Providing exceptional customer service is vital for business success. Whether you’re managing a small business or an enterprise, having the right customer service software can significantly improve response times, customer satisfaction, and team efficiency.

With a variety of customer support tools available, businesses can choose solutions tailored to their needs — live chat platforms, ticketing systems, knowledge bases, social media support, and automation tools. The right choice depends on your support strategy, team size, and integration requirements.

This guide explores the 25 best customer service software tools that help businesses provide efficient, scalable, and high-quality customer support.

What Is Customer Service Software?

Customer service software is a digital solution that helps businesses manage, track, and enhance customer interactions across different communication channels. It streamlines support workflows, allowing teams to respond to inquiries, resolve issues, and maintain long-term customer relationships efficiently.

Core Functions of Customer Service Software:

• Centralised support management – Organises customer queries across multiple channels.
• Automated workflows – Reduces response times with AI and automation.
• Collaboration tools – Enable agents to work together efficiently.
• Analytics and reporting – Tracks customer interactions and agent performance.
• Integration with CRM & other tools – Connects support with sales, marketing, and operations.

The best customer support software ensures smooth communication, faster resolutions, and improved customer satisfaction.

The Different Types of Customer Service Software

Businesses use different types of customer service solutions based on their needs. Here are the most common categories:

Help Desk Software

Manages customer inquiries using ticketing systems that allow support teams to track and resolve issues efficiently. Examples include Zendesk, Freshdesk, and HappyFox.

Live Chat & Chatbot Software

Provides real-time customer support via live chat or AI-powered chatbots. Examples include LiveAgent, Intercom, and Olark.

CRM-Based Support Software

Combines customer relationship management (CRM) tools with support features to track interactions and provide personalised service. Examples include HubSpot, Salesforce Service Cloud, and Zoho Desk.

Social Media Support Tools

Allows businesses to monitor and respond to customer inquiries on social media platforms. Examples include Sprout Social and Chatwoot.

Self-Service & Knowledge Base Software

Enables businesses to create online knowledge bases, FAQs, and community forums for customers to find answers independently. Examples include HelpDocs and Bettermode.

Using the right mix of customer service tools helps businesses deliver efficient, omnichannel support while reducing operational costs.

Comparison Chart of the Top Customer Service Software Solutions

Choosing the right customer service software depends on various factors such as features, pricing, integrations, and support capabilities. Below is a comparison table highlighting the top customer service tools based on their key features and suitability for different business needs.

This comparison provides insights into key features, pricing models, and integrations, helping businesses pick the best customer service software for their needs.

Top 25 Customer Service Tools & Their Review

1. Shifton – Best Shift Schedule Software

Shifton is a powerful workforce scheduling tool designed to help businesses automate shift planning and workforce management. It is ideal for companies that need to efficiently schedule employees across multiple locations.

Key Features:

• Automated shift scheduling and time tracking
• Employee self-service options for shift swaps and availability updates
• Mobile accessibility for real-time updates and notifications
• Compliance tracking for labour law adherence

Best for: Companies with rotating shifts, call centres, retail businesses, and remote teams that need flexible scheduling solutions.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on business size and needs.

2. LiveAgent – Best for Live Chat

LiveAgent provides real-time chat and ticketing solutions that help businesses manage customer interactions across multiple platforms.

Key Features:

• Omnichannel support, including live chat, email, and social media
• Ticketing automation for faster issue resolution
• CRM integration for customer history tracking
• Customisable chat widgets for websites

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective live chat and ticketing system.

Pricing: Starts at $15 per agent/month.

3. Freshdesk – Best for Support Teams

Freshdesk offers AI-powered automation and multi-channel support for customer service teams.

Key Features:

• AI-driven chatbots and automation
• SLA management for efficient response tracking
• Multi-channel support including chat, email, and phone
• Self-service portal with knowledge base tools

Best for: Businesses needing a scalable, user-friendly customer support solution.

Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans start at $15 per agent/month.

4. Connect Wise Control – Best for Remote Support

ConnectWise Control is a remote desktop and IT support software that allows businesses to provide assistance to customers remotely.

Key Features:

• Secure remote access for troubleshooting
• Session recording for quality control
• Integration with Zendesk, Salesforce, and ticketing platforms
• Custom branding for a personalised customer experience

Best for: IT service providers, tech support teams, and remote troubleshooting.

Pricing: Starts at $24 per month.

5. Service Hub – Best for CRM-Based Customer Support

Service Hub, a customer service solution from HubSpot, helps businesses integrate CRM-based support tools to streamline interactions with customers and improve service quality.

Key Features:

• Ticketing automation for better case management
• Customer feedback surveys to track satisfaction levels
• Self-service knowledge base for quick issue resolution
• Integration with the HubSpot CRM ecosystem

Best for: Businesses using HubSpot for sales and marketing who need a seamless customer service integration.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $45 per month.

6. Intercom – Best for Customer Service Teams

Intercom is a customer messaging platform that allows businesses to provide personalised, automated customer support through chat and email.

Key Features:

• AI-powered chatbots for automated responses
• Customer segmentation for targeted messaging
• Live chat, email, and in-app messaging support
• Integrations with Shopify, Mailchimp, and Salesforce

Best for: Companies that want to combine automated and human-powered support to enhance customer engagement.

Pricing: Starts at $74 per month.

7. Zendesk – Best for Enterprise Customer Service

Zendesk is a comprehensive customer service platform designed for large-scale enterprises that need advanced customer support tools.

Key Features:

• AI-powered automation for ticket management
• Omnichannel support, including email, chat, and social media
• Advanced reporting and analytics to track customer interactions
• 1,000+ integrations with popular business tools

Best for: Enterprises and large customer service teams needing a scalable, feature-rich support solution.

Pricing: Starts at $49 per agent/month.

8. Jira Service Management – Best for Internal Customer Support

Jira Service Management, part of Atlassian’s suite, is a help desk platform tailored for internal support teams like IT departments and HR teams.

