In our world today, it's safe to assume that IT plays a role in almost every function. Without a thriving and powerful IT backbone, a lot of what we do today would be different. And behind it all, there's an exceptional IT organisation that keeps it all running. Fixing bugs, answering support queries, testing new product launches, developing apps - no day is ever the same. And, there's no role that isn't dependent on them.
So, to keep the teams in IT organisations functioning efficiently what can be done? Have you considered implementing resource scheduling software in IT organisation? If not, we are here to ask you to reconsider. Questioning, "What role does resource scheduling software play in IT organisations?" Well, the simple one-word answer is, "plenty."
Let's discover the top features that make resource scheduling tools an integral part of an IT company.
The main benefit of having resource scheduling software in IT operations is that it will streamline workflows, enhance productivity and help global teams collaborate effectively.
A resource scheduling software in IT also automates a lot of tasks. Ask any IT professional, at a given time they have a lot on their plate - they need to give access to a new employee, fix a bug on a new product launch, communicate development to clients or test a software upgrade. By installing a resource scheduling software, a task, with automatic reminders, will be assigned to each individual. They will know what is on their plate without missing any important deadlines. In basic terms, automation reduces the number of repetitive tasks one might have to take on, thus saving you time and energy. Energies that you can put towards more strategic tasks or decisions.
Below we delve deeper into five features or a resource scheduling software that can make work easier and smoother for IT.
In an IT organisation, there are multiple projects running simultaneously and oftentimes a project manager needs the flexibility to dynamically change resource allocation. Without resource scheduling software in IT, a project might often have to rely on email chains, coordination calls or complicated coding to make the required changes. eRS, one of the top enterprise-based resource management software, boasts of a visual scheduler that enables the allocation of IT resources with effortless drag and drop.
The drag and drop feature also makes it easier for a project manager to create schedules, split tasks amongst members and easily alter any plans and reallocate resources (in projects there is always something that's bound to spring up, isn't there). This makes for easy viewing that doesn't require any additional software training and is quick to implement.
The drag and drop further allows all relevant parties, across different projects and departments, to see the updates in real-time. It means that everyone is on the same page, and there is no confusion about missed deadlines or scheduled meetings. It saves one from the hassle of spreadsheet reconciliation and double booking errors.
Built with the drag and drop feature are a lot of custom fields. You can schedule just based on fields like skillset or availability, but also add specific custom data fields like locations, hourly cost or anything connected with the resources, tasks or projects.
Simply adding resources doesn't result in increased productivity. The resources have to be utilised for strategic and billable work. In IT organisations, many resources are placed on the bench for considerable periods of time - not being fully utilised. But many times this tracking gets missed or is hard to consistently follow up on.
One of the key features of eRS resource scheduling software in IT is that it provides resource utilisation tracking - a KPI (key performance indicator) that will give you the ability to make sure all resources are performing at their highest potential and not being over or underutilised (sitting on the bench). With resource utilisation, resource managers can promptly move bench strength to billable projects and tasks.
With resource utilisation metrics, managers can even compare actual utilisation reports against initial forecasts and make necessary adjustments. Over time, the data will lead to increasingly accurate projections.
No more shuffling through multiple screens, separate workflows or different systems. With resource scheduling software in IT, you'll get a multi-dimensional view of resources via an interactive and customisable single-screen dashboard. This colour-coded dashboard offers clear visibility into schedules; it also provides the facility to sort schedules by role, team, project type, location or skills – all of which leads to faster decision making.
In addition to using the dashboard for the day-to-day management of resources in real-time, the multitude of views also allows you to drill down into your data regarding finances, resource capacity, and utilisation.
The single-screen dashboard widget can be customised as per your need. In IT companies, a project manager is often juggling multiple projects for different clients. He/She might want to see how a shared resource is splitting time between two separate projects - is the resource being over utilised? What is available capacity? The dashboard can be customised to reflect these metrics in a single view.
eResource Scheduler, the leading resource scheduling software in IT also offers availability reports. Much like its name, this report provides accurate insights into what resources are available across teams, locations, and skillsets. This data can be used to make critical decisions regarding hiring or planning projects.
Another key differentiator for eRS is its resource forecasting capabilities. What does this mean and what are the benefits? Resource forecasting is predicting your future resource requirements based on historical data and anticipated requirements. It's the most profitable way to manage your resources.
eRS allows you to map the availability of your workforce with the pipeline of impending work. Say, your IT company (or team) has been tasked to develop an app. The app has been developed but there's a shortage of testers which is causing them to work overtime and thus overutilization of resources. This is not a satisfactory situation to be in - especially if the goal is to complete projects in time and with high profitability.
How to avoid running into the same scenario time and time again? The data from timesheets, upcoming project pipelines and resource availability and skills profiles will allow you to make an informed decision. eRS provides a real-time and consolidated window into your team's capacity and workload, which makes it quicker and easier for a manager to make forecasting models.
eRS resource scheduling software in IT seamlessly integrates with your existing or legacy systems. Through their configurable Open REST APIs , you can easily import important data from HR, payroll and any other data sources. You can even select which data points to import and sync. It could be resource skill-set, timesheets, tasks or any other critical reference point.
eResource Scheduler can be configured as per your needs. It can be scaled up or customised to suit your business's needs.
eResource Scheduler (eRS) is an intuitive, affordable and customisable resource scheduling software in IT that meets the needs of a variety of organisations, across industries and sizes- IT, service-oriented, health sector, construction, or manufacturing. It provides a thorough overview of all operations so you can plan, track and implement better.
What's even better? We offer a personalised trial that's free of cost. Since 2011, eResource Scheduler has been used as resource scheduling software in IT companies of all sizes for their resource planning and management needs. We're ready to offer the same support and guidance to you.
