Midwest Grocery Retailer Partners with The MacLaren Group for Seamless UKG Dimensions™ Implementation
Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, The MacLaren Group ensured the successful implementation of UKG Dimensions™ by pivoting to virtual training and remote support. This adaptive approach kept the rollout plan on track, enabling smooth adoption across 500 supercenters while maintaining business continuity.
At a Glance
Embracing Mobility
Mobility self-service tools have been embraced, which has supported gains in reduced labor and improved scheduling.
Quality Schedules
Better quality schedules are being produced for the business and the associates in less time.
Successful Rollout
The MacLaren Group pivoted to a virtual rollout plan, which was handled seamlessly. This left the customer feeling fully engaged and prepared.
Overview
A well-known grocery retailer based in the Midwest was interested in implementing UKG Dimensions™ (UKG Pro Workforce Management) into its 500 supercenters across 6 states.
Their previous Workforce Management rollout was conducted internally and was challenging. The retailer wanted to ensure that the rollout of the new software to each store was seamless, while gaining the desired business results.
Covid-19 Impact
The rollout was originally scheduled to begin on March 14, 2020—the same week the country shut down due to COVID-19.
In response, the rollout was postponed, and by June 2020, we had a new plan. All workshops and conversion support shifted to a virtual format, allowing us to stay committed to the original rollout schedule.
The Business Need
The grocery retailer needed a trusted advisor to ensure a cost-effective, seamless rollout across all 500 sites within a tight timeframe.
A key objective was securing Department Manager buy-in for system-generated schedules, leveraging UKG Dimensions™ to streamline scheduling and reduce administrative workload.
Additionally, the client aimed to foster a culture of adoption, empowering managers and associates to embrace mobile self-service tools for viewing schedules, requesting time off, and swapping shifts with ease.
The MacLaren Group Solution
To support the grocery retailer in its transition to a new system, The MacLaren Group developed a thorough and tailored training program that included:
Custom Training Materials
We developed training materials tailored to the grocer's policies, procedures, and standards. These resources included job aids, leader guides, coach guides, and role-specific exercises, all designed for use in training sessions.
Virtual Workshops
We hosted two-day virtual workshops for store leadership using a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) approach. Two leaders from each store were trained to deliver instruction across their locations. Additionally, we conducted specialized workshops for key departments, such as Pharmacy and Loss Prevention (LP).
eSupport
The MacLaren Group’s proprietary eSupport software, is an online job aid with step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and links to training resources. The labor team sees it as a key tool for frontline business users.
Web-Based Training
We developed custom Web-Based Training (WBT) courses as mandatory learning for all 5,000 users. These courses provided a virtual environment for hands-on practice and familiarization with the new UKG solution. Designed in modular segments, the training ensured information was digestible and easy to retain. Additionally, simulation exercises replicated real-life store scenarios, offering practical experience and increasing trainee confidence.
Virtual Help-Desk Support
Each store received dedicated help-desk support from The MacLaren Group, available to address questions and provide immediate assistance post-Go-Live, ensuring a smooth transition and enhancing the overall experience for store employees.
The Results
The MacLaren Group transformed all workshop materials into a structured virtual curriculum, easily delivered over Zoom over 4 half-days. Small-group sessions enabled participants to share their screens and videos, creating an interactive, hands-on learning experience.
Training began in a safe “sandbox environment”, allowing participants to practice without risk. Once confident, they built their first go-live schedule in production, with The MacLaren Group trainers providing quality Assurance reviews. The approach was a resounding success.
To further support the transition, The MacLaren Group’s Conversion Support Desk operated for eight weeks via Zoom. This significantly reduced the workload on both the Help Desk and the internal labor team, proving to be a major win for both head office and store teams.