Developed by Toronto’s Rosterware, Workoptics is a staff management system that leverages the latest developments in technology, including cloud computing and mobile applications, to deliver highly innovative scheduling, time and attendance, and performance evaluation solutions for organizations.
In recognition for this cutting-edge service, Rosterware has been selected as a finalist for the SME Excellence Award, which will be presented at the Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs) on November 20th in Toronto. Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank, this award goes to an SME that exemplifies forward thinking in all aspects of its business.
The Rosterware story begins in 2001 when an emergency physician named Dr Robert Horvath identified a need within the healthcare industry. After experiencing frustration over the tedious and challenging components of managing schedules, especially with 
regard to switching shifts, he decided to do something about it–he recruited a fellow doctor and a programmer to help him create the company’s first product offering: DocRoster.
The software was intended to enhance efficiency, and make the lives of healthcare workers easier by allowing them to manage their schedules from home, and facilitate trades remotely. It also served to enhance accountability, as the cloud platform maintains the schedule in real time, so the most up to date version is always available to administrators and staff.
After seeing the significant benefits with users (i.e. doctors), when the time came to update the system, the vision was expanded to build a solution that could serve the full hospital population, as well as other complex work environments.
The expanded product, Workoptics, was launched earlier this year.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Rosterware’s contributions to Ontario. Book your table today and find out whether it will shine in the 2013 OBAA spotlight.
Learn more about Rosterware and their new product, Workoptics, in our Q & A.
Tell us about why Rosterware Deserves to win an OBAA?
We believe that the company deserves to win an OBAA, due to its role in the innovation sector. Rosterware was an early adopter of cloud technology, and has continued to stay at the forefront of innovation with this platform, in addition to advanced security features that allow employees in any sector to manage their schedule safely and efficiently.
What advice do you have for businesses that want to succeed in Ontario?
It’s not easy to succeed in business, especially as a new venture. However, we have learned first-hand that the major factors that need to be in place to have any chance of perpetual success are a solid team, sufficient resources, and legitimate opportunity. The team needs to be the right mix of talent, experience, connections, and passion. Resources include capital, equipment, infrastructure, etc. and while it does not have to be abundant, it is important to not have to worry how to keep the lights on. And of course, there must be a need and mechanism for the business’ outputs that stands out from the crowd.
In your experience, what are the key success factors for organizations in your industry?
We believe that the key success factors are outstanding client relationships, continuous development to ensure we are meeting the needs of the industry, ongoing innovation, and the highest level of security.
A common factor that we do not see as an advantage is the first mover advantage; there are countless examples in technology where the first mover is leapfrogged by competition, which is why it is paramount to remain in tune with the needs of our customers.
In five years from now, where do you envision Rosterware?
Our business model is based on the volume of users. In five years, we envision Workoptics supporting thousands of users in several industries such as healthcare, mining, airlines, and gaming. With the help of the Canadian government and strategic partners, we will have an international clientele. Given the trend in the technology space, it is also possible that we will be acquired by a larger player in the industry.
How does Rosterware improve the everyday lives of Ontarians?
As a result of using Workoptics, individual healthcare providers will appreciate many benefits, such as better coordination and more efficient use of personal work hours as well as less stress on family responsibilities.
Additionally, healthcare organizations will benefit from a more satisfied workforce and greater staff retention. Better use of senior staff time may allow more mentoring of junior healthcare providers and greater involvement in and improvement of patient care. With automation of many workforce management processes some employees may become redundant or reassigned.
Savings are expected if it is confirmed that absenteeism, overtime hours and the use of outside nursing agencies will decrease. With reliable shift coverage by healthcare providers it is acknowledged that patient quality of care will improve, an impact that the company hopes will positively influence society as a whole. This research is intended to validate and quantify these improvements, thus healthcare leaders and governments may make more informed human resource planning decisions.
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