce management system, offering crucial insights for decision-making. Yet, many companies using legacy WFM software find themselves grappling with unreliable or inaccurate data. This lack of support from the vendor and lack of trust in the data itself have real consequences, often forcing teams to revert to homegrown systems and manual data tracking processes.

Next-generation WFM software: A better way forward

The cumulative impact of shoddy implementation, outdated technology, and unreliable data on operational efficiency can no longer be overlooked. In today’s highly competitive landscape, where customer demands are ever-evolving, investing in next-generation WFM tools is not just a strategic decision but a necessary one.

For a deeper dive into the pitfalls of legacy WFM tools, read the full article on our blog.