Top 5 Essential Tools for Contingent Workforce Professionals

In the rapidly evolving landscape of contingent workforce management, having the right tools can significantly enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve overall performance. Whether you are managing a small team or overseeing a large-scale operation, here are five tools that every contingent workforce professional should not be without.

1- Vendor Management System (VMS)

A Vendor Management System (VMS) is a critical tool for managing the entire contingent workforce lifecycle. It facilitates the procurement and management of temporary and contract labor by centralizing all vendor-related activities. Key benefits of a VMS include:

• Streamlined Processes: Automates the procurement process from requisition to payment.
• Enhanced Visibility: Provides real-time data and analytics on workforce performance and spending.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensures adherence to labor laws and company policies.

VMS platforms like Conexis, help in managing multiple vendors, standardizing processes, and optimizing workforce spend.

 2 - Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Direct Sourcing Platforms

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is essential for managing the recruitment process, from job posting to candidate onboarding. This tool simplifies the hiring process by:

• Centralizing Resumes: Collects and organizes applications in one place.
• Automating Communication: Sends automatic updates to candidates and hiring managers.
• Tracking Metrics: Provides insights into hiring metrics like time-to-fill and cost-per-hire. 

Direct Sourcing platforms enable organizations to manage all or a portion of self-sourced contingent workers.  

Top platforms offer robust features that support seamless integration with tools like Conexis, enhancing the efficiency of the recruitment process.

3- Workforce Management Software

Workforce Management Software helps in planning, scheduling, and tracking the performance of the contingent workforce. These tools are vital for ensuring optimal productivity and managing workforce-related costs. Key features include:

• Scheduling: Automates shift scheduling and ensures proper coverage.
• Time and Attendance Tracking: Monitors employee hours and attendance.
• Performance Analytics: Tracks productivity and identifies areas for improvement.

Leading solutions like Kronos Workforce Central, ADP Workforce Now, and BambooHR provide comprehensive workforce management capabilities that support both operational efficiency and strategic planning.

4- Business Intelligence Platforms

With the advent of open API’s, organizations are no longer relying on limited VMS reporting capabilities. They are now looking to take control of their own data, put it on their own database and run their own reporting. This means:

• Control over the design and frequency of reporting.
• Retained ownership of their own data – stored on their own servers.
• File Sharing: Enables seamless sharing and collaboration on documents.

Popular tools like Tableau offer robust features enabling programs to build their own reporting suite which is aligned to their business requirements and KPI’s.

5- Project Management Software

Project Management Software is invaluable for managing projects involving a contingent workforce. These tools help in planning, executing, and monitoring projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Important features include:

• Task Management: Organizes and assigns tasks to team members.
• Progress Tracking: Monitors project milestones and deadlines.
• Resource Allocation: Manages the allocation of resources and budgets.

Top project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com provide intuitive interfaces and powerful features that support efficient project execution and management.

Other tools include backcheck providers, candidate curation and worker scheduling.

The Conexis Difference

Conexis is revolutionizing the Vendor Management System industry with our cutting-edge tech stack and a sleek user friendly interface. Conexis is a robust, cloud-based, mobile-friendly software application that empowers your company to streamline and oversee your entire contingent workforce, regardless of the diverse skill sets you require.

Conexis stands out from other VMS solutions due to its unique functionality and features such as open APIs and flexible data solutions which allow our customers to create fast, easy, and cost-effective integrations, that can be done in under a week, compared to the legacy systems, which have to custom code each one. 

We are also leading the industry with our white-gloves customer care, our pricing and our fast implementation.  With our market-leading work shift, scheduling, timekeeping, and credentialing capabilities, Conexis is the only VMS that can handle all skill categories without clunky third-party add-ons.  Learn more about our company and our award winning VMS Software. 

Interested in learning more about Vendor Management Solutions?

Whether you are looking for a new VMS Solution, or just getting started, we are here to help.  See how easy Conexis is to use by taking a quick 2 minute Self-Guided Tour.  Contact Us for a Free No-Obligation Consultation to discuss your workforce challenges (and get immediate actionable insights) or Book a Personal Demo Today!