The Co-op has rolled-out the final phase of its new workforce management system to improve operational efficiency at its 2,800 UK food stores. The workforce management tool, supplied by Kronos, has now been introduced across its entire food store estate to accurately plan what staff are needed, and when.

Kronos system’s time and attendance tool records the working hours of food store and logistics staff using biometric data collected at terminals, and also keycodes and card keys, which has been installed over the last two years. This information feeds directly into the payroll system.

Sean Toal, COO, The Co-operative Food, says: “The Kronos system has vastly improved our working practices and is delivering several benefits and efficiencies right across the Food business, including cost savings and freeing up management time.

“The workforce management element of the system will dramatically improve customer service by effectively matching consumer demand with the availability of our store staff, which will ultimately improve their shopping experience.”

Kronos integrates several critical systems, including electronic point-of-sale (EPoS), payroll and the depot system to create the optimum staff schedule for each store.

Mark Hale, CIO and supply chain director at The Co-operative Group, adds: “The workforce management system is helping all our stores run more efficiently and is also providing cost savings and freeing up management time enabling our colleagues to concentrate on our customers’ needs.”

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