Key Features:

• IT service management (ITSM) capabilities
• Incident and change management tools
• Asset tracking and reporting
• Integration with Atlassian products like Jira and Confluence

Best for: Companies needing an internal help desk solution for IT support and service requests.

Pricing: Starts at $20 per agent/month.

9. Front – Best for Customer Service Email Management

Front is a collaborative email management tool that helps customer service teams organise and respond to customer emails efficiently.

Key Features:

• Shared inbox for team collaboration
• Workflow automation for ticket management
• Email analytics to track response times and resolution rates
• Integrations with Gmail, Slack, and Asana

Best for: Teams handling high email volumes that need a shared inbox solution.

Pricing: Starts at $19 per agent/month.

10. Aircall – Best for Call Centre Customer Support

Aircall is a cloud-based call centre software that helps customer service teams manage phone support more efficiently.

Key Features:

• VoIP phone system with call routing and forwarding
• Call analytics to track agent performance
• CRM and help desk integrations
• Customisable IVR (interactive voice response) menus

Best for: Businesses that provide phone-based customer support.

Pricing: Starts at $30 per user/month.

11. HelpDocs – Best for Customer Service Knowledge Base

HelpDocs is self-service knowledge base software that allows businesses to create FAQ sections and documentation for customers.

Key Features:

• SEO-friendly knowledge base
• AI-powered search functionality
• Multilingual support for global customers
• Integration with Slack and Zapier

Best for: Companies that want to offer self-service support to reduce support ticket volume.

Pricing: Starts at $39 per month.

12. Gorgias – Best for eCommerce Customer Service

Gorgias is a customer support platform built for eCommerce businesses, helping them manage customer inquiries across multiple channels.

Key Features:

• Deep integration with Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento
• Automated responses to common inquiries
• Live chat, social media, and email support
• Revenue tracking from customer support interactions

Best for: Ecommerce brands looking to automate and streamline their customer service operations.

Pricing: Starts at $10 per month.

13. Olark – Best for Live Chat Customer Support

Olark provides real-time customer support through live chat, allowing businesses to interact with customers instantly.

Key Features:

• Customisable live chat widgets
• Automated chat responses and triggers
• CRM and eCommerce integrations
• Detailed chat analytics and reporting

Best for: Businesses that rely on instant customer engagement through live chat.

Pricing: Starts at $29 per month.

14. Sprout Social – Best for Social Media Customer Service

Sprout Social is a social media management tool that enables businesses to monitor and respond to customer messages on social platforms.

Key Features:

• Social listening and engagement tracking
• AI-driven customer sentiment analysis
• Multi-platform messaging and response management
• Scheduling and automation for social media posts

Best for: Brands and enterprises managing high volumes of social media customer interactions.

Pricing: Starts at $89 per month.

15. Chatbot – Best for Automated Customer Service Support

Chatbot is an AI-powered tool that provides automated responses to customer inquiries through websites, social media, and chat apps.

Key Features:

• Conversational AI for real-time customer interactions
• Pre-built chat templates for quick deployment
• Integration with website chat, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp
• Analytics and reporting on chatbot performance

Best for: Businesses looking to reduce customer wait times with AI-driven automation.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on usage.

16. HubSpot – Best for CRM-Based Customer Support

HubSpot provides a CRM-integrated customer support solution, helping businesses manage customer inquiries and improve relationships.

Key Features:

• Unified customer support and sales tracking
• Live chat and chatbot automation
• Customisable help desk and ticketing system
• Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM

Best for: Businesses using HubSpot for sales and customer management.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $50 per month.

17. Bettermode – Best for Customer Self-Service

Bettermode is a community-driven customer support tool that enables businesses to build self-service portals and customer forums.

Key Features:

• Customisable community platform for peer-to-peer support
• SEO-optimised knowledge base
• Gamification and rewards for community participation
• Integration with API, CRM, and help desk solutions

Best for: Businesses that want to reduce ticket volume by offering a self-service option.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs.

18. Hiver – Best for Small Business Customer Service

Hiver is a help desk solution built directly into Gmail, allowing businesses to manage customer support emails efficiently.

Key Features:

• Shared inbox for team collaboration
• Email ticketing and tracking
• Automated workflows to assign and escalate tickets
• Analytics to monitor response times and agent performance

Best for: Small businesses and teams that want to manage customer emails directly from Gmail.

Pricing: Starts at $15 per user/month.

19. HappyFox – Best for Help Desk Management

HappyFox provides a full-featured help desk and ticketing system that simplifies customer service operations.

Key Features:

• AI-powered automation for ticket categorisation
• Omnichannel support (email, chat, social media, phone)
• Internal knowledge base for agent collaboration
• SLA tracking and reporting

Best for: Businesses needing an all-in-one help desk and customer service platform.

Pricing: Starts at $29 per agent/month.

20. SupportBee – Best for Customer Service Portals

SupportBee is a simple customer service tool designed to help teams collaborate on support requests efficiently.

Key Features:

• Shared inbox for managing customer emails
• Internal notes and discussions for better teamwork
• Simple ticketing system without complex automation
• Integration with Trello, Slack, and other business tools

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses that prefer a lightweight, easy-to-use help desk solution.

Pricing: Starts at $13 per user/month.

21. SimpleTexting – Best for SMS Customer Support

SimpleTexting provides businesses with a platform for sending and receiving SMS messages to improve customer engagement.

Key Features:

• Bulk SMS messaging for promotions and support
• Two-way texting for direct customer communication
• Automated text responses
• Integration with Zapier and eCommerce platforms

Best for: Retailers, service businesses, and appointment-based companies.

Pricing: Starts at $29 per month.

22. Chatwoot – Best Open-Source Customer Service Software

Chatwoot is a self-hosted, open-source customer support tool that lets businesses tailor their customer service experience.

