Human Resources: Resource Scheduler from PeopleCube Supports Lower-Cost "Green" Operations

FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts--January 28, 2008--PeopleCube, provider of intelligent workplace and resource management technology, today announced that it has incorporated new capabilities into its Resource Scheduler solution that enable facility managers to make strategic use of their organizations' real estate and related resources. The results are better space utilization, reduced real-estate costs, and the decreased energy costs associated with effective resource usage.

"The second largest expense for companies is facilities," said PeopleCube president and CEO John Anderson. "Intelligent facilities-management practices such as office hoteling--the allocation of space to employees on an as-needed, rather than permanent, basis--enable companies to reduce square footage per employee and decrease associated costs, while achieving a greener operating model. It's a double win for businesses."

"The market is demanding efficient and environmentally sound workplaces," said Rebecca Wettemann, vice president of research, Nucleus Research. "PeopleCube is providing facility managers within corporations and universities the tools they need to achieve what their management and other constituents--employees, customers, shareholders, or students--are calling for in terms of eco-friendly, lower-cost operations."

Resource Scheduler Offers Cost Savings and Environmental Advantages

Resource Scheduler helps large businesses, universities, and other organizations effectively utilize shared resources. Via a Web client or Microsoft Outlook, users can identify and reserve any type of resource--workspaces, conference rooms, training facilities, A/V equipment, fleet vehicles, even athletic fields and study rooms--based on specified criteria. Further, Resource Scheduler enables facility managers to oversee and enforce the policies that govern the use of those resources. Resource Scheduler is a scalable solution available via subscription (software as a service [SaaS] or on-demand) or for on-premise deployment.

"We've found that, by focusing on scheduling our resources more strategically, we make gains on several fronts," said Dr. Phillip Knutel, director of Academic Technology, Library, and Research Services at Bentley College. "In our collaborative workspaces/study rooms within the campus library, we complement 'smart' thermostats with Resource Scheduler for efficient utilization--often at or near 100 percent. We don't have a lot of expensive rooms sitting idle, and we save money by only heating or cooling spaces that are being used. This supports our collegewide objective to become a greener campus. Of course, our 5,500 students appreciate how easy it is to reserve these shared work areas online using Resource Scheduler, which not only makes them happier and more productive but also frees up staff to focus on other critical matters."

Enhanced Office Hoteling and Hot Desking

Resource Scheduler's new office hoteling module helps customers schedule temporary office space, an activity often referred to as "office hoteling" or "hot desking." The module helps organizations reduce real-estate expenses, reduce commuting-related emissions, and, just as importantly, it facilitates offering the telecommuting benefit that so many employees seek. Finally, it provides administrator support for the enforcement of office hoteling policies.

The office hoteling module includes a touch-screen kiosk interface. Individuals can use it to search for and reserve space by looking at a map, to check in and out of reservations, and to track down colleagues' reserved workspaces so nearby areas can be reserved when collaboration is appropriate.

Facility managers use the information generated by the hoteling kiosk to better understand actual versus planned utilization. It tells them when space is being reserved, but not actually used, and the information it provides helps them devise and enforce check-in policies.

Increased Knowledge Begets Intelligent Resource Scheduling and Usage

Resource Scheduler includes several new reports that focus on effective resource utilization. For example, a space utilization and savings report helps facility managers understand the total carbon footprint, calculate cost savings relating to conference space, and identify additional savings that might be gained by integrating Resource Scheduler with internal systems such as HVAC and presence-detection devices.

A telecommuting analysis report helps facility managers plan for office hoteling occupancy and calculate carbon emissions saved when employees telecommute instead of drive to the office. Similarly, a videoconference savings report illustrates cost, productivity, and carbon emissions saved when geographically dispersed participants conduct meetings via video teleconference instead of traveling to meet in person.

Resource Scheduler Works Hand In Hand with Customer Systems

PeopleCube strives to create products that work within organizations' existing infrastructures, rather than requiring customers to force-fit their practices to accommodate the software. As an example, the latest release of Resource Scheduler is compatible with Microsoft Exchange 2007. It also supports Microsoft Outlook shared calendars (also known as delegated users or proxy users). The latter is especially useful for people who are job sharing, or for individuals whose assistants need access to their calendars.

An increasing number of companies, particularly those in the hospitality and catering fields, are employing Spanish-speaking personnel. Therefore, PeopleCube now offers Resource Scheduler in Spanish; it is already available in English, French, and German.

For more information about Resource Scheduler's extensive scheduling and reporting capabilities, visit http://www.peoplecube.com/products-resource-scheduler.htm.

About PeopleCube

PeopleCube provides intelligent on-demand workplace and resource management solutions that help customers run environmentally friendly, cost-effective workplaces. Through its corporate headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts, and offices throughout the world, PeopleCube supports 7,500 customers in small, medium, and large enterprises. More information is available at www.peoplecube.com.