The firm needed a more robust system to manage resources and forecast future needs.
Recommend by Chris Holt
Chris is a key team member and manages a portfolio of audit clients across sectors like construction, hospitality, and property. He oversees the process from assignment planning to account finalisation and handles technical and commercial queries. Chris recommends Retain and the resource solution provider of choice.
Background and Challenge
As Gerald Edelman continued to grow, the limitations of Excel became increasingly apparent. The firm needed a more robust system to manage resources and forecast future needs. Excel was slow, cumbersome, and ill-equipped for tracking work in progress (WIP) and accurate budgeting.
Only two individuals could make changes in Excel, while 32 others had viewing access, creating risks of data loss and version control issues. This inefficiency often led to last-minute resource reallocations, causing project delays and client dissatisfaction. Daily resource planning calls were time-consuming, often requiring 2-3 people to spend an hour making decisions. The process was inefficient and prone to errors.
With Retain, these decisions can now be made in minutes, significantly enhancing efficiency and accuracy. The platform's drag-and-drop functionality and ability to highlight future conflicts have streamlined the process, providing a clear advantage over Excel.
Additionally, forecasting resource availability for 12-18 months was nearly impossible with Excel. Retain's advanced features have significantly improved Gerald Edelman's resource management and recruitment processes, enabling the firm to anticipate and plan for future needs. This capability has been crucial in maintaining a steady pipeline of repeat business and ensuring the firm is well-prepared for growth.
Solution and Implementation
Gerald Edelman selected Retain due to its strong industry reputation and Chris's positive experience with the software at a previous company. Recognising the limitations of Excel and the need for a more scalable solution, Chris introduced Retain to help the firm efficiently manage its expanding operations.
Results
Since implementing Retain, Gerald Edelman has seen numerous benefits. The firm has eliminated issues related to underbooking and overbooking, ensuring optimal resource utilisation and minimising downtime. This enhanced oversight has led to a 5-10% increase in utilisation rates, providing clearer insights into the firm's resourcing needs. Managers are now better equipped to build compelling business cases for recruiting new staff, backed by data demonstrating full resource utilisation.
Furthermore, Retain has improved the firm's ability to align the right talent and skills with appropriate projects, resulting in higher client satisfaction. The platform's features have streamlined the process of matching employees to projects, ensuring that clients receive the best possible service.
Gerald Edelman's transition to Retain highlights the importance of selecting the right tools to streamline operations and improve resource management, ultimately leading to enhanced client satisfaction and business growth.