Does "All in One" Software Solution Really Exist?

We spoke with a client recently who is looking for one system to handle everything: their applicant tracking system (ATS), customer relationship management (CRM), payroll, and workforce management. This got us thinking about whether or not an all in one system is really the most effective solution for staffing services. 

Instead, companies can create an ecosystem of applications which all communicate and are individually good at what they do. 

Our systems are designed for the staffing industry. Within this industry no one company provides every possible type of talent. Rather, staffing companies specialize in their own industry to maintain integrity and expertise. A light industrial agency isn't going to recruit for locum tenens doctors. Recruiters are trained to source candidates within their own vertical so they can remain focused. This becomes the most effective and efficient way for staffing providers to service their client's needs. 

The same is true for technology. 

While it sounds like the easiest solution an "All in One" system may not be the best. Rather than purchasing a system that doesn't do any one thing well companies should consider having multiple systems, each the best in their specialization, which can integrate with one another for smoother business operations. 

For example, cell phones are changing the way we individually use technology. With just your phone you can connect to the internet, take photos, store music, and make phone calls. However, it has limitations. Some websites are not optimized for the small screen of a cell phone so users may need access to a desk or laptop computer for certain needs. The phone's camera, while excellent, is not professional quality. If someone wishes to take the best photos possible they will still need to invest in the top end DSLR camera.  And all of this tech can communicate with one another. A photographer has the option to upload their photos to a computer and use separate photo manipulation software to improve the raw images. Each of these components is integrated, but not all in one.

As the owner of a staffing company you are proud of the specialized service you provide to your core clients. Why not work with a series of systems that can each provide the same level of service for your organization? 

NextCrew offers a robust online staffing platform which can allow companies to connect different components to create a powerful ecosystem. It can also facilitate online staffing business models which can work in multiple staffing verticals. Our system fluidly integrates ATS, payroll, invoice management, vendor management systems (VMS) and more to bring efficiency to your organization and offer new opportunities for revenue streams in the world of online staffing. Contact us today to learn more! 

Online staffing is not one-size-fits-all

Whether a staffing service has been in business for five, ten, or over twenty years it is clear that they will establish a certain set of procedures that work for their staff, clients, and candidates. Having ways for your company to stand out from your competition is essential and everyone strives to provide the very best customer service and job placement. 

Then online staffing comes along and threatens to shake up the very core of the industry. Now, recruiters don't need to be the middle step between clients and candidates and this can sound a little scary for a company who has spent years developing and training their recruiting staff to provide exemplary service. But online staffing doesn't have to be that way. If you're considering implementing this change in your company it is important to realize that you don't have to completely overhaul the way your business currently runs, you can simply enhance it. 

Online staffing is not one-size-fits-all.  

Over the last decade online retail and digital communications have dominated the marketplace. When companies like Walmart began to offer online services to their shoppers they didn't change their current model. Many people who are part of their target demographic still prefer shopping in the store but the number of shoppers utilizing the online services is growing. In 2014 the online shopping business grew by 30%.  Even more startling is the fact that 95% of potential Walmart shoppers will research their purchase online before going into the store to buy it. It is important to note here that Walmart didn't change their business model but they provided additional options as their target demographics began to change their shopping habits. 

Both your clients and your candidates are changing with the digital age. In 2014, 87% of American adults use the internet to get their news, connect with friends and family, and apply for jobs. This is a huge jump over 2005 where only 66% were online. Staffing companies need to follow their candidates and offer online tools and ways to digitally connect to reach the audience they are targeting. 

The digital age is changing the way clients interact with their vendors as well. There are multiple direct web services that connect freelancers to the people who want to hire them. This is beginning to leave some staffing services out in the cold. By providing online options it allows staffing companies to cater to their customers who want high-touch and hard to find talent as well as a high volume and on-demand workforce.

If your company is considering the addition of online staffing services over the next few years the best way to get started is to implement a workforce management system. This will allow you to enhance your services later in a seamless, integrated manner. You will be able to transition to forms of online staffing that fit your business model and your clients' interest.

For more information, check out our post about some of the reasons better workforce management may be needed to stay competitive in the current market. 

Are you ready to explore an online staffing business model which works for your business? 
Contact NexCrew today!  

Image by Bruce Guenter via Flickr

Efficient Workforce Management: A Step Towards Online Staffing Business

We talk with a lot of companies who have considered making major changes in their office technology. Most companies within the contingent staffing industries have heard of workforce management and even on-line staffing. Many even love the idea and agree that this is the future of staffing. But for multiple reasons companies sometimes stop short of implementing these changes in their business for a variety of reasons including: 

•  A fear of change
• The high cost of a new system
• Leadership decisions
•  Issues with current systems not communicating
• Uncertainty of where to start.

Companies who may not be considering entire online staffing systems who are still using older technology or even manual systems to keep track of their talent may be interested in learning that workforce management tools and online staffing are simpler solutions when working with the right vendor. 

A better workforce management system for the 21^st century is not only necessary for efficient work processes but it can take even the smallest staffing businesses to the next level. It can allow for companies to provide more value added services and increase their own profit and viability in the marketplace. 

Online staffing is about hiring and sourcing talent online. Businesses utilize online systems to source their own talent and making hiring decisions. Why allow your competition to have the corner on this market when integrating an online staffing program may be as simple as upgrading your current database and workforce management system. Your company can facilitate these transactions allowing your employees to work more and your company to generate more revenue. 

A new workforce management system will allow your company to:

1. Standardize your processes
2. Engage and communicate better with your pre-screened talent pool
3. Allow for the scalability of your business
4. Provide better service to your client base
5. Project trends based on the information in your system

Workforce management is the foundation for offering various online staffing business models.  

If you work with a contingent workforce, NextCrew can help you analyze your current system, vision, and client base to determine how to position your workforce management technology to take advantages of the opportunities knocking at your door. Are you ready?