The retail sector encounters difficulties in workforce management. Retailers often deal with understaffing, resulting in subpar service, stock delays, and missed sales opportunities. On the other hand, overstaffing raises labor costs, negatively impacting profitability.
According to a study by Dr. Pankaj M. Madhani for the International Journal of Business Strategy and Automation, retail workforce management is a strategic lever for retailers to improve sales growth, market share, and profitability.
Retail workforce software optimizes staffing, streamlines scheduling, and improves labor cost management. These tools use data insights to ensure proper staffing, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
As the retail landscape becomes increasingly competitive, adopting the right technology is essential for staying ahead. Explore Malaysia’s 15 best retail workforce software options to help your business thrive in a dynamic market environment.
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Content Lists
Key Takeaways
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What is Retail Workforce Software?
Retail workforce management software is designed to help retailers efficiently manage their workforce. It enables businesses to optimize staffing levels, streamline employee scheduling, track attendance, and manage labor costs.
Retail management software that integrates with the retail ERP system provides real-time data to ensure adequate staffing, boosting customer service and efficiency. It includes payroll integration, task management, and compliance tracking for effective workforce operations.
The Importance of Retail Workforce Software
Incorporating retail workforce software enhances operations by improving scheduling and labor management, increasing employee and customer efficiency. Here are the benefits of workforce management software for retail.
- Optimizes staffing and schedules
Retail workforce software optimizes staffing for busy and slow hours. Analyzing sales data and traffic enables managers to create efficient schedules, minimizing understaffing and avoiding costly overscheduling. - Control labor costs
Managing labor costs is essential for retail profitability. Workforce software helps optimize staffing and operations. Real-time data on workforce usage prevents overstaffing, which incurs high expenses, and understaffing, which harms productivity and sales. - Streamlines administrative tasks
As part of the best retail ERP system, retail workforce software automates attendance tracking, payroll processing, and compliance management. This accuracy enhances employee satisfaction and lowers managerial overhead. - Empowers employees and managers
Retail workforce software helps manage schedules, request time off, and track hours. It enhances transparency and autonomy for quick shift adjustments. Managers can resolve conflicts and oversee performance, boosting operational efficiency. - Enhances operational efficiency
Retail workforce software provides insights that help businesses make better decisions on staffing and productivity. It identifies trends, spots inefficiencies, and optimizes processes, allowing retailers to streamline operations and enhance store efficiency.
15 Best Retail Workforce Software for Malaysian Business
As Malaysian businesses navigate the changing retail landscape, practical workforce management tools are vital for competitiveness. Here are 15 top workforce management software for retail industries in Malaysia, each with unique features to meet the industry’s diverse needs.
1. HashMicro Workforce Management Software
HashMicro offers Malaysia’s top retail workforce software, using advanced technology to cater to various industries. Serving over 2,000 clients, HashMicro supports the retail sector and beyond in Southeast Asia.
HashMicro Retail Workforce Software automates scheduling, attendance tracking, and payroll processing. With real-time insights and analytics, retail businesses optimize staffing, reduce labor costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
As Malaysia’s leading retail workforce automation solution, HashMicro automates routine tasks, provides key workforce management insights, sends reminders for critical activities, and simplifies workflows. It also offers a free demo for businesses to experience its capabilities firsthand.
Retail businesses in Malaysia need agile and intelligent solutions to manage their workforce effectively. HashMicro Retail Workforce Software offers advanced features that streamline staffing operations and enhance productivity. Those features include:
- GPS tracking: Online self-service attendance using facial recognition and GPS tracking (capable of detecting fake GPS).
- Mobile apps: Mobile apps are for employees’ self-service needs such as attendance, leave and overtime requests, and payslip checking.
- Overtime and allowance management: This feature allows for Configurable and comprehensive overtime calculation and meal allowances that can be processed in payroll.
- Leave management: Comprehensive leave management, including leave encashment and unpaid leave options.
- In-depth leave system: In-depth leave system offering monthly, annual, and anniversary leave methods, each with options for expiration dates, carryover, and extra leave.
- Professional templates: Built-in professional templates for employee contracts and payslips.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Unlimited user ✓ Efficiency is increased ✓ Customizable and easily integrated ✓ A dedicated sales and customer service team ✓ A versatile solution for various needs ✓ Features a user-friendly interface |
× More suitable for medium to large-scale companies that have more needs × Long queues for the free demo because of the high demand |
Download our pricing scheme below to delve deeper into HashMicro Retail Workforce Management Software.
2. Workday
Workday is retail workforce software that integrates HR and financial management, streamlining workforce planning, recruitment, and talent management. It offers real-time data, dashboards, and customizable reports for insights into workforce performance.
