[tcrass]

I've been fighting with this issue so far for 2 months without a good resolution so I figure who better to ask than people in the industry.

The Issue: Current scheduling and any staffing calculations and forecasting are handled 100% "manually". This is most of what my time has been devoted to while employed here. This is also something that I've been charged with looking into fixing. I've been searching for a good workforce management system which doesn't cost a fortune that will still meet our needs.

What's Been Done So Far: I've explored such systems as IEX, GMT, Blue Pumpkin, Pipkins and a number of smaller outfits. The larger companies (also the more expensive) would be a perfect fit since they of course implement everything you could need. Internally designing one is an option as well but this will take some time, needs to be done in JSP or ASP and we don't have a good starting point to begin such a development project.

What's Needed:

1) I'm looking for 'any' suggestions anyone might have as to what software "might" work for the following general features, automated scheduling entry, call volume integration (even by copy-paste if needs), easy of entry and data manipulation (shift changes, PTO, days off, sick days, manager overrides, etc), rule-set based exceptions (not more than 5 people off on a given day, etc.), graphical schedule representation (like a gantt chart), web interface (optional), skill set scheduling (optional), automated request time off system (optional) and by far the largest need....cost efficiency....$20,000 systems are out of the question.

2) Secondly, maybe I'm dreaming with the last one so here's the other option, developing what we need internally. I'm looking for if anyone knows of a good basic Shareware, Freeware or low-cost scheduling system which would be used as a base for the addition of needed features.


"ANY" thoughts on this are most welcomed. Thank you!