Blackbird Bakery: Baking Success with Harri
We recently spoke to Blackbird Bakery about how Harri helped them revolutionise their operations. Learn how they:
- Drive Operational Efficiency: Harri Workforce Management automated manual processes, saving approximately 120 hours per week and generating around £25,000-£50,000 in annual cost savings.
- Centralised and Standardised Recruitment: The bakery chain streamlined its hiring process by centralising recruitment under their Head Office, creating a more consistent and strategic approach with Harri Talent Acquisition.
- Enhanced Employee Experience and Productivity: Harri WFM led to improved scheduling accuracy, shift management, and holiday tracking, saving managers hours weekly on scheduling alone. The system also reduced communication errors while providing greater transparency in workforce management.
Located in and around South London, Blackbird Bakery is made up of a chain of 10 independent bakeries. It’s a community hub, a testament to quality, and a business that’s undergone a remarkable transformation. Valerio Diecidue, Head of Retail Operations who joined in August 2024, found a business brimming with potential but lacking in structured processes. Fast forward to today, and Blackbird Bakery is a shining example of how technology and strategic implementation can revolutionise operations.
When Valerio first began, the bakery was running on a foundation of Excel spreadsheets and handwritten timesheets, a system that was proving increasingly challenging to manage.
“It was a bit of a nightmare,” he admits, struggling to measure site productivity effectively. Determined to find a better solution, he explored various options before discovering Harri. What set Harri apart was its affordability and the unique talent acquisition features, something no other competitor offered.
The implementation of Harri began with talent acquisition, which was put to use almost immediately.
“The biggest challenge for the business was to be able to improve productivity,” and Harri proved to be the key.
How was the implementation process?
The implementation process was smooth, thanks to the exceptional support from implementation consultant Carina. While there were initial concerns about the complexity of Harri, the team found it to be detailed and functional, allowing for deep customisation. Any initial resistance from some employees was quickly overcome, and it even helped streamline processes to reduce inefficient scheduling and holiday processes. The overall employee experience improved significantly, with greater accuracy in scheduling and less communication errors.
The recruitment process was completely overhauled. Previously, individual managers were responsible for hiring, which led to inconsistencies and a less-than-ideal brand representation. By centralising recruitment under Head Office, Blackbird Bakery streamlined the process. Now, when a vacancy arises, the head office team posts the job, conducts initial interviews, and sends shortlisted candidates for a trial shift with the manager, who ultimately makes the final decision. This change made life “600 times easier,” ensuring only the best candidates were selected.
Beyond recruitment, Harri’s workforce management tools transformed scheduling and payroll. Initially, managers found the system challenging, but after getting to grips with it, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Managers reported saving one to two hours per week on creating schedules, a significant time saving. With templates for different periods like holidays, Christmas, and summer, scheduling became a breeze. Covering shifts was also simplified with email notifications to all employees about available shifts, eliminating the need for endless phone calls and messages.
Harri’s impact extended to financial management. With accurate clocking in and out, Blackbird Bakery saved approximately 60 hours in the shops and 60 hours in the CPU per week. This translated to significant financial savings – about £780 per week in the shops alone, equating to £25,000 per year, and a projected £50,000 per year when combined with CPU savings. Revenue per labour hour also saw a remarkable increase, jumping from £50 per hour to £61 per hour.
The holiday and absence management feature was another game-changer. Before Harri, holiday requests were handled informally, leading to issues with accrual and carryover. Now, the system is set up according to policy, streamlining the process and eliminating confusion. Managers also gained better insights into sales and labour costs, enabling them to make informed decisions. With budgeting options on the horizon, they will soon have clear targets to work towards.
Blackbird Bakery’s journey with Harri is a story of transformation. From struggling with manual processes to embracing technology, they’ve achieved remarkable improvements in efficiency, financial management, and employee satisfaction. As they continue to standardise and expand, Harri remains a crucial partner in their success, helping them bake a brighter future.
Want to learn more about how Harri can help you cut costs and revolutionise your operations?