Workday’s prominent features include:
- Recruitment and onboarding: Workforce management software streamlines recruitment and onboarding, enabling fast integration of new employees.
- Talent management: It tracks employee performance and skills, aiding businesses in talent development and retention.
- Payroll and benefits administration: The software automates payroll and manages employee benefits, ensuring accuracy and compliance payments.
- Workforce planning and analytics: The software employs analytics to forecast workforce needs, optimize staffing, and improve operational efficiency.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ User-friendly interface ✓ Scalable ✓ Customizable |
× High expense × Considerable learning curve × Complex implementation process |
3. Paylocity
Paylocity is an integrated retail workforce management software for HR, payroll, and talent management. It efficiently manages employee data, time tracking, payroll, and benefits, and offers advanced reporting, engagement tools, and a mobile app for on-the-go access.
Paylocity’s prominent features include:
- Benefits administration: The software streamlines benefits management, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance.
- Employee self-service portal: This feature lets employees update personal info, view pay stubs, and manage time-off requests, minimizing administrative tasks.
- Payroll management: It automates payroll processing, ensuring timely and accurate payments while complying with tax regulations and other requirements.
- Time and attendance tracking: The system tracks employee hours and absences, optimizing staffing and ensuring accurate payroll.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Extensive integration ✓ Comprehensive platform ✓ Scalability option |
× Pricing can be opaque × Steep learning curve × Customer service challenge |
4. Infor WFM
Infor WFM optimizes labor productivity and ensures compliance with laws. Tailored for industries like healthcare and retail, it scales for any enterprise size. Its integration connects HR, payroll, and enterprise systems, streamlining operations.
Infor WFM’s prominent features include:
- Labor cost analysis: The software offers insights into labor costs, helping businesses optimize staffing and reduce waste expenditures.
- Compliance management: Ensures compliance with labor laws, helping businesses avoid legal risks.
- Real-time scheduling: The software lets businesses adjust staffing based on current demand and availability.
- Workforce planning and forecasting: It predicts workforce needs using data, enabling businesses to plan staffing more accurately and efficiently.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Improved efficiency and accuracy ✓ Flexible to scale ✓ Industry-specific solution |
× Complex implementation × Difficult to navigate × Initial fee |
5. ADP Workforce
ADP Workforce is an HR solution that streamlines payroll, talent management, and compliance. Its cloud-based system integrates easily with other software, offering a seamless device experience. The mobile app allows employees to manage tasks efficiently.
ADP Workforce’s prominent features include:
- Time and attendance tracking: The software tracks employee work hours, overtime, and absences, ensuring accurate payroll and optimized staffing.
- Benefits administration: This feature simplifies employee benefits management, ensures compliance, and gives employees easy access to their benefits information.
- Talent management: This feature helps businesses recruit, develop, and retain top talent by tracking performance, skills, and career growth.
- Payroll processing: The software automates payroll calculations and ensures timely and accurate payments while maintaining tax compliance.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Easy to navigate ✓ Comprehensive payroll tools ✓ Accessible |
× No customization options × Minimal product with few features × There’s an add-on cost |
6. Connecteam
Connecteam is a retail workforce software that boosts employee engagement and streamlines operations. Its mobile platform enables task management, time tracking, and employee communication anywhere, with integrated messaging for effective interactions.
Connecteam’s prominent features include:
- Mobile communication: The software enables seamless team communication through its integrated messaging system, ensuring employees stay connected regardless of location.
- Performance tracking: It allows businesses to monitor and evaluate employee performance, providing insights to drive improvement and development.
- Time tracking: The system efficiently tracks employee work hours, ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance with labor laws.
- Employee training: It supports employee development by providing tools for training, skill-building, and knowledge sharing within the organization.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ User-friendly interface ✓ Integration capabilities ✓ Comprehensive features |
× Confusing pricing structure × There’s an add-on cost × Lack of offline functionality |
7. UKG Ready
UKG Ready is a unified retail workforce management software that streamlines HR, payroll, and operations on the cloud. Employees can access schedules, request time off, and view pay information, with compliance tools to navigate labor laws and reduce risks.
UKG Ready’s prominent features include the following:
- Performance tracking: The software helps businesses monitor and evaluate employee performance, providing insights for improvement and career development.
- Mobile accessibility: Employees can manage their schedules, request time off, and access pay information on the go, enhancing flexibility and convenience.
- Payroll processing: It automates payroll calculations, ensuring timely and accurate payments while maintaining compliance with tax regulations.
