Simpson Manufacturing, a leading global supplier of structural building products, is transforming its frontline workforce experience with flexible, AI-powered scheduling through UKG® Pro Workforce Management™. The initiative has already cut manager scheduling time by up to 80%, saving more than 300 hours annually at its McKinney, Texas facility.
Empowering Employees with Flexibility
Faced with a tightening labor market, Simpson Manufacturing sought to give employees more control over their schedules while maintaining operational efficiency. UKG’s advanced scheduling enables workers to swap shifts, volunteer for extra work, or post shifts for colleagues—all approved automatically by AI based on skills, qualifications, overtime limits, and compliance rules.
“Guided by one of our core values—‘Everyone Matters’—we prioritize our employees, and UKG flexible scheduling enables us to address their needs fairly and consistently,” said Richard Wood, Production Manager at Simpson Manufacturing. “Employees now adjust their schedules without needing to contact supervisors in most situations, which has been a significant benefit for the branch.”
Within six months, employees collectively picked up more than 600 open shifts without manager intervention, while plan-to-manned alignment—ensuring the right number of staff on the right machines—increased significantly.
Driving Operational Efficiency and Retention
UKG’s mobile app allows McKinney plant workers to coordinate schedules remotely, reducing attendance points and improving retention. Safeguards such as maximum weekly hours and mandatory rest periods help prevent fatigue while maintaining flexibility.
“The results have been transformative for both our business and our people,” said Sindhuri Adepu, UKG Product Lead at Simpson Manufacturing. “Our employees feel empowered to take control of their schedules. That balance has made a tremendous difference in engagement and retention, and the changes are a direct result of employee feedback for more work-life balance.”
A Competitive Advantage in Manufacturing
As labor shortages and retention challenges continue in manufacturing, flexible scheduling is emerging as a key differentiator. A UKG global survey of nearly 13,000 frontline workers found 44% prioritize flexible hours and self-scheduling, while 25% would quit over a lack of flexibility.
“Simpson Manufacturing is a leader because they’ve turned their frontline workforce into a competitive edge,” said Rachel Barger, President, Go-To-Market, UKG. “Employees now plan work around their lives, managers focus on high-value priorities, and productivity and retention have improved. This is what the future of work should look like for every manufacturer.”
Following the success at McKinney, Simpson Manufacturing plans to roll out flexible scheduling across its global facilities, further cementing AI-powered workforce management as a key strategy for efficiency, engagement, and operational excellence.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
