New software helps Dorset manage workforce

Dorset Police has rolled out new ‘charting’ software to help manage its workforce and reduce administration costs, helping its managers and HR team better understand and maintain the organisational structure. The OrgPlus software, from workforce decision support specialist HumanConcepts, will monitor and update workforce changes, including headcount and vacant positions, for over 2,800 personnel.

Workforce data from Dorset Police’s main HR system is integrated into the software to produce visual employee directories that reflect the most recent changes. The system replaces a time-consuming manual process for updating organisation charts. The force expects a return on investment within 12 months through time saved, reduced administration costs and more accurate workforce data.

The latest charts are published daily by the HR team on Microsoft SharePoint, enabling managers to view the organisation in an easy-to-read chart format, containing the latest HR information. Senior managers and HR personnel at Dorset Police can view the number of direct reports, positions vacant and headcount across the force.

The software allows managers and HR staff to check visually that records regarding workflow are correct much more effectively than by inspecting the underlying data. It also saves lot of time by providing easy access to information reflecting what is held in the force’s main HR database. It also provides information to managers regarding absences and sick days, helping the force to be more accountable as an organisation.

Nick Power, e-HR officer at Dorset Police, explained: “Using OrgPlus has supported us in our drive to manage our costs and improve the quality of our data. Since implementing the solution, we have saved one day each week maintaining organisational charts. They now reflect an accurate picture of our staffing headcounts and where there may be vacant posts, helping our division and line managers to make informed workforce planning decisions.”

He added: “As a visual tool, there is no doubt that it has made a significant difference to us as an organisation. We estimate it will provide a return on investment within 12 months through improved visibility, data accuracy and accountability.”

Gill Daniels, director of EMEA at HumanConcepts, said that for organisations like Dorset Police, with many different divisions and requirements, the software allows them to quickly visualise how their structure is formed and organised, enabling them to understand their workforce, plan for and manage workforce change and meet legislation.

“Managers can drill down to view HR details to help them make informed decisions that benefit both staff and the organisation,” he said.