“Simple” and “fast” are descriptors that are used again and again when talking to entrepreneur Florian Hubmann about his experiences with SEAK’s workforce management. But it is not only in terms of user-friendliness that the system for staff scheduling and time management scores points in the two Hubmann businesses: The company has also made a big leap forward in terms of productivity and efficiency since the introduction of the SEAK solution.
“When stylish fashion, authentic living spaces, a wide selection of modern clothing brands and appealing offers, uncompromising service ethics and open-minded people come together, shopping becomes a special kind of experience.” This is the claim in the two Hubmann fashion stores in Stainz and in Eibiswald (Styria/Austria).
For the Hubmanns, fashion consulting means helping customers to present their personality as authentically as possible. With openness and honesty, they provide advice that is appropriate for each style and type. Visitors should be able to enjoy the time in which their needs are carefully attended to.
We introduced the software in 2016. Since then, we have seen continuous increases in productivity metrics.
Florian Hubmann, Managing Director at Hubmann
It is obvious that with such a positioning, success depends heavily on having the right number of advisors on the sales floor.
For this purpose, Hubmann has been using SEAK’s workforce management in both stores since 2016. While the Eibiswald (population 7,000) store only offer fashion, in Stainz (population 9,000) the range also includes a food department, a café with a coffee roastery as well as stationery, books and toys. The staffing in these departments is also planned with the help of SEAK’s software. We asked the Managing Director Florian Hubmann about his experience with these IT solutions.
Which problems did you plan to solve with SEAK software?
Florian Hubmann: The planning processes were previously all done by hand. The amount of time required was
extremely large. We wanted to speed up the process. In addition, we have found that
different employees arrive at different results when it comes to calculating the billing for working hours
.
We therefore expected more clarity and
transparency from the use of a modern software. In addition, we wanted a solution that was less person-dependent. We wanted to
be able to decide more flexibly which employee should be responsible for planning at any given time.
How did the contact with SEAK come about?
Hubmann: SEAK’s solutions were recommended to us by colleagues.
Which processes have been changed?
Hubmann: Especially in our fashion departments, we now plan staff schedules based on planned turnover for each day. The unique thing about this is how easy and quick it is to plan staff schedules for every day of the year with SEAK’s software. The plans can be readjusted if necessary and the changes can be documented just as easily and quickly.
What is working better now?
Hubmann: We introduced the software in 2016. Since then, we have had continuous increases in the key productivity figures. The planners, who are our department heads, are satisfied because the system is an excellent help for them. Our employees are satisfied because the combination of SEAK time management and staff scheduling is a reliable solution. I am satisfied because I can intervene at any time if there are deviations from the stored staff costs and I can check whether the plan is working or not.
To what extent have your discussions with employees about staff scheduling and performance indicators changed?
Hubmann: We are talking about the same topics, but now we have a reliable and informative database in the background – a massive improvement!
Our consultation service has become noticeably better because the planners have a much clearer, more realistic guideline than before. Especially in our fashion departments, I can’t imagine any other solution.
Florian Hubmann, Managing Director at Hubmann
How do you measure the success of your investment in SEAK software?
Hubmann: Above all, the progress in terms of productivity and efficiency. We have achieved all the goals we set ourselves.
Which evaluations do you like to look at most?
Hubmann: Above all, plan/actual comparisons for target control and figures on staff productivity. The SEAK principle really aims to harmonise company and staff goals with customers’ expectations of service and advice.
Does it work?
Hubmann: Our consulting service has become noticeably better because the planners have a much clearer, more realistic guideline than before. Especially in our fashion departments, I can’t imagine any other solution.
A sentence about your experience with the SEAK Software support team.
Hubmann: In terms of accessibility, this is the best support I have come across so far. The training we received during the system introduction also deserves top marks. We were able to do everything ourselves afterwards and didn’t need any further help.
What surprised you the most?
Hubmann: The simplicity with which all our requirements and different areas can now be mapped in the system and the comprehensive dimensions of the schedules. Everything has been thought through down to the smallest detail.
I am always surprised by the flexibility and the clarity of the system. Even employees without computer experience can find their way around.
Do you see a need for further improvements in the area of staff scheduling and time management?
Hubmann: No. It works perfectly exactly as it is.
About Hubmann
The Hubmann department stores’ with their rich tradition have been around for more than 110 years. Florian Hubmann is already the fourth generation to run it. Together with his team, he is constantly developing the department stores in Stainz and Eibiswald. Hubmann stands for innovative, sustainable, regional and organic products and is convinced that he can make the world a little better from Stainz.
We would like to thank Florian Hubmann for the interview. The interview was conducted by retail journalist Bruno Reiferscheid.
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Photos © Hubmann Kaufhaus GmbH
Portrait Florian Hubmann © Photo Augenblick Stainz, Barbara Zapfl