- Employee life cycle management: The platform supports every stage of an employee’s journey, from recruitment to offboarding, streamlining HR processes and improving employee experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Engaging workplaces ✓ Strategic workforce planning and global payrolls ✓ Industry-specific solutions for healthcare and retail |
× Expensive modular pricing for small businesses × Minimal customization × Spotty customer service response |
8. BambooHR WFM System
BambooHR streamlines HR for small to medium businesses by managing data, tracking performance, and facilitating recruitment. Its mobile platform lets employees manage schedules, request time off, and update personal info, boosting efficiency and engagement.
BambooHR’s prominent features include:
- Time-off tracking: The software allows businesses to track employee leave requests efficiently, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely approvals.
- Performance management tools: These help organizations monitor and evaluate employee performance, providing insights for development and goal-setting.
- Payroll management integration: The system integrates with payroll software, automating salary calculations and ensuring accurate, on-time payments.
- Employee self-service portal: This feature enables employees to manage personal information, view pay stubs, and request time off, reducing administrative tasks for HR.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ User-friendly interface ✓ Comprehensive HR functions ✓ Integrable |
× No upfront pricing × Can be pricey for small businesses × Limited customization |
9. Rippling
Rippling is an all-in-one HR and IT workforce management software for retail industries that automates operations. It integrates HR and IT systems for payroll, benefits, software provisioning, and device management, providing a centralized hub for employee data to ensure efficiency.
Rippling’s prominent features include:
- Employee onboarding and offboarding: The software streamlines the onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring smooth transitions for new hires and departing employees.
- Compliance tracking: This feature helps businesses stay compliant with labor laws and regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues.
- Payroll and benefits management: The platform automates payroll processing and benefits administration, ensuring timely, accurate payments and seamless benefit enrollment.
- IT and software integration: It integrates with IT systems, allowing businesses to manage software provisioning and device management alongside HR operations.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Intuitive interface ✓ Unified platform ✓ Extensive integrations |
× Complex for smaller businesses × Lack of free trial × Pricing transparency |
10. Deel Workforce
Deel simplifies global workforce management, including remote team management, hiring, payroll, and compliance. It offers collaboration tools and performance tracking, enabling companies to focus on growth while efficiently managing international HR operations.
Deel’s prominent features include:
- Contract automation: The software automates contract generation, simplifying the creation and management of employee agreements across various regions.
- Global payroll processing: It streamlines payroll management for international teams, ensuring timely and compliant payments in multiple currencies and countries.
- Tax compliance: The platform ensures adherence to local tax laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of errors and compliance issues in global operations.
- Employee onboarding: It simplifies the onboarding process for remote teams, allowing businesses to integrate new hires efficiently, regardless of location.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Easy-to-use interface ✓ Scalability likelihood ✓ Comprehensive HR solutions |
× Challenging learning curve × Pricy for smaller companies × Customization limitations |
11. Dayforce WFM
Dayforce by Ceridian is an all-in-one workforce management software that combines payroll, HR, and workforce functions. Its predictive analytics and reporting tools help businesses anticipate trends and enhance efficiency through real-time data for better decision-making.
Dayforce’s prominent features include:
- Workforce scheduling: The software helps businesses create optimized schedules based on demand and employee availability, ensuring efficient staffing levels.
- Employee self-service portal: This feature allows employees to access their schedules, update personal information, and manage time-off requests, reducing HR workload.
- Real-time payroll processing: It ensures accurate and timely payroll processing by automatically calculating and disbursing payments based on real-time data.
- Predictive analytics: The platform uses data to forecast workforce trends and needs, helping businesses make informed decisions and plan for the future.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Integrated platform ✓ All-in-one features ✓ Customizable |
× Considerable learning curve × Significant cost × Lack of customer service responsiveness |
12. Paycor WFM System
Paycor is a cloud-based workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, and talent management. It includes analytics tools to track metrics and enhance performance while supporting labor law compliance.
Paycor WFM System’s prominent features include:
- Time and attendance tracking: The software tracks employee work hours, overtime, and attendance, ensuring accurate payroll and efficient scheduling.
- Compliance tools: This feature helps businesses stay compliant with labor laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and penalties.
- HR and payroll integration: The platform integrates HR and payroll functions, streamlining processes and ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing.
- Recruiting and talent management: It supports the recruitment process and talent management, helping businesses attract, develop, and retain top talent.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Easy to use ✓ Comprehensive HR and payroll features ✓ Accessible with a mobile app |
× Lack of customer support × Limited access × Vague pricing plans |
13. Zoho People
Zoho People is a workforce management software streamlining workforce management, recruitment, and attendance tracking. Its mobile features allow employees to manage their information, request time off, and view performance feedback anytime.
