Dorothy All In One

In this article, we are thrilled to share the journey of creating an innovative HR software solution, complete with an online dashboard and an app. This project has been a testament to our team's dedication and commitment, allowing us to not only expand our technical expertise but also gain invaluable insights into the workings of HR departments.

As we delved into the project, we were astounded by the sheer number of policies, particularly within the restaurant industry. From health and safety regulations to food hygiene standards, the breadth of requirements was extensive.

We started by crafting user and employee pages, which rapidly evolved into a comprehensive system. We encountered complex questions, such as visa and work permit details, identification requirements, tax codes, emergency contact information, and much more.

To enhance organisation and efficiency, we created employee groups to categorise staff based on their roles, such as bar staff, receptionists, chefs, and managers, each with their unique shift schedules. Additionally, we aimed to enable staff within the same category to request shift swaps conveniently through the app we were developing.

We recognised the importance of effective contract management. Consequently, we developed a feature that automatically sent contracts to relevant parties for signature. Once signed, the system would store the contract in the employee's file, sending confirmation emails to all involved. To ensure compliance, the system implemented a contract signing deadline, preventing access to work functions until the signed contract was received.

Recognising the need for seamless internal communication, we built a WhatsApp-like chat system for internal use. This feature displays message delivery and reads receipts, fostering efficient team collaboration. Additionally, we incorporated the ability to group staff within departments for streamlined communication

To ensure vital information reaches all employees, we developed announcement pages that display important news and updates upon login. These pop-up notifications serve as a central hub for disseminating crucial announcements to the entire workforce.

To optimise code organisation and facilitate future enhancements, we separated the staff login pages from the admin dashboard. This approach also enabled us to design and create an app version specifically tailored for staff usage. The core purpose of this comprehensive system is to empower staff to view their shifts, holidays, contacts, and, most importantly, to easily punch in and out of work. Through the app, employees can request holidays, swap shifts, access remaining holiday and sick days, and seamlessly communicate with their team.

The admin panel of this remarkable system offers powerful features. It can effortlessly calculate the revenue of the entire business by utilising wage information for each staff member and factoring in outgoings. Daily reports highlight profit and loss figures, target achievements and utilise colour-coded visuals for easy interpretation.

The development of this web app posed several challenges due to the diverse payroll management requirements. Each staff member has unique hourly or daily rates, holiday calculations vary based on employment duration and accrued leave, and different absence options impact wage calculations. Adapting to these complexities demanded meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of payroll intricacies.

Throughout this project, we have had the privilege of working with a client who possesses extensive industry knowledge and a keen eye for design. The collaboration has been a tremendous learning experience, allowing us to enhance our expertise while delivering exceptional results

While proud of our achievements, we recognise that our journey is far from over. Our vision for this system includes expanding its capabilities with additional features such as training modules and other exciting innovations that we cannot yet disclose. The commitment to continuous improvement and innovation drives us to push the boundaries of HR software solutions

Creating this comprehensive HR software solution with an online dashboard and app has been an incredible journey. We have gained invaluable insights into HR operations while honing our technical skills. We remain committed to further enhancing this system, empowering HR departments with unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness