Simpson Manufacturing has reduced scheduling time for managers by up to 80% at its McKinney, Texas facility after implementing workforce management software, saving more than 300 hours annually.
The California-based manufacturer, which supplies structural building products globally, deployed the UKG Pro Workforce Management suite at one of its largest U.S. plants. The company employs 5,700 workers across 24 countries, with 2,300 in frontline roles.
Pilot program expands across departments
Simpson Manufacturing started the program in its automatics department before expanding to fabrication and warehouse operations. The system allows workers to post shifts for others to take, swap shifts with colleagues, or volunteer for extra shifts posted by management.
“Guided by one of our core values which is ‘Everyone Matters,’ we prioritize our employees, and UKG flexible scheduling enables us to address their needs fairly and consistently,” said Richard Wood, production manager at Simpson Manufacturing. “UKG gives employees the freedom to adjust their schedules according to their personal circumstances without needing to contact their leaders in most situations.”
Workers filled 600 shifts without manager input
Within the first six months, employees picked up more than 600 open shifts without manager intervention, according to the company. Plan-to-manned alignment, which measures whether the right number of people are scheduled on appropriate equipment, also increased.
The software uses artificial intelligence to automatically approve schedule changes based on pre-set rules. The system checks worker skills and qualifications while accounting for overtime and compliance requirements.
“The results have been transformative for both our business and our people,” said Sindhuri Adepu, UKG product lead at Simpson Manufacturing. “We’re not only running more efficiently but our employees feel empowered to take control of their schedules.”
System includes safety guardrails
The mobile app includes safety features to prevent worker fatigue. The system limits employees to 52 hours per week and enforces mandatory rest periods between shifts.
Adepu said the changes came from employee feedback requesting better work-life balance. The company reduced attendance points and improved retention at the McKinney plant.
“Employees have told us this is the best thing that has happened, and advanced scheduling is allowing us to reimagine how we manage our workforce,” Adepu said. “They can sit with their families at home, look at the week ahead, and plan overtime or shift changes without needing to walk over to a supervisor.”
Flexibility linked to retention
A UKG survey of nearly 13,000 frontline workers found that 44% said flexible hours and self-scheduling are the most desirable work arrangements. One quarter of respondents said they would quit their job due to lack of workplace flexibility.
Simpson Manufacturing plans to roll out flexible scheduling across its global locations, according to Adepu.
Rachel Barger, president of go-to-market at UKG, said the manufacturer has turned its frontline workforce into a competitive advantage. “Employees can now plan work around their lives instead of the other way around,” Barger said.