Key Features:

• Multi-channel inbox for email, live chat, and social media
• Custom branding and UI customisation
• Chatbots and AI automation
• API for integration with existing business tools

Best for: Businesses that want full control over their customer service software.

Pricing: Free and paid plans available.

23. Zoho Desk – Best for Agent Workflows

Zoho Desk is a feature-rich customer service platform that enhances team collaboration and support automation.

Key Features:

• AI-powered chatbot for automated responses
• Workflow automation for ticket assignments
• Multi-channel support (email, chat, phone, social media)
• Integration with the Zoho ecosystem

Best for: Businesses looking for AI-enhanced customer support workflows.

Pricing: Starts at $14 per agent/month.

24. Help Scout – Best Overall Customer Service Software

Help Scout is a simple yet powerful customer service platform designed for businesses that need an efficient help desk without complexity.

Key Features:

• Shared inbox for team-based email support
• Live chat and knowledge base integration
• Customisable workflows for ticket automation
• Analytics dashboard to measure support performance

Best for: Companies that need an intuitive and easy-to-use customer service solution.

Pricing: Starts at $20 per user/month.

25. Salesforce Service Cloud – Best for Enterprise Customer Support

Salesforce Service Cloud is an enterprise-grade customer service solution that integrates with the entire Salesforce ecosystem.

Key Features:

• AI-powered automation and chatbots
• Omnichannel customer support management
• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Seamless CRM integration for personalised customer service

Best for: Enterprises that require a high-end, customisable customer support solution.

Pricing: Starts at $25 per agent/month.

Benefits of Customer Service Software

Using customer service software offers numerous benefits that enhance both business efficiency and customer satisfaction.

1. Increased Customer Retention

Fast, effective customer support builds trust and keeps customers coming back. Reliable service software ensures customers receive quick and helpful responses.

2. Lower Operational Costs

Automation reduces the need for large support teams by handling routine enquiries, ticketing, and chatbot responses, saving businesses money.

3. Enhanced Efficiency and Collaboration

Customer service software helps teams streamline their workflows, reducing response times and eliminating confusion caused by email overload or scattered communication.

4. Valuable Analytics and Insights

Performance tracking tools measure response times, customer satisfaction, and agent productivity, allowing businesses to optimise their support strategies.

5. Increased Productivity

Automation features, ticketing systems, and self-service options allow support teams to focus on complex customer needs instead of repetitive tasks.

Types of Customer Service Software

Different businesses require different customer service solutions to handle enquiries efficiently. Here are the main types of customer service software that companies use to enhance their support operations.

Real-Time Assistance

Real-time assistance tools allow businesses to provide instant customer support via live chat, voice calls, or chatbots. These tools improve response times and customer engagement by addressing issues as they arise.

Key Features:

• Live chat functionality for immediate responses.
• AI-powered chatbots for automated replies.
• Co-browsing and screen sharing for technical support.

Best for: Businesses that need instant communication channels for real-time customer interactions.

Help Desk Platforms

Help desk platforms organise customer enquiries into tickets, making it easier for support teams to track, prioritise, and resolve issues efficiently.

Key Features:

• Ticket management system for tracking enquiries.
• Workflow automation for ticket assignments.
• Collaboration tools for multi-agent support.

Best for: Companies managing high volumes of customer enquiries that need an efficient ticketing system.

Knowledge Base Software

A knowledge base allows customers to find answers independently, reducing support team workload. This software provides a self-service portal with FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides.

Key Features:

• Searchable FAQ section for quick information retrieval.
• Multilingual support for global customer bases.
• Content analytics to track popular help topics.

Best for: Businesses aiming to reduce support tickets by empowering customers with self-service resources.

Social Media Management Tools

Social media platforms have become critical for customer support. Social media management tools allow businesses to track mentions, respond to customer messages, and analyse engagement metrics.

Key Features:

• Unified inbox for managing messages across multiple social platforms.
• Automated sentiment analysis to gauge customer emotions.
• Post scheduling and performance tracking.

Best for: Businesses with a strong social media presence that need real-time monitoring and engagement tools.

Choosing the Right Customer Service Software for Business

Selecting the right customer service software depends on business size, industry, and customer needs. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Business Goals – Identify if you need a help desk, live chat, CRM, or multi-channel support tool.
2. Integration Capabilities – Ensure the software integrates with CRM, email, and project management tools.
3. Scalability – Choose software that can grow with your business.
4. Automation & AI Features – Look for chatbots, ticket automation, and self-service options to streamline support.
5. Pricing & ROI – Evaluate if the features justify the cost for your business model.

Integrating Customer Service Software with Other Tools

For maximum efficiency, customer service software should integrate seamlessly with:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) – Sync customer data for personalised service.
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) – Assign tasks and track progress.
• Live Chat & Chatbots (e.g., Intercom, Chatbot) – Automate and enhance customer interactions.
• Social Media Platforms (e.g., Sprout Social, Chatwoot) – Manage customer engagement across social channels.

The Future of Customer Service Software

Customer service software is evolving rapidly with new trends shaping the industry.

Key Trends to Watch:

1. AI-powered automation – Chatbots and voice assistants are improving self-service experiences.
2. Predictive Analytics – AI-driven insights will anticipate customer needs before they arise.
3. Omnichannel Support – Businesses will unify email, chat, phone, and social media interactions into a seamless experience.
4. Increased Personalisation – Machine learning will enable hyper-personalised support.
5. Remote Support & Virtual Assistants – Businesses will continue investing in remote customer service teams.

Final Thoughts – Short Summary

The right customer service software can significantly affect customer satisfaction, retention, and team efficiency. Here are six key takeaways:

• Choose the right tool based on your business size and support strategy.
• Invest in automation to reduce response times and improve efficiency.
• Ensure integration with CRM, social media, and other tools.
• Use self-service options like knowledge bases and chatbots to cut down on support tickets.
• Track key metrics to optimise customer service performance.
• Stay ahead of trends by adopting AI and predictive analytics for smarter customer interactions.

UPD Article 3 March 2025

It seems that these days, more people suffer from a sense of lacking time, falling into a trap of panic and procrastination. The chance of getting back on track gets smaller with each passing deadline. Important things get delayed, while tasks with no significant long-term gain become a top priority. For instance, you start tidying up your house while ignoring a week-old assignment.

As a result, people feel that they don’t have enough time. They become afraid of losing control of time-sensitive projects and are unable to come up with plans for their future. They try to convince themselves that there’s no time to finish all of the assignments even if there’s a solid number of working hours, which negatively affects productivity. Here are a few ways to get rid of the uneasy feeling:

Organise your priorities to avoid time constraints

People who constantly feel that they don’t have time for anything are very good at ignoring meaningful everyday things, such as relationships, exercise or reading. Doing small tasks seems more important to them while the list of important things keeps getting ignored. We suggest that instead of complaining, you actually state what is and what isn’t a priority for you, so next time you want to say, “I don’t have time for sports,” try saying, “Doing sports isn’t my priority.” Maybe you spend too much time on one job, while other things can be completely dropped from your to-do list.

Try working on complex tasks when you’re most productive

Constantly thinking about deadlines is the best way to kill any productivity you have. These thoughts keep echoing in your head even when you’re trying to work. This results in many mistakes and yet another deadline delay. Don’t wait and ponder whether or not you’ll be able to finish the job on time. What you have to do is ask yourself, “What is the best time for me to take on the task and give it all I have?”

For example, if you’re more productive in the arvo, it’s a good time to start that important assignment you have with no time constraints. We also suggest that you work as much as you can before the weekend begins. That way you’ll get rid of unnecessary stress, have a good rest and be ready for the next working week.

Don’t be afraid to be generous with your time

The feeling of chronic time shortage can cause a person to count every second of their life: how many minutes they spend in line, in traffic while driving to work, at their doctor’s office. Psychologists suggest being generous with time. Soon, you’ll see that you have plenty of it at your disposal.

Of course, we can’t control everything, but how we react to it is our responsibility.

You should track employee hours to ensure your employees are paid for all their hours and billed accurately for projects. Getting it right protects you from payroll hassles and ensures your compliance. Every company has its own approach. So, we at Shifton are on a mission to share our insights on the importance of monitoring hours and the best methods to go about it. Stay tuned — it’s beneficial for any business!

Why You Should Track Employee Hours

Working on employee time management helps you understand how your team spends their hours, boosting productivity, improving project planning, and managing costs effectively. Here’s why:

• Nailing Payroll: Accurate payroll is crucial for businesses with hourly employees. Tracking hours ensures that everyone gets paid for their work and helps prevent time theft and payroll errors. Integrating automated time tracking with your payroll system simplifies the process and minimises timesheet mistakes.
• Staying Compliant: Staying compliant with the law means following regulations like the Fair Work Act, which requires employee tracking time. It’s all about counting their daily and weekly hours and pay to ensure you’re doing the right thing.
• Perfecting Project Planning: When you track employee hours, you understand how long tasks take, which is invaluable for planning projects accurately. It’s a win-win for both managers and the team.
• Benefitting Everyone: Tracking hours helps your team manage their time better. When tracking is automated, less time is spent filling out sheets, and more time is spent doing work.
• Being a Superb Manager: If you don’t track employee hours, you might micro-manage everything. But with a timesheet tracker, you have enough data to see what needs improving and build trust with your team.

5 Simple Methods to Track Employee Hours

Now that you understand why call centre time tracking is a big deal and its relevance to any business, let’s check out the five most common ways to do it. Let’s get started:

1. Tracking Hours Manually

If you’re new to tracking time, the simplest way to start is the old-fashioned way. Get your team to note the time when they start and finish. But be warned: adding up hours by hand can be a bit of a chore, and mistakes are bound to happen.

2. Using Paper Timesheets

Paper timesheets are a step up from jotting things down on paper. Instead, you fill in hours on a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Sheets. Thanks to the magic of formulas, it’s easier to add up the total hours. This method works well for small teams where you don’t want to spend too much time on it.

3. Work Timesheet Apps

Time tracking software monitors employee hours on salary, hourly, or contract. It works on computers and phones and even integrates with work timesheet apps, making it super easy to manage time.

Such applications assist in monitoring chargeable and non-chargeable time, which is fantastic for maintaining efficiency and overseeing financial plans. There are loads of options for time-keeping hotels, restaurants, medical centres, call centres, real estate time-tracking software, and any other businesses. Brilliant!

4. Time Clocks

A punch clock is an easy solution for businesses where everyone’s mostly in one or two locations. Employees punch in and out, which is handy for places like factories where they’re not always on computers or phones.

Setting up a time clock costs a bit upfront, but it’s a one-time expense that makes tracking hours a breeze.

5. GPS Check-In

A regular tracking hours app might not do the trick if your team is always on the move. That’s where GPS tracking comes in. With GPS apps, you can see exactly where your crew is. And it’s not just for paying them — it can also help determine other bonuses based on their performance. Interested? Let’s take a closer look!

How Employee GPS Tracking Works

Employee GPS tracking is all about using GPS technology to track employee hours as they go about their workday. It is convenient for businesses with folks on the move, like delivery services or field technicians. In agriculture, property management, logistics, delivery, or construction, timesheet software increases productivity, completes tasks effectively, and ensures safety.

Big names like UPS use this tech to streamline their delivery routes, while utility companies dispatch their repair crews faster. Automating time monitoring makes things run smoother and keeps the team safe.

Here’s how it works: Employees carry GPS-enabled gadgets, such as smartphones or special trackers. These gadgets send location data to a central system, which allows managers to monitor where everyone is in real time, spot trends in the data, and adjust operations as needed.

Here’s a Final Thought to Consider

It’s essential to keep track of how much your team works. It helps you make smart business decisions, like ensuring everyone’s doing their best, following the rules, and getting paid right. GPS apps are a popular choice for keeping track. They’re easy to use, especially on phones, and they don’t cost much. They also come with cool features like showing where your team is in real-time and generating reports.

Look for a simple app like Shifton to get everyone on board. We offer:

• Complete route mapping showing where your team’s been during their shift, with all the timestamps.
• Stats on how your team’s moving around for some detailed insights.

Are you feeling nervous about setting it all up? No worries! When you partner with us, we’ve got your back every step of the way. We take full responsibility for ensuring everything’s up and running smoothly. Our customer support team is always here to help, whether through online resources, a quick call, or an email chat. With Shifton, you can easily track employee hours and boost your team’s effectiveness!

If you’ve made it this far in the article, it’s your turn to give our offer a go!

Whether you work from home or the office, you might find it a struggle to stay concentrated on work tasks. At home, Netflix’s latest releases or a long snooze can throw your whole schedule off track. A desk job has its own diversions, with kitchen chats and overuse of social networks. Today, we will help you concentrate on tasks.

Enhance concentration by starting your day with a plan

Before you even commence work, you need to create a list of things you aim to complete by the end of the day. By keeping track of tasks, you make sure you stick to the schedule. Psychologists assert that sometimes the brain needs a considerable amount of energy to process large volumes of information. This is why some individuals struggle to work on big projects. We suggest splitting large tasks into several smaller assignments. That way it will be easier for you to complete them. For example, if you have a big document to edit, don’t attempt to process all of it in one go. Instead, break the text into several sections.

A good brekkie keeps you focused

Having a proper brekkie is critical for your performance. As recent studies have shown, it boosts metabolism and improves focus. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t stuff yourself with whatever. We suggest making an omelette with greens and berries or having some fruits/oats with milk. You can also have Greek yoghurt, bananas, and walnuts for brekkie. All of these foods contain protein that keeps the body energised throughout the day.

Delete all unnecessary apps

If you can’t resist spending your workdays bingeing on social media apps and websites, shut them down. Do that by installing website and app blockers on your computer and smartphone. AppBlock, for instance, restricts access to social media apps, including Facebook and Twitter. You can return to them during the break or when you get home. The time Stats plugin for Google Chrome shows how much time people spend on various websites. This way you know the exact amount of time wasted on social media.

Enhance concentration by taking short breaks

It’s not necessary to arrive at work before your shift starts or to skip lunch. It’s best to work a few hours with full dedication and take small breaks between them. Try isolating yourself from all ambient noises. Earbuds are adequate in most cases. If you’re not comfortable working in complete silence, we suggest searching for music that stimulates focus.

All of these tips are equally important. Creating a plan, eating healthy, and isolating yourself from distractions are crucial to enhancing your focus.

More and more people find themselves overwhelmed by a number of things they have to do. Their phones keep getting work alerts, the mailbox is filled with bills every month, while mates and relatives can unexpectedly ask for help. This clutter can get to even the best of us. Thankfully, there are tips that allow anyone to make time for everything.

Punctual people wake up when they are supposed to

There aren’t a lot of people who love to wake up early. Most of them prefer to snooze for those extra five minutes or “accidentally” turn off the alarm. Half an hour or an hour later they have to make a mad dash to work. This problem is fairly easy to solve — put the alarm out of your reach. That way, you will have to get up to turn it off, and once you do there is a smaller chance of you going back to sleep.

Plan breakfast at dinner

Studies show that the morning is the busiest part of the day. Punctual people prepare for it in the evening: pack their lunch, place keys, phone, and wallet where they are supposed to be. It’s also a good idea to prepare and iron clothes for the next day.

Pack everything you need in advance

It is very easy to get forgetful and absent-minded when there are so many things going on. Perhaps you have to frequently come back to work for your phone charger or find it hard to find your keys in the backpack. In order to save time, make sure that everything is placed where it should be before you leave.

Don’t try to ‘do one more thing’ before your workday is over

People who wisely manage their time will never try to get one more thing done before they leave work. You might end up wasting a lot more time than originally intended. For example, responding to an email can easily turn into processing dozens of them.

Punctuality tips: Value your free time

People who are always in a hurry find waiting or having nothing to do difficult to handle. They subconsciously try to maintain themselves in a constant state of movement. Because of this, for example, they go to great lengths to wait in line. Instead of worrying yourself silly, it is better to get started on some small thing you postponed for a long time. For example, getting started on a book you wanted to read months ago.

By sticking to this advice you will see how much time they save you just within a couple of days.

Shifton is the perfect solution for scheduling your restaurant!

Crafting the perfect shift roster for any number of staff in a restaurant, café, or bar can be a tricky task. It demands careful planning, considering the number of staff on hand and the hours needed for each shift. Thanks to the Shifton online service, this task can now be automated!

Shifton is an automated scheduling system that lets managers create shift rosters for their team quickly and easily. The system considers the number of staff available, along with any restrictions on working hours. It then uses algorithms to produce an optimal shift roster that ticks all the boxes while balancing the staff’s workloads.

The perks of using Shifton’s automated scheduling system are plenty. To begin with, it saves time and money by doing away with the need for manual scheduling. It also ensures that staff have balanced workloads, preventing burnout and boosting efficiency. Moreover, the system can be used to generate multiple rosters, enabling managers to compare and choose the one that suits them best.

Utilising Shifton’s automated scheduling system can simplify creating shift rosters for restaurant, café, or bar staff. With its user-friendly interface and robust algorithms, it can assist managers in developing an optimal roster promptly and easily, conserving time and money in the process.

Work Location Control is the best solution for tracking field employees

If you’re looking for an app to track travelling employees, Shifton is the best all-in-one business solution. The new “Work Location Control” module not only provides GPS-based location tracking, but also work time tracking, sequential tasks without returning to the office and more.

Shifton makes it easy for a manager to see the real-time location of all employees on the field. As a result, it’s easy to move people around to ensure that work tasks are completed efficiently. For example, a manager can assign the nearest employee to assist when needed.

Any movement of personnel is instantly corrected in work schedules, and all field employees receive SMS alerts of schedule/task changes without arriving at the office.

In addition, the manager can see information about the status of the task and how much time each employee needs to complete the task. Moreover, an employee can only complete a task when he/she is at a fixed location.

We remind you that Shifton is available for iOS and Android. The basic functionality is completely free for small businesses (up to 100 employees). The entry-level basic plan includes many useful features (Shift Swapping, Schedule Creation Wizard, Push and Email notifications, etc.), so it can boost productivity significantly.

And you can try all of Shifton’s features for 1 month absolutely free. We are confident that our new Work Location Control module is the best solution for tracking employees in the field.

Solution to the Problem of Managing Mobile Employees

In the reality of the looming economic crisis, companies of all sizes and across all industries are searching for an effective delivery solution to ensure customer satisfaction.

Today, even small businesses, laboratories, medical centres, cafes, bars, and even phone repair services, which have never done this before, have started offering delivery and on-site services. Now, the company’s management is faced with a problem that needs resolving.

The problem of controlling the mobile staff’s movement

What’s the main difference between mobile employees and staff who work in the office?

They are only managed by whether they complete their task or not.
They can easily “prolong” their work time at a client’s place.
They can handle “external” orders during office hours, which reduces the quality of the work they perform.

So, if your employee, who is meant to perform tasks on a certain work route, wastes work time for non-work purposes, you will lose time, resources, and money.

But there’s a solution! Shifton has developed a new module called “Work Location Control.” With this module, you can not only track the current location and movement of employees online but also monitor the completion of consecutive tasks.

Finally, it’s possible to customise the module individually for your company. Our developers will be pleased to consider your proposals and requests for custom software updates and offer you appropriate options.

We’re always ready to listen to your ideas and suggestions to develop Shifton.

Happy scheduling!

Work Location Control by Shifton: The Perfect Solution for Small Businesses

While there are many apps designed to track employee locations, they often come with heavy, expensive, and complex features that small businesses simply can’t afford. Shifton’s Work Location Control module, however, offers an efficient solution that is budget-friendly and provides essential monitoring for mobile employees.

Benefits:

• ✅ Cost-Effective: Avoid overpaying for unnecessary features. Monitor employee movements and ensure they visit all required work locations (such as client meetings or delivery points).
• ✅ User-Friendly Interface: Enjoy a simple and intuitive interface that requires no extensive training.
• ✅ Flexible Pricing: Pay only for the number of employees you need to monitor right now.

New Module: “Work Location Control” by Shifton

By integrating the “Work Location Control” module, you can address several issues simultaneously:

• ✅ Focused Monitoring: No extra layers of control (like call recording). Only the key employee functions—location and movement—are tracked.
• ✅ Ease of Use: Quick to start and easy to master.
• ✅ Customisable: Tailor the module to meet your specific company requirements.

Want to Learn More?

Contact Shifton support for more information and stay updated with our latest features!

Happy planning!

Work location control. Where are your mobile employees?

Work location monitoring can be a handy tool for tracking productivity and motivation. This module will be particularly relevant for companies with field work.

Today we will tell you how Shifton’s online service will help you control the visits of your clients and presence at workplaces.

Why do you need work location control?

Work location control is necessary for companies, whose specialists spend all day out in the field. These include security agencies, field masters in the B2C sector, sales agents and merchandisers, and delivery service couriers.

Most often, these employees work solo and visit several sites during the day. Telephone calls and reports in this situation do not always provide reliable information, as there is always the risk of fraud. But Shifton has a solution – the new module “Work Location Control”.

Our online service allows you to automate work location monitoring, even if you’re managing a large team of field workers. Tracking takes place using the Shifton mobile app with a GPS tracker. The app is installed on your smartphone and tablet. And the company manager or CEO can track the presence of employees at the site from both a computer and a smartphone.

How does it work?

Our new work location control module functions in conjunction with the Tasks module and ties into the shift schedule.

When a task is assigned, the manager specifies the address where the task is to be performed. Once the employee arrives at the location, the application records it, and the worker can complete the task. If the employee is in another location when the task is completed, they cannot mark it as completed.

An additional perk of the Work Location Control module is a significant boost in productivity. Since employees are aware of the control, they can’t report to work when they’re at home or check in on-site for their colleague.

Want to know more? Contact Shifton tech support and keep up with our updates!

Happy scheduling!

Effective workforce management is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. With the rise of digital solutions, companies are increasingly turning to specialised software to simplify scheduling, streamline communication, and optimise labour costs. Among the leading contenders in this space are Shifton and 7Shifts — two powerful platforms designed to meet the unique requirements of service-oriented industries. While both tools offer valuable features to enhance employee management, they cater to different markets and possess distinct functionalities. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of Shifton and 7Shifts, exploring their key features, target audiences, and pricing structures to help you determine which solution is best suited for your organisation’s needs. Whether you’re a small café or a bustling restaurant chain, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform is essential for making informed decisions in workforce management.

What is Shifton

Shifton is a comprehensive workforce management tool designed primarily for businesses in the service, retail, and hospitality industries. Its primary focus is on simplifying employee scheduling, enhancing time tracking, and improving team communication.

With Shifton, managers can create and manage work schedules effortlessly, accommodating employee availability and preferences to foster a positive work environment. The platform allows employees to clock in and out via a user-friendly mobile app, ensuring accurate time tracking and reducing administrative overhead. Moreover, Shifton features built-in communication tools that facilitate interaction among team members, allowing for efficient updates and collaboration.

Additionally, Shifton provides reporting capabilities that offer insights into attendance, labour costs, and workforce productivity, enabling managers to make data-driven decisions. While it can be integrated with various HR and payroll systems, Shifton is particularly favoured by small and medium-sized businesses looking for an intuitive and affordable solution to streamline their workforce management processes.

