BELTON, S.C. -- Hickory Point Convenience Stores, a 46-store convenience retailer based in Belton, S.C., has announced a partnership with PeopleMatter, a provider of human-resources software, for its three-module solution.
The chain, which employs 450 people, is implementing Charleston, S.C.-based PeopleMatter's Hire, Lean and Schedule software suite, moving from a paper-based hiring process and a single-point or single-category solution to one that is "cloud" based and integrated, officials with PeopleMatter said.
This past winter, PeopleMatter introduced its scheduling module, the third of three after its hiring (introduced in 2010) and training (2011) solutions. At an unveiling event in Charleston, Nate DaPore, president and CEO of PeopleMatter, emphasized the mobile capabilities of the scheduling solution, demonstrating live the ability for managers and shift employees to access store schedules, request changes and accept hours via smartphones.
Focus on what DaPore called an "awesome user experience" differentiates the solution, with one-thought screens (one idea or question per screen) and large buttons for regular computer or touchscreen access. Integration between the modules helps move employees from recruitment through to hiring and when applicable, termination.
For Hickory Point, the transition will provide managers and employees with a more centralized HR platform and robust suite of automated tools, the company said.
"We are a community-focused company that relies on our regular customers," said Mike Link, Hickory Point vice president of human resources. "This partnership will simplify our ability to expand while still developing great employees that are the right fit for Hickory Point and the communities we serve."
Hickory Point was recognized statewide as the 2010 SCACS Retailer of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Convenience Stores (SCACS). The company emphasizes providing a culture that encourages employees to view working as a career rather than just a job. The focus Hickory Point places on excellent service and community engagement fuels its success, it said.
The PeopleMatter modules help managers with:
- Web-based applicant pre-screening, background checks, I-9 verification and tax credit processing.
- Optimized interview time for managers through online applicant review and sorting capabilities.
- Customizable course assignments and social tools, which target training needs and track progress online.
- Simple, time-efficient schedule building, control and forecasting abilities, with Internet and mobile access.
- 24/7 paperless data input, from the first application to onboarding, training and scheduling.
"The PeopleMatter platform is designed to serve the HR needs of companies like Hickory Point," said DaPore. "As a fellow South Carolina-based company, we look forward to being a part of Hickory Point's future growth and development."
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