The staffing industry thrives on efficiency and strong relationships. In the staffing industry, success hinges on connecting two distinct clients: temporary employees seeking opportunities and businesses needing qualified talent. This dynamic environment demands robust communication and strategic alliances. The right staffing software should act as a bridge, fostering seamless communication and fostering strong partnerships between all parties involved.
The right software can really make the difference that keeps your agency running smoothly and positions you for success. But with multiple different
staffing software providers, selecting the ideal one for your firm is quite a research project. Some staffing agencies may need a front office to source applicants and search a database to find candidates for each role while others prefer a front and back office system complete with payroll and a general ledger.
Let’s explore key factors staffing agencies should consider when choosing their software provider.
Compliance & Regulations:
- Federal and State Requirements: Ensure the software adheres to all relevant US labor laws, including Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and anti-discrimination regulations.
- Tax Withholding: Verify the software can handle complex tax calculations for various employee classifications (e.g., W-2, 1099).
- I-9 Management: Look for software that streamlines the I-9 verification process for a seamless onboarding experience.
Features Tailored to Your Needs:
- Candidate Management System (CMS): A robust CMS should efficiently source, track, and qualify candidates. Features like resume parsing and skills matching can significantly improve workflow.
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Evaluate the ease of managing job postings, applications, and interview scheduling within the platform.
- Client Relationship Management (CRM): Effective client communication is crucial. Look for software that fosters strong client relationships through features like contact management and reporting tools.
Scalability and Integration:
- Scalability: As your agency grows, your software should adapt. Choose a solution that can accommodate increasing numbers of candidates, clients, and staff.
- Integration Capabilities: Does the software integrate with staffing industry leading staffing platforms and services? This can include background check services, texting capabilities, online new hire onboarding, time and attendance and other staffing specific services needed for the majority of agencies. Seamless integration saves time and minimizes data entry errors.
For example, COATS Staffing Software integrates with Efficient Hire which helps reduce labor costs and saves time with a 100% cloud-based employee onboarding system. The self-guided process makes it easier for your new hires to complete hiring packets compliantly from a cell phone, while reducing paperwork and helping with onboarding requirements.
Onboarding software helps simplify and organize the integration process of each new employee, enabling them to hit the ground running and get more done in their crucial first few weeks on the job.
Security and Data Protection:
- Data Security: Since you’ll be handling sensitive candidate and client data, ensure the software provider prioritizes data security with robust encryption and access controls.
COATS empowers staffing agencies to manage data security effectively. The software offers granular access controls, allowing you to define specific permissions for each user. This means different user roles within your agency (e.g., recruiters, accountants) can only access the data relevant to their job function. Restricted access to sensitive areas like employee records, accounts receivable/payable, and payroll strengthens data security by preventing unauthorized viewing or modification.
Additional Considerations:
- Customer Support: Opt for a provider with exceptional US-based customer support to ensure timely assistance when needed.
Don’t just take our word for it! Countless happy clients rely on COATS Staffing Software. When running payroll for a large workforce, immediate support is crucial. That’s why we prioritize fast and effective responses to your questions. Eddie, a staffing agency President and COATS client shared “Thank you not only for the product, but sincerely you are one of our favorite vendors because of the service you provide as well.”
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is crucial for both your internal team and external clients who may access the software.
- Cost: Pricing structures vary. Consider features offered, scalability, and long-term value when evaluating cost.
Choosing the right software is an investment in your agency’s future. By prioritizing these factors, staffing agencies can select a software solution that empowers them to streamline operations, build stronger client relationships, and achieve long-term success.
For more information about COATS Staffing Software, reach out to us at 1-800-888-5894 or contact us here.