For any professional services firm, staying efficient while managing a growing team can be challenging. For PBO Advisory Group, a trusted provider of finance, accounting, HR, and operations advisory, tracking employee skills was a constant struggle without a centralized system. Determined to streamline this critical process, PBO partnered with Klarinet Solutions to implement a custom digital workplace solution – a skill matrix – that would provide a more efficient, accurate way to allocate resources.
Inefficiencies Caused the Need for a Skill Matrix
For PBO, managing a diverse team with varied professional backgrounds made it essential to identify the right skills for client needs, but they lacked an easy way to track those skills. Managers often relied on all-staff emails, waiting for responses and sifting through outdated spreadsheets. This manual process created inefficiencies, including inconsistent skill tracking, time-consuming resource allocation, and delays in client response times.
While PBO explored commercial software solutions, they found none could provide the level of customization required to manage the complexity of their workforce. This gap in functionality left PBO searching for a more tailored solution.
Klarinet’s Approach to Tailoring a Skill Matrix Application
With a history of collaboration, including building PBO’s intranet and providing ongoing managed services, Klarinet Solutions was already a trusted partner. When PBO brought their skills tracking challenges to Klarinet, the team quickly identified the need for a more customized and efficient solution.
Rather than relying on generic, one-size-fits-all software, Klarinet developed a tailored skill matrix app using Microsoft SharePoint and Power Apps, designed specifically to meet PBO’s unique requirements that included:
- Easy Updates: Employees could log and regularly update their skills, certifications, and software expertise through a simple, intuitive interface, ensuring the database stayed accurate and comprehensive.
- Centralized Access: Built on SharePoint, the app provided a single, centralized repository of skill data. This eliminated the need for outdated spreadsheets or scattered records, offering managers instant access to reliable information.
- Advanced Search Capabilities: Managers could easily filter and search by specific skills, industry experience, or software proficiencies, significantly reducing the time spent finding the right team member for a client’s needs.
By leveraging the flexibility of SharePoint and Power Apps, Klarinet was able to create a solution that seamlessly integrated with PBO’s existing Microsoft environment. The app was designed to grow alongside PBO, offering scalability and adaptability as their workforce evolves.
How the Skill Matrix was Implemented
Turning PBO’s inefficient skills tracking system into a tailored, centralized solution required a methodical and collaborative approach. Klarinet broke the project into two manageable phases, ensuring a smooth rollout and early success to build momentum.
Phase 1 focused on the accounting team, serving as a proof of concept for the skill matrix app. By starting with a smaller group, Klarinet was able to gather immediate feedback, refine the app’s functionality, and address any challenges before expanding to other departments.
After achieving success with the accounting team, Klarinet quickly scaled the app to include the HR team in phase 2. The expansion was completed in just two weeks, demonstrating the app’s scalability and Klarinet’s commitment to delivering results efficiently. By involving HR, the app’s impact extended to resource planning and workforce development, further enhancing its value across PBO’s operations.
Saving Time and Boosting Efficiency with the Skill Matrix
The impact of the skill matrix app was immediate and measurable:
- 100+ Hours Saved Annually: Managers no longer needed to rely on manual tracking or back-and-forth emails, freeing up time for higher-value tasks.
- Faster Response Times: Resource allocation became a quick, seamless process, improving client service delivery.
- Improved Accuracy: Real-time updates ensured the right people were assigned to the right projects.
- Better Strategic Planning: Comprehensive reporting helped identify skill gaps, allowing the team to plan for future hiring needs.
“The app has greatly improved our ability to scope projects properly. If a client needs a specific skill set, we can now run a report and instantly see if we have the right resources.”
– Michael La Moureaux, Operations Manager, PBO Advisory Group
Read the Full Success Story Here!
Ready to Elevate with Custom Digital Workplace Solutions?
The implementation of a custom skill matrix app has reshaped how PBO Advisory operates. What was once a time-consuming, manual process has been replaced with an intuitive, centralized solution that empowers managers to allocate resources with speed and precision.
This success highlights the value of Klarinet Solutions’ collaborative and tailored approach to solving unique business challenges. By understanding PBO’s specific needs, Klarinet delivered a solution that not only addressed their immediate inefficiencies but also positioned them to scale their operations with confidence.
If inefficiencies are holding your business back, our digital workplace experts can help. Whether it’s improving resource management, boosting productivity, or creating a more connected workplace, Klarinet Solutions is ready to deliver a solution that’s tailored to your unique needs.
