WFM/HCM: Driving Growth With Big Data

May 2013 Integrated Solutions For Retailers

By Bob Johns, associate editor

As workforce management continues to evolve, retailers are using Big Data to leverage WFM/HCM solutions to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

Workforce management (WFM) and human capital management (HCM) have taken a prominent role in retail as companies struggle with increased competition, a sluggish economy, slow growth, and slim margins. Along with inventory, labor is one of the top cost factors for retailers, but the introduction of Big Data and a renewed focus on the customer experience is leading retailers to look at labor and WFM as a profit center to drive sales. In May 2011, we featured our inaugural Special Report on WFM. This report covered time and attendance, onboarding, and other functions. In 2012, our report focused on moving from just time and attendance to store operations. This year we will be focusing on Big Data and how WFM/HCM are being used to drive bottom line profitability.