Overview
delaPlex designed, produced, and deployed an activity-based labor model to 1,400 locations using a new Blue Yonder Workforce Management System (WFM) Solution, incorporating advanced scheduling and retail corporate planner modules.
Client Needs
GPM sought a trusted partner with WFM expertise to help address their strategic objectives. Rapid growth had prompted GPM to reevaluate its current WFM system. They needed an enhanced labor workforce management tool to improve budget forecasting, scheduling, and time capture accuracy. The goal was to seamlessly address varying operating hours, store designs, and layouts across their numerous locations.
Project Challenges
One major challenge was designing and developing an implementation that could communicate with their legacy Kronos application for time off requests, accrual balances, and timecard maintenance. Additionally, it was essential to maintain current business operations while transitioning systems across 18+ brands and 1,400 stores in 22 states nationwide.
The delaPlex Solution
delaPlex designed and deployed an implementation plan for the new Blue Yonder WFM solution with advanced scheduling and retail corporate planner modules. The expert team at delaPlex delivered a highly accurate activity-based labor model, equipped with the necessary tools and training to adjust to multiple labor standards as GPM’s business grows and evolves. As a trusted Blue Yonder partner, delaPlex ensured the successful implementation of the WFM solution across all 1,400 GPM locations.
How We Did It
Expertise and Methodology
- Design, Build, Validate, and Deploy: Leveraged Blue Yonder expertise to create a robust WFM solution.
- Forecasting: Utilized over 49 sales and labor metrics to generate accurate forecasts for 1,400 business units.
- Auto-Scheduling: Developed labor demand and auto-schedule shifts for all store locations.
Legacy Integration
- Data Exchange: Established seamless communication between Kronos and Blue Yonder systems for efficient time off requests, accrual balances, and timecard maintenance.
Analysis and Reporting
- Labor Standards Analysis: Conducted labor standards and workload generation analysis to enhance Business Intelligence reporting.
- Data Exchange via API: Built APIs to facilitate data access and enhance reporting capabilities.
Custom Interface
- Support for File Formats: Developed support for CSV and XML file formats, ensuring smooth data exchange with their Oracle Hyperion system.
Results
The implementation of the Blue Yonder WFM solution brought several key benefits to GPM Investments:
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined scheduling and workforce management, leading to better resource utilization and operational efficiency.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Improved budget forecasting and time capture accuracy, supporting strategic planning and decision-making.
- Seamless Transition: Maintained business continuity while transitioning systems, ensuring no disruption to daily operations.
- Scalability: Equipped GPM to handle ongoing growth and expansion, reinforcing their position as a leading convenience store chain.
About The Client
GPM Investments, LLC is the largest privately-owned company in the convenience store channel of business. With over 1400 stores nationwide, the Richmond, VA based company operates or supplies fuel to 22 states nationwide under multiple brands. GPM’s continuous expansion has solidified them as the 6th largest convenience store chain in the country with more on the horizon.
