PlanIt Police Blog

Found a couple police officer scheduling systems you like but now have to dive deeper to understand what the differences are between them? Although this is not a fun task, it must be done to ensure success in the long run with your scheduling software. 

Below we have listed the 5 main differences to carefully evaluate when selecting a law enforcement scheduling program:

• Pricing
• Features
• History
• Customer Service
• Functionality

1. Pricing

Will the time savings make up for the price? How does their pricing compare?

Variables in cost include:

• Number of employees
• All-inclusive or add-ons
• Training, support, setup
• Custom work
• Upgrades- future cost potential

If you want to read more about pricing, please visit our pricing post here.

2. Features

How many features do they have that you can use?

There are some core features that are included in almost every system such as templates, time off, shift trades, and notifications. In addition, the schedules are almost all accessible from anywhere at any time [because they are online]. 

Features that may be included in some scheduling software but not others, include extra duty scheduling, court appearances, document storage, Kiosks, payroll or an hour export, certifications, vehicle checklists, and company courses. It has to work with your organization and how you do things. So ultimately the provider may not know if its a good solution for you or not... you have to decide that for yourself.

3. History of Company

How long have they been in the public safety industry?

Some companies may be in the industry longer than others. With multiple years of experience, they will have made many mistakes and already resolved them while also learning trends and common scheduling practices along the way.

If they do have a lot of years under their belt, check to make sure they are still keeping the system up to date and easy to use. Newer systems may be a good option for a cheaper price and new ideas.

4. Customer Service

Can you count on them when you need their help?

Sometimes this is difficult to know before starting a service with a new scheduling software company. That is why it is important to check up with other departments currently using the system. Quality customer service means less time spent on scheduling tasks. The software is meant to save time, not cost you more time. Customer service goes hand-in-hand with a good scheduling software.

Read here about Clovis Police Department's experience with PlanIt's customer service.

5. Functionality

Is it easy to use?

Many times people say to us, "Well, we will need a lot of help because our department doesn't have the most tech-savvy people." If this is you or someone in your department, make sure to bring that up to the company that you are evaluating. If there is too much going on or the screens look really outdated, there is a good chance that "tech-savvy" people would even have trouble with it. A complex system can end up taking more time than it saves you so make sure the system is powerful but user-friendly.

Want to learn more about the history, features, or pricing of PlanIt Police scheduling software? Find an all in one evaluation packet below to make comparing easy.

Read More:

• 5 Free Officer Scheduling Options for Your Department
• How to View Your Schedule From Anywhere - iCal
• Best Law Enforcement Scheduling Software Companies: 5 to Review