There are various ways in which a client can request staff. The
most commonly used way tends to be through telephone, as it is
personal.
Telephone Requests
If a client makes a request via telephone, there are two
methods in which the data can be inputted, these are simple
and power.
Simple
The simple mode is straightforward. Inputting the data is very
easy. The process is at least as speedy as any other way of
recording this information and often much more quick. This allows
the operational team to rapidly and accurately deal with each
customer's individual needs. As the process is carried out the user
will be provided with more specific options based on the date
entered so far. If a customer is requesting an HGV2, then all
employees with a HGV licence, associated medical and optionally any
specific customer related training are automatically listed.
When the user selects a shift, recently used options will
appear, meaning that if a customer wants to use the same driver
they had before, then this information is easy to access.
There is the option to select single or multiple dates and
single or multiple shifts. One (or more) employees as required.
Customer reference, as well the caller name (with a recent names
list for that customer), can be added for referal later on. If the
customer has been previously configuered, then all their details
will be automatically added. Key information is also automatically
generated and added to the system including department codes and
pay rates.
At this point in the process the selection is saved, a
unique reference is generated, the request is time stamped and the
operator adding the request is entered into the system
automatically.
The shift can then be added to the staff member's availability
diary, and their availability is then updated.
Power
The power mode is in many ways similar to the simple mode,
however there is the option to link more information to the
request. There are well over 60 categories of information that can
be linked to any request allowing for further flexibility and a
well fitted match for every cusomer. This method allows an agency
to be totally on target in fulfilling each customer's needs.
Contract
The software allows the use of contracts, enabling the expansion
of single day or shift bookings to allowing the meeting of repeated
requirements. These contracts are automatically generated for a
chosen period in advance, however the end date can be changed at
any time, or the contract can run indefinitely. Notes can also
be added to the contract theough the use of the power
method if need be. Further information on contracts
can be found here.
Retrospective
If a member of staff is self-booking the input will most
commonly take place through a completed time sheet. This allows new
shifts to be easily added through the time sheet window.