What We DoC-Desk Technology is an international, family run business based in the UK.We have been helping organisations around the globe with their staff rosters since 1996. Through a combination of Consultancy, Training Courses, Text Books and Software, we are able to help all, no matter their budget.Running an efficient shift pattern can potentially save companies millions each year.
How We Do ItVisualrotaX is a brand new shift pattern software run in Excel to make running and creating shift patterns effortless.Our Business Health Check package is aimed at any organisation that feels their current shift pattern could be improved but don’t know where to start. This package includes an assessment of your current shift pattern plus a report and presentation. We will outline our conclusions, recommendations and migration strategy for introducing any proposals.
Operational ResearchOperational Research is all about determining the best course of action under the restriction of limited resources.Dr Angela Moore uses mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, optimisation, queueing theory, sequencing and scheduling techniques to create simple heuristics you can employ to run your operation more efficiently.angelamoore@visualrota.co.uk
TrainingWe offer unique set of training coursesin how to create the perfect shift pattern from estimating workload to implementation.We also now offer a package tailored to fit your organisational requirements. The Personalised Training Package includes two days training in running your shift pattern with two of the world’s leading experts in shift pattern technology where you can pick the topics relevant to your organisation.
CLIENTS: 10 DOWNING STREET 3M AAK ACORA AMSCOTT AT THE RACES AJ BARR BBC BORD GAIS BP BRADFORD CITY CABOT CGG CHATHAM DOCKSCONOCO COORS COSMOTE CSM DIAGEO DIGITAL SHADOWS DISCOVERY TV DULUX EXXON FUJIFILMGILEAD GRAHAM BROWN GRIEF H3G HOLOGIC HOUNSLOW HOWDENS IDEAL WORLD IMMINGHAM DOCKS INCOINNOCENT RBKC KENT UNIVERSITY KINGS COLLEGE KINGSTON LONDON IMAGING LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUMMARTIN BAKER MCCAINS NATIONAL GRID NICEPAK NORTHUMBRIAN WATER NOVARTIS NPOWER OMAN PEARSONPPG PREMIER FOODS RABO BANK RAYTHEON RBS RBWN RIM SSE STORENGY SUTTONS and many more
We also have a unique library of over 1,000 videos on different aspects of creating an efficient self-contained operation
Now available on YouTube
Find out about flexible shift working with Banked Hours and other flexible working techniques to improve overall operating efficiency. A new video is now available on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voAdCOmCCAoBanked Hours are the most efficient and cost effective method of absence cover. Absence cost companies millions each year, it costs money from less revenue, loss of production and loss of reliability. Then there is the cost of replacing the person. If you are in an office environment, the only recourse is to work overtime at weekends or to employ extra people to allow for some absence. This is not so for shift workers.There are multiple techniques available to shift managers to mitigate for absences. Banked Hours is a useful tool and is great for shift workers too. Once Banked Hours are implemented correctly, it can result in shift workers having an extra week or two off, paid at full rate as part of an overall increase in efficiency. Banked Hours also minimise the number of unpopular shifts including weekends and nights.This video is the first 30 minutes of an online course. The full course is available from:https://dr-moore.thinkific.com/There is also a text book to accompany the course available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flexible-Shift-Working-Approach-Banked/dp/B0CKNZ9V4M/For shift managers, this course is essential to understand how Banked Hours can benefit you and the department. It can also mean that all of your absence worries are dispelled and you can focus on the important issues, like improving the product, and planning the operation.Flexible working is all about improving the work/life balance of the employees. As the world's leading consultants on shift operations, we have implemented Bank Hours many times at the world's biggest organisations as part of an overall strategy, aimed to maximise productivity and reduce costs while improving the Work/life balance of the employees.Since covid, people enjoy working from home, but in a factory this is impossible. So flexible working allows factory workers and other essential workers, to enjoy the life style they want by giving them more quality time off.This video is aimed at: HR, shift managers, Union officials and team leaders.If you want to improve the work/life balance of your employees, then you need to consider flexible working. If as a manager you feel like you are always having to firefight, then you need to consider flexible working. Please share this with your shift managers and improve the working environment for everyone. We are available to help and tailor make a solution for you.
We will be setting up many of the training videos on Youtube, the first set in the series is about flexible working using Banked Hours
Banked, or Reserved, hours is not really very complicated, its just that there are quite a few factors that require a bit of thought beforehand. The videos and book look at these factors in detail with worked examples to make it an easy transition for you to bring in.
Managing Shift Patterns WorkshopMany organisations managing shift operations face similar issues, such as accommodating staff holidays and handling absences. Our expertise lies in helping organisations develop systems that allow employees to take holidays without disrupting operations, as well as providing effective solutions to cover both expected and unexpected absences.Course Overview This workshop combines our deep knowledge of shift pattern design and operational policies to deliver a comprehensive course tailored to tackle these challenges. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies for optimizing shift management, ensuring smoother operations and improved productivity.This course is expertly developed for HR professionals, managers at all levels, and operations coordinators. It is ideal for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of shift pattern operations and effective management of operational processes.
What’s Included?✔ 1-Day In-Person Course – A hands-on, interactive session with limited spots for personalised attention ✔ Refreshments & Lunch – Enjoy refreshments throughout the day, plus a working lunch ✔ Exclusive Book – How to Manage Your Shift Pattern: Holidays and Absence (valued at £100) ✔ Notes Workbook – A companion guide with slides and reference notes ✔ SupplementaryOnline Video Course Access – One-month access to an extensive video training program (over 16 hours of content) ✔ Downloadable Software – A management tool designed to streamline shift operations for teams of up to 25 employees
This practical and insightful course is designed for HR professionals, managers, and operations coordinators, equipping participants with essential tools to:Master holiday management strategies for seamless operationsDevelop effective coping mechanisms for staff absencesIdentify and resolve common shift management challengesMitigate fatigue and enhance productivity in shift-based environments
This is a great opportunity to gain expert insights and refine workforce management strategies. This is the only course available on shift work in Europe. If you’d like to reserve your spot or need more details, just reply to this email or contact me directly.If you want to explore the details further, you can visit my website for the full workshop information: https://shiftpatterns.com/services/managing-shift-patterns-workshop/
One of the biggest hurdles for shift operations managers is accommodating holidays without disrupting operations. This workshop emphasises the importance of advance holiday planning. With the right shift pattern and holiday management strategies, managingholidays for over 100 staff members can take less than 30 minutes per day. This courseincludes a range of actionable solutions, detailed explanations. and real-life examplesto help implement these strategies effectively.