What is 7Shifts

7Shifts is a robust online workforce management platform specifically tailored for the food service and restaurant industry. It is designed to streamline employee scheduling, enhance communication, and optimise labour costs, making it an essential tool for restaurant managers and owners.

One of 7Shifts’ standout features is its advanced scheduling capabilities, which allow managers to create, adjust, and share shift schedules quickly and easily. Employees can access their schedules in real-time through a mobile app, enabling them to view and manage their shifts, request time off, or swap shifts with coworkers seamlessly.

In addition to scheduling, 7Shifts includes essential tools for time tracking, enabling employers to monitor attendance accurately and minimise labour costs. The platform also features robust reporting tools, providing insights into labour metrics, sales, and staffing levels, which help managers make informed, data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, 7Shifts promotes team communication via an integrated messaging system that helps foster collaboration among staff members. With its user-friendly interface and industry-specific features, 7Shifts is particularly favoured by restaurant operators aiming to improve their workforce management while enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction.

Shifton vs 7Shifts: Key Features

Both Shifton and 7Shifts are popular workforce management tools designed primarily for industries such as hospitality and retail. Here’s a comparison of their key features:

In summary, while both Shifton and 7Shifts provide essential workforce management features, 7Shifts stands out with its restaurant-specific tools and robust functionality tailored for food service operations. Shifton, on the other hand, offers a versatile solution that can serve a broader range of industries. The choice between the two will largely depend on the specific needs and context of the business.

Shifton vs 7Shifts: Similarities

Both Shifton and 7Shifts are workforce management solutions designed primarily for industries such as hospitality and retail. They share several key features, including employee scheduling tools that allow managers to create and adjust schedules with ease. Each platform provides time tracking functionalities to monitor employee hours, enhancing payroll accuracy. Additionally, Shifton and 7Shifts incorporate communication tools that facilitate team interactions, enabling employees to stay informed about schedule changes and announcements. Both solutions also offer mobile accessibility, ensuring that staff can view schedules and communicate from their devices. Lastly, both Shifton and 7Shifts provide reporting and analytics capabilities to help managers assess labour metrics and improve operational efficiency.

Shifton vs 7Shifts: Differences

While Shifton and 7Shifts share several core functionalities, they have distinct differences that cater to their target audiences. Shifton offers a more generalised solution suitable for various industries, including retail and service-oriented businesses. In contrast, 7Shifts is specifically designed for the restaurant and food service sectors, offering features tailored to the unique needs of these industries, such as menu management and advanced labour forecasting tools.

In terms of user experience, 7Shifts has a highly-rated mobile app focused on the restaurant environment, while Shifton’s app serves as a more general tool for various workplace settings. Another difference lies in their reporting capabilities; 7Shifts provides deeper integrations with sales data, enabling more comprehensive staffing decisions that align with meal periods and busy hours. Furthermore, while both platforms offer integrations with HR and payroll systems, 7Shifts has a stronger emphasis on POS system integrations, which is crucial for restaurant operations.

Shifton vs 7Shifts: Pros and Cons

Shifton is suitable for various industries, including retail and service sectors, making it a flexible option for many businesses. The platform features an intuitive interface that simplifies the scheduling process and helps reduce manager workload. While versatile, Shifton may lack some specialised features that cater specifically to the needs of the food service industry. Compared to 7Shifts, Shifton’s reporting and analytics capabilities may not provide the same level of detail related to labour costs and sales data.

7Shifts is designed specifically for the food service industry, offering features that align with the unique challenges restaurant managers face, such as sales forecasting and labour optimisation. The mobile app is highly rated for providing restaurant staff with real-time access to schedules, tips, and team communication. 7Shifts offers comprehensive reporting tools that help managers make informed decisions based on labour metrics and sales performance. Its specialised focus may make it less suitable for businesses outside of the food service sector. Some users report a steeper learning curve due to the depth of features and functionalities available.

Shifton vs 7Shifts: Pricing

Shifton offers a tiered pricing structure based on the number of employees and specific features utilised. While exact pricing details can vary, Shifton typically provides a more affordable plan for smaller businesses and may offer custom pricing for larger organisations. A free trial is often available, allowing businesses to test the platform before committing.

7Shifts operates on a subscription model with different pricing tiers based on the number of locations and employees. They offer a free plan for smaller teams with limited features, while their paid plans provide advanced functionalities such as forecasting, reporting, and integrations with POS systems. Pricing is typically competitive for the restaurant industry, providing good value for the depth of features offered.

5 Recommendations For Choosing Between Shifton vs 7Shifts

When choosing between Shifton and 7Shifts, here are five tips to help guide your decision:

1. Identify Your Industry Needs: Consider the specific requirements of your business. If you’re in the food service industry, 7Shifts may provide features tailored specially to your needs, like labour forecasting and POS integrations. If your business is more varied, Shifton might be a better match due to its versatility across different industries.
2. Evaluate Feature Sets: Take the time to review the features each platform offers. Look for functionalities critical to your operations, like advanced reporting, communication tools, and mobile accessibility. Make a list of must-have features and compare how each solution meets those needs.
3. Consider Ease of Use: The user interface and overall user experience are crucial for adoption among your team. Try out demos or free trials to see how intuitive each platform is for both managers and staff. A user-friendly solution can boost productivity and reduce training time.
4. Assess Pricing Structure: Look into the pricing plans for both Shifton and 7Shifts in relation to the features provided. Work out the total cost based on your team’s size and any additional functionalities you might need. Consider if the pricing fits your budget and offers sufficient value for the features included.
5. Seek Reviews and Testimonials: Look into customer reviews and case studies from businesses similar to yours. Pay attention to feedback about customer support, reliability, and how each platform has helped streamline business operations. Learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

By following these recommendations, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs and goals.

