--- title: The 6 Key VMS Features You Need to Manage a Staffing Agency description: Discover the key VMS features for managing staffing agencies effectively that will enhance quality, and control costs without unnecessary complexities. image: https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20IMAGES%202026/CONTINGENT%20WORKFORCE/CWF%20OPTIMIZED/How%20a%20VMS%20improves%20your%20contingent%20workforce%20management.126.1.jpg --- - [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) - [TAKE A TOUR](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) [![Conexis Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square%20Green-Black-FINAL-1.svg) ![Conexis Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square%20Green-Black-V2.svg)](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/) [![Conexis Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square%20Green-Black-V2.svg)](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/) - VMS 101 - - [What is a VMS?](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/what-is-a-vendor-management-system-vms) - [VMS Benefits](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/benefits-of-vendor-management-system) - [How to Choose the Best VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/how-to-choose-the-best-vendor-management-system-vms) - [Modern vs Legacy VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/legacy-vs-modern-vms) - [What is a White-Label VMS?](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/white-label-vms) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Reduces Costs](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vendor-management-system-vms-cost-savings-) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Reduces Risk](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vendor-management-system-risk-reduction) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Increases Workforce Visibility](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contingent-workforce-visibility-vms) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Improves Hiring](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/improve-contingent-workforce-hiring-performance) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Improves Operational Efficiency](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/increasing-operational-efficiency-vms) - [VMS 101: How a VMS Improves Time-to-Fill](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-improves-time-to-fill) - [Contingent Workforce Management | Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contingent-workforce-vms) - [VMS for Staffing Agencies | Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-staffing-agencies-guide) - [Managing Vendors with a VMS | Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/what-is-vendor-management) - [Managing Staffing Agencies with a VMS| Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/managing-staffing-agencies-with-a-vms-guide) - [FEATURES](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis) - SOLUTIONS - - **My Role** - [Procurement](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-procurement) - [HR & Talent Acquisition](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-talent-acquisition) - [Contingent Workforce](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-contingent-workforce-leaders) - - **My Business** - [Mid-Market Programs](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vendor-management-system-vms-for-mid-market-contingent-workforce) - [MSP](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-msp-managed-service-provider) - [Staffing Agency](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-staffing-agencies) - - **My Industry** - [Manufacturing](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-manufacturing) - [Warehousing, Distribution and Logistics](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-warehouse-logistics) - [Healthcare](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-healthcare) - [Education](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/education-behavioral-health-staffing-vms) - [Government](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-government) - [Consulting Firms](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-for-consulting) - - **MY SITUATION** - [Getting Started with Your 1st VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/getting-started-with-your-first-vendor-management-system) - [Changing Your VMS Provider](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/how-to-switch-vendor-management-system-vms) - [Build Your Own VMS vs Buy](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/build-vs-buy-vendor-management-system) - [PRICING](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing) - LEARN - - [All Resources](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-vendor-management-system-resources) - [VMS Buyer's Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/now-updated-free-2026-vms-buyers-guide) - [Grow Your Staffing Agency Revenue Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-to-grow-staffing-agency-revenue-with-vendor-management-system) - [VMS Education Center](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-education-center) - [FAQs](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/conexis-vms-faqs) - [Blog](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog) - COMPANY - - [About Us](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company) - [How We Are Leading AI Innovation in VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/ai-in-vendor-management-vms-conexis-vms) - [News & Events](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/en-us/news-events) - [Our Commitment to Customer Care](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-nps-customer-satisfaction-adoption) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/conexis-vms-awards-and-recognition) - [Client Testimonials](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/testimonials) - [Case Studies](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-vendor-management-system-case-studies) - [Take an Online 2 Min Tour](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) - [About Conexis VMS (Video)](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/watch-why-choose-conexis-vms-2-minute-overview) - CONTACT - - [Contact Us](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contact) - [Book Private Consultation](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-consultation) - [Book a Demo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) - [Partner](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/partner-with-conexis-vms) - [VMS Education Center](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-education-center) - [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) - [TAKE A TOUR](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) 4 October 2021 # The 6 Key VMS Features You Need to Manage a Staffing Agency [![Wayne Burgess](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wayne100.png?width=30&height=30&name=Wayne100.png) Wayne Burgess](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/author/wayne-burgess) - - - An increasing number of employers now recognize the significance of achieving visibility and control over their contingent workforce. When executed effectively, businesses can enhance workforce quality, acquire talent more swiftly, and cut costs. To achieve this, many are adopting Vendor Management Software to more effectively oversee, manage, and assess the staffing agencies they employ to source these workers. In this article, we will take a look at what a Vendor Management System is, and what are the "Bells & Whistles" functionality that you actually need.  ## What is a Vendor Management System? A [VMS system](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lGllyOESxbumMeaS6oVxXpC3jULSv7594nRA0NrMdvU/edit) is a platform that acts as a system of record for your entire staffing agency process. A vendor management system automates and centralizes all staffing vendor processes from hiring and onboarding workers, tracking payments, measuring staffing agency performance and so much more.  As a result of using a vendor management system, your organization gains complete visibility and control over its staffing agencies and externally-sourced workforce.  These insights improve your future contingent workforce decision-making, ensuring that you access top-quality workers to meet your workforce goals, save money, improve internal processes, and speed up the time-to-hire process. ## What are the features of a VMS? According to an article from [*Staffing Industry Analysts*](https://www2.staffingindustry.com/Publications/CWS-3.0/Archive/2014/August-2014/August-13-2014/Don-t-Go-Overboard-on-VMS-features-Look-past-the-bells-and-whistles-to-what-you-really-need) (SIA), the functionality of the typical vendor management system can be broken down into three basic categories:  --- --- ### #1 - Traditional Contingent Process Management - Requisitioning / sourcing - Assignment management - Contract creation - Onboarding - Extensions - Rate changes - Offboarding - Time and expenses - Invoicing and payment ### #2 - SOW Process Management - RFI/RFP - Bidding - Agreement creation / management / close-out - Assignment management - Onboarding - Offboarding - Payment requests, time and expenses - Invoicing ### #3 - Additional Features - Reporting - Tactical - Strategic - Market intelligence - Freelancer / independent contractor management - Integrations - Client systems - Supplier systems - Mobile applications - Language and other localizations - Infrastructure - Supplier management - Supplier registration - Evaluations ## Many VMS providers have features that you’ll never use In the software world, there is a common issue known as “feature creep”. [*Shopify*](https://www.shopify.co.za/partners/blog/feature-creep#:~:text=Feature%20creep%20is%20a%20common,is%20no%E2%80%94it%20will%20not.) defines feature creep as: > *“When you add excessive features to a product that make it too complicated or difficult to use. Any additional features that you introduce into your product add to the complexity of your design. In turn, this can diminish the usability of your product.”* Feature creep occurs when extra features are added to a product. These features go beyond the basic function of the product, resulting in the design of a product becoming a feature-led experience rather than a user-centric one. While these features are useful for some companies, they aren’t for most. Instead, having bells and whistles that you never use can lead to a frustrating experience that reduces the ROI your business realizes from using the product. This is particularly true when it comes to vendor management systems.  Many of the Legacy VMS systems are complex. They have more functionalities than most clients will ever need, let alone the businesses which only have