Visibility and access are key to making strong, data-driven decisions
Data-driven or evidence-based decision-making is a must in today’s world of staffing and scheduling. We use data to inform decisions, track the impact of decisions, defend decisions, and identify ways to avoid repeating mistakes in the future.
The challenge for most of us has always been that the data required to make the right decisions is rarely easily accessible when we need it. When it comes to scheduling, it is not realistic to expect staff managers to make quick, accurate data-driven decisions when the data is buried in email, paper reports and filing cabinets.
The good news: technology can put that data at your fingertips
Scheduling applications are designed to expand visibility into key data right at that moment when decisions are made.
The following types of information can be available instantly:
- Overtime amounts
- Seniority
- Date last called off or on
- License expiration
- Over-/under-staffing
- Missed clock-ins
Additionally, with just a tap, you can drill down into more detail. That level of visibility into the data you are already collecting during day-to-day activities enables leaders to make quicker, smarter decisions and improve consistency, fairness, quality and the bottom line.
The right data at the right place and time
These days, most people are inundated with data, and they don’t know how to apply it or use it to improve their decisions. When you evaluate scheduling applications, don’t just consider how much data you’ll receive. Instead, make sure you have the right data, displayed in the right places. It’s ideal to have all the data you need to reference on the same screen where you are actually making staffing decisions. It’s just a more efficient, productive, less error-prone way to work.
For example, when you’re making a choice between three qualified staff members, you will make the best decision if you can easily see relevant information right next to their names:
- How many hours they have already worked
- Who is in overtime
- Who called off last
- What their seniority is
- What their pay rate is
- Their skills and credentials
Well-designed and modern staff scheduling software offers that functionality, empowering you to make quicker, smarter decisions.
ABILITY SMARTFORCE® Scheduler is a cloud-based application that streamlines staffing and enables you to manage and update your schedule from your phone.
To see it in action, request a demo of Schedule Management now.
Inovalon and design®, Inovalon® and ABILITY SMARTFORCE® are trademarks of Inovalon, Inc.