Ten Questions You Must Ask When Choosing Between Shifton vs 7Shifts

When evaluating Shifton and 7Shifts to determine the best fit for your business, asking the right questions can guide your decision-making process. Here are ten essential questions to consider:

1. What specific features are most critical to my business? Identify the functionalities your team needs, like scheduling, time tracking, labour forecasting, and reporting. Which platform provides these capabilities more effectively?
2. How does each platform cater to my industry? Given that 7Shifts is tailored for the restaurant industry, does it offer distinct advantages for my food service business compared to Shifton’s more general approach?
3. What is the user experience like for both management and staff? Are the interfaces intuitive and easy to navigate? Consider asking for demos or trials to see how each platform performs in real-world scenarios.
4. What is the pricing structure, and what do I get for my money? Review not just the basic subscription costs but also what features are included in each pricing tier. Are there extra charges for integrations or premium features?
5. How does customer support work for each platform? What kind of support does each company offer (e.g., email, live chat, phone support)? Are there resources like tutorials or a knowledge base available for user help?
6. Can I integrate this platform with my existing tools? Investigate the compatibility of both platforms with your current point-of-sale (POS) systems, payroll services, and any other software you use.
7. What sort of reporting and analytics are available? How strong are the reporting features? Does each platform provide insights to help you make data-driven decisions about labour costs and scheduling?
8. Is there a mobile app, and how useful is it? Given the mobile nature of many staff in the food service industry, how accessible is the platform via a mobile app? What functionalities are available on the app?
9. What do current users say about their experience? Look for reviews or testimonials, particularly focusing on areas like user satisfaction, reliability, and overall performance. What are the common praises or complaints?
10. Is there a trial period or a money-back guarantee? Can I try the platform without risk? Understanding the terms of trial periods can offer significant peace of mind before committing to a long-term subscription.

By considering these questions, you’ll be better prepared to assess which solution — Shifton or 7Shifts — best meets the specific needs of your business.

Shifton vs 7Shift: Use Cases

Use Cases for Shifton:

1. Diverse Industry Applications: Suitable for businesses in retail, healthcare, logistics, and other sectors needing flexible scheduling and time-tracking.
2. Employee Self-Scheduling: Ideal for companies that want to empower employees to select and swap shifts easily.
3. Integration Needs: Effective for organisations that rely on a mix of software solutions and need flexibility in integrating with various management, CRM, or payroll systems.
4. Centralised Management: Beneficial for businesses operating multiple locations, as it offers centralised scheduling and management features.

Use Cases for 7Shifts:

1. Restaurant and Food Service Focus: Specifically designed for the restaurant industry, making it ideal for businesses needing tailored features like labour cost forecasting and tip tracking.
2. Team Communication: Facilitates efficient communication among staff, allowing for quick management of scheduling changes in fast-paced environments.
3. Employee Engagement and Retention: Offers tools for recognition and mobile accessibility to boost employee engagement and retention in restaurants.
4. Integration with POS Systems: Excellent for food service establishments needing to streamline operations by integrating with popular POS systems to synchronise labour management with sales data.

Final Thoughts on Shifton vs 7Shifts: Which Is Best For Business

Choosing between Shifton and 7Shifts ultimately depends on the specific needs of your business.

• For Diverse Industry Applications: If your organisation falls outside of the food service sector and needs a flexible scheduling tool that’s adaptable to various operational needs, Shifton may be the right choice. Its strengths in self-scheduling, integration viability, and centralised management make it suitable for a wide range of industries.
• For Restaurant and Food Service: On the other hand, if your main focus is running a restaurant or a similar establishment, 7Shifts is likely the better option. Its features are tailored to this sector’s unique challenges, including labour forecasting, compliance support, and fast-paced communication among staff.

In conclusion, evaluate your specific operational requirements, industry context, and user preferences to make an informed decision. Both platforms offer distinct advantages, and selecting the one that aligns with your business goals will position you for better scheduling management and operational efficiency.

Top 5 Flower Delivery Software

Every flower shop owner is keen to keep their bouquets delighting customers. However, delivery is a crucial part of the flower business.

Furthermore, having bouquets delivered at just the right time (often on the same day) is essential. That’s why we’ve collected the best software to streamline florists’ work.

Here are the 5 best programs to help you enhance the quality of your flower delivery service.

1. Shifton

Shifton’s automated online service offers a straightforward way for a flower shop owner to roster delivery service employees, track staff hours and attendance, and communicate with their workers on shift using iOS and Android apps.

Manage your flower delivery service shifts with just a few clicks. Shifton also supports integration with many popular accounting programs, allowing you to substantially simplify the payroll process and avoid human error.

2. Details Flowers Software

Details Flowers Software is an intuitive and user-friendly all-in-one solution for flower shops and florists. This software tracks costs, margins, payments, inventory, and sales, connecting florists with suppliers worldwide.

Details Flowers Software aids florists in boosting profits by optimising offerings, as well as providing just-in-time management of flower delivery services.

3. Floranext

Floranext was created by florists for florists. This software will help you open a florist shop, operate/manage your business, expand rapidly, and increase earnings.

The Florist Point-of-Sale/Shop Manager module enables you to organise your flower delivery service effectively. It allows you to handle retail/phone orders, manage online flower delivery, and also offers a mobile app for drivers with step-by-step instructions.

4. Hana POS

Hana POS assists you in managing your flower shop with an easy-to-navigate order screen, customer screen, dispatch service overview, and driver routing screen.

E-service integration, optimised routes, customer portal, address and business search, suggestion module, mobile app with digital signature, and feedback module will be most beneficial for your flower delivery service.

5. Lobiloo

Lobiloo is a straightforward floral estimating tool that helps florists create visual invoices for clients. Consequently, bouquet delivery times can be significantly reduced.

Additionally, the Lobiloo platform is useful for boutique decorators, florists, and wedding event planners, as this program allows users to create design projects, estimate costs, and more.

Select any solution from the above! Now, your shop’s flower office can manage requests, proposals, orders, invoices, payments, and your customers and staff easily with cloud-based software.