TempWorks 3140 Neil Armstrong Blvd.
Eagan, MN 55121 USA
651-452-0366
Product Suite:
TempWorks Front Office, TempWorks Back Office, Web Center, Web Client
Overview:
TempWorks has provided solutions for large staffing companies since 1994, including operations of Olsten, Manpower, Adecco and many privately held companies. Since 1994, TempWorks has been providing integrated solutions specifically to the Staffing Industry. Among its accomplishments, TempWorks claims several industry firsts, including the:
- First web based candidate center for temporary staffing: 1996
- First fully integrated VOP (Vendor-On-Premise) system: 1998
- First ASP (Application Service Provider) for temporary staffing market: 1999
- First XML based data exchange tools integrated with a staffing product: 1999
- First B2B candidate and order exchange with back office and EDI integration: October 2000
- First integrated paperless time card system: October 2001
- First fully integrated Vendor Management System combined with front and back office: July 2002
TempWorks´ VMS solution began in an odd way. According to TempWorks, it was approached by a client in mid-2002 that needed a VMS solution in order to win an important account. TempWorks was asked whether it could help, otherwise the client would begin a search for a 3rd party VMS solutions partner. TempWorks decided to pursue the opportunity. It developed a VMS to their customer´s specification within one month and has been providing and improving the solution ever since.
TempWorks´ contingent workforce management products are used by staffing firms to provide customers with a comprehensive view of service and client interaction, 24 hours a day. TempWorks´ integrated staffing ERP uses an open source architecture on a web-enabled, Microsoft SQL Server platform. TempWorks believes it offers the only staffing software that has both an industry standard relational database and a "fully integrated, proven, front and back office" in a web-based online format.
TempWorks has designed its products to be customer configurable and easy to use - its user interfaces are based on Microsoft Office´s because most users are familiar with it. Configuration wizards are available to guide users through the process of customizing the software to meet their unique requirements. The wizards are designed for non-programmers. The tools also assist non-programmers in creating multiple front ends designed for the needs of different departments and divisions by industry and/or language (Spanish/English). Moreover, TempWorks includes the source code for clients to customize. Any certified Microsoft professional can be engaged to extend the solution by modifying TempWorks´ Visual Basic, ASP, Microsoft Access and SQL source code. This is a somewhat unique offering, especially as it is included upfront and not something that has to be negotiated. It is valuable both from a customization perspective and in the event that TempWorks leaves the business.
TempWorks also offers wizards to create custom reports on top of the several hundred canned reports the product ships with. Reports can be categorized in a variety of ways. For example, users can set up a report to run weekly, monthly, or both. TempWorks advertises a 180-day, 100% money back guarantee on its software, something that is also unique in the industry.
TempWorks Products include Front Office, which offers a web-based online center for applicants and automates the application process giving applicants access to information about open job orders. Front-office staff can run key word and natural language searches on any aspect of the applicant database. Users can also exclude candidates who will soon be starting another assignment from their search results. This avoids the problem of pursuing a candidate who has already accepted another assignment.
Applicants can enter their own information and profiles via the Front Office on the web. TempWorks helps reduce unemployment claims by allowing users to document any and all information available concerning why a person leaves an assignment. Completed, laid off, attendance (documented, dates warned), NS/NC, replaced for whatever reason, replaced by whom, hired by customer or found employment elsewhere and any other information the user has. Special reports and searches make it easy to track unemployment claim problems.
The TempWorks Back Office works to process payments and create and track invoices as well as report on associated metrics. The solution offers an integrated workers´ compensation module that generates first injury reports and injury claims analysis. Payroll processing features include automated scheduled adjustments when pay periods are missed; and the ability to process 200+ checks per minute.
TempWorks also ships with tools suitable for the management of direct hires and professionals including the ability to broadcast e-mail job order information to matching candidates and to track submittals, send-outs, offers and placement fees - from all perspectives including: candidate, job order, customer and employee.
Market Position:
Tempworks can be distinguished in the contingent workforce management solutions industry in that it markets specifically to staffing companies. It offers a VMS that staffing firms can offer to, and use with their clients directly. Staffing firms must license the software and Tempworks´ VMS must be used with the Tempworks front and back end solutions (management software for staffing firm administration) it cannot be unbundled and purchased separately or used stand-alone.
Staffing companies determine the process by which the Tempworks VMS is used. They may be a master vendor or they might offer it to their customers in a completely vendor neutral fashion.
Tempworks sells direct to staffing companies of $20 million or more in revenue (typically from thirty up to several hundred recruiters). TempWorks currently has about 70 clients mainly ranging in size from 100-400 users. All of TempWorks´ clients are using the integrated front and backend solution. Only about 10% of those are currently using the VMS but interest and demand for it are growing rapidly according to TempWorks.
TempWorks diagrams the relationship its customers can build with their clients and other staffing firms below. In this non vendor-neutral scenario, the customer becomes like an MSP, managing the relationships and access of subcontracted staffing firms.
Company Direction/Vision:
Tempworks is tightly focused on developing software solutions for staffing firms. It states that it has no intention of selling to the corporate market direct, nor any intention of developing services that compete with staffing firms.
Having recently expanded its custom offerings to the medical industry, Tempworks is now focused on expanding into the European market, initially for the front end HRMS. The tools are based on the Microsoft .Net architecture so Tempworks feels it has an advantage on language configuration and in handling currency exchange. Tempworks is also expanding its Customer Relationship Management functionality.
This review is an excerpt from a 20 page, comprehensive review of Tempworks´ latest contingent workforce/vendor management products and services. The full review, which covers pricing, strengths, challenges, risks, competitiveness and the results of tests on 20 components of the software, our comments on 9 key business components and our assessment of 5 strategic risk areas, is part of a 500+ page Buyers´ Guide to Vendor Management Systems that is available now. The buyer´s guide will be updated quarterly. It will contain white papers and best practices information from some of the industry´s leading experts and will describe the offerings of the industry´s most prominent vendors. If you are interested in purchasing the guide please e-mail aschweyer[at]hr.com.
Don''t miss this year''s HR Technology Conference in Philadelphia Oct. 8-10. Allan Schweyer and Elaine Orler will present High Noon - Gurus Duel "Big Red" Computer to Select Your New Recruiting Vendor. 2003 HR Technology Show .