How BAE Systems improved accuracy & efficiency | Crown WFM

The challenge

The workforce management
challenge at BAE Systems

BAE Systems, a global leader in engineering and defence manufacturing, employs more than 30,000
staff across multiple UK locations. The company needed a modern workforce management system capable of supporting both professional and assembly staff, while handling complex payroll rules and activity tracking requirements across numerous sites.

Before working with Crown, BAE relied on a dated Time & Attendance and Access Control system. Activity data was captured manually, payroll processes were highly administrative and there was no Employee Self-Service functionality. Inaccurate activity tracking made it difficult to understand true labour costs, while management reporting was limited.

To meet operational demands and improve visibility across its workforce, BAE Systems required a configurable, enterprise-level solution that could integrate seamlessly with its existing SAP HR and
Payroll systems.

The solution

Crown’s integrated, multi-site solution

BAE Systems implemented Crown’s Time & Attendance, Activity Management, Project Tracking, Access Control and Employee Self-Service modules, creating a single, unified workforce management platform.

The system now provides:

• Automated activity tracking across multiple projects and sites
• Real-time visibility of workforce data
• Integration with SAP HR and Payroll for accurate, consistent data flow
• Employee Self-Service tools to engage staff and reduce admin workload

This integrated approach gives managers a complete view of activity across departments, while enabling employees to manage their own time and attendance data through Crown’s self-service interface.

The results

The results – Real-time data and measurable efficiency gains

Since implementing Crown, BAE Systems has achieved greater accuracy, reduced errors and improved workforce engagement.

Payroll accuracy has increased significantly through automated data transfer to SAP, eliminating manual entry and reducing processing time. Managers now have real-time visibility of work activities, allowing faster decision-making and better cost control.

Multiple activity-tracking facilities provide clear insight into project and departmental performance, while automated rostering ensures efficient staff allocation across all locations.

The introduction of Employee Self-Service has empowered staff to manage their own attendance, absences and schedules — improving engagement and reducing HR administration.