Zoho People’s prominent features include:
- Employee self-service portal: This feature allows employees to access and update their personal information, view pay stubs, and manage time-off requests, reducing HR workload.
- Performance management: It helps businesses track employee performance, set goals, and provide feedback, fostering continuous development and improvement.
- Attendance and time tracking: The system tracks employee work hours, overtime, and absences, ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance with labor laws.
- Recruitment and onboarding: It streamlines the hiring process, from posting job openings to onboarding new hires, ensuring a smooth transition for new employees.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Integrated with the Zoho ecosystem ✓ Beginner-friendly interface ✓ Affordable |
× Restricted customization × Limited third-party integrations |
14. Connect HR
Connect HR automates payroll and compliance, including time tracking and benefits. Its features help businesses stay updated with labor laws, minimizing legal risks. The platform enhances HR efficiency by cutting manual workloads.
Connect HR’s prominent features include:
- Benefits administration: The software manages employee benefits, ensuring accurate enrollment and compliance with company policies and regulations.
- Mobile app access: Employees can access schedules, request time off, and view benefits information on the go, improving convenience and engagement.
- Compliance management: This feature ensures businesses stay compliant with labor laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of legal issues and penalties.
- Time and attendance tracking: The platform tracks employee work hours and attendance, ensuring accurate payroll processing and optimized staffing.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Easy to use ✓ Comprehensive HR functionalities ✓ Customizable multi-user access |
× Complex initial setup × Limited customization options × Occasional technical glitches |
15. Remofirst
Remofirst is a global retail workforce software that simplifies remote work. It automates payroll, compliance, and hiring, allowing businesses to manage teams without local entities while ensuring compliance with taxes and labor laws.
Remofirst’s prominent features include:
- Employee benefits management: The software manages employee benefits, ensuring accurate enrollment and compliance with company policies and regulations.
- Onboarding automation: This feature streamlines the employee onboarding process, automating document collection and task assignment for new hires.
- Tax compliance: The platform ensures that businesses comply with local and international tax regulations, minimizing the risk of errors and penalties.
- Global payroll processing: This feature simplifies payroll processing for international teams, ensuring timely and compliant payments in multiple currencies and countries.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Easy to navigate ✓ Competitive pricing |
× Lack of integration × Limited additional service |
Tips to Choose the Right Retail Workforce Software
Choosing retail workforce software is essential for boosting efficiency and profitability. The right solution helps optimize staffing, cut costs, and enhance performance. Use these strategies to select appropriate retail employee management software.
- Assess your business needs.
Understand the specific requirements of your retail operations. Consider factors such as store size, the number of employees, and the complexity of scheduling. Tailoring the software to fit your business needs ensures you get the most value from the solution. - Look for scalability
Choose scalable software for your growing business. As you expand, workforce management becomes complex. Ensure the software accommodates increased staff, multiple locations, and new features without a complete overhaul. - User-friendly interface
The software must be easy for employees and managers to use. A user-friendly interface allows quick adaptation, reducing training time and errors. Intuitive navigation and accessibility drive employee adoption. - Integration capabilities
Ensure the software integrates with your existing systems like payroll, HR, POS platforms, and retail CRM software. This seamless integration reduces data silos and improves efficiency, enabling workforce management with minimal manual effort. - Advanced reporting and analytics
Look for software that offers advanced reporting and analytics features. Detailed insights into labor costs, scheduling efficiency, and employee performance will help you make data-driven decisions, optimize staffing levels, and improve productivity.
Conclusion
Retail workforce software is essential for optimizing staffing, improving customer service, and controlling labor costs in the retail industry. It streamlines scheduling, attendance tracking, and compliance, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.
HashMicro Retail Workforce Software offers a comprehensive solution for businesses to manage their workforce efficiently. Features like real-time scheduling, payroll integration, and advanced analytics simplify workforce management and boost productivity.
Experience the benefits of HashMicro Retail Workforce Software firsthand through our free demo. See how it can transform your retail operations and help you achieve greater efficiency and profitability!
Frequently Asked Questions About Retail Workforce Software
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What is Workforce Management (WFM) Software?
Workforce management (WFM) software helps organizations optimize employee time management. It organizes and deploys staff efficiently, allowing self-service for employees and managers while ensuring safety.
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What does WFM mean in retail?
In the retail industry, workforce management (WFM) refers to employers’ strategies and tools for allocating resources, tracking attendance, and complying with ever-changing workplace regulations and laws.
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Is WFM part of human resources (HR)?
Yes, WFM typically falls under the Human Resources (HR) domain, as it plays a crucial role in scheduling, attendance tracking, productivity management, and resource planning – all key elements in improving workforce efficiency.
