Webcast:
The pace of change in retail has never been quicker as niche players and large operators invade each other's turf in a war for the customer. However trends such as a shrinking talent pool, increasing customer expectations, rising labor costs, and an overabundance of communication channels into the store are hampering the ability to execute customer-centric programs.
Join us as we examine some of the trends in the retail marketplace and overall economy that exert pressure on retail operations and possibly hamper execution - particularly with respect to staffing levels and HQ to store communications. The panel will discuss the financial impact of effective staffing and task execution from both the top line (sales) and bottom line (profitability) perspectives. To assist with your own internal analysis we will provide some simple metrics and models to be used in assessing your opportunities for WFM-driven execution. We will discuss the 5 essential steps to drafting an effective business case that will reveal whether a WFM solution should be part of your store systems portfolio. Lastly the panel will provide an overview of the essential tools for retail execution including budgeting, labor forecasting, schedule optimization, and task management.
Presenters

Ed is a Senior Workforce Management Consultant for Kronos, a leading provider of Workforce Management and Talent Management software. He has over 25 years' experience in information technology, with the last 14 years focused specifically on Human Capital Management (HCM). Ed has led strategic HCM consulting and implementation engagements with Fortune 500 clients such as General Motors, Daimler Chrysler, State Farm, and Baxter International. He is a self-professed technology evangelist and has held Director-level positions in Professional Services, Strategic Solutions Consulting, and Marketing for several leading-edge HCM technology providers including Workscape, and ESSENSE Systems - the pioneering creator of HR employee self-service (ESS).

Mike Emsley is a Principal of Axsium Group Inc. with a focus on bringing workforce management solutions to Axsium's retail customers. With experience serving a variety of world-class companies, Mr. Emsley helps retailers save money and improve execution by deploying leading edge task and labor management tools.Prior to joining Axsium, Mr. Emsley was responsible for Store Systems Strategy and Planning at HEB Grocery, an $11 billion retailer in San Antonio, Texas. Before HEB, Mr. Emsley held the position of Regional Vice President at Workbrain Inc. and was responsible for the West coast professional services practice. In 2004, Mr. Emsley opened Workbrain's Orange County office and built a team of professionals to serve clients in the West region. His previous position before Workbrain was Manager at Andersen Consulting. Mr. Emsley holds a Master of Business Administration from York University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University.

17 years specialty store retail experience13 years with GAP Inc. holding management positions in field supervision, Merchandise Planning, Allocation and Store Operations.4 years with American Eagle Outfitters as Sr. Director of Store Operations overseeing all aspects of work force management, tasks management, communication, operational productivity and training.

Joachim Petzold has been working in the HCM software space since 2000, specializing in labor forecasting and schedule optimization solutions. Over the past years, he has designed and implemented scheduling solutions for a number of major US and international retail chains. He has helped retailers identify and define best practices for their labor operations, resulting in higher labor efficiency and improved customer service. Joachim Petzold holds an MBA in Operations Management and Corporate Finance from New York University's Stern School of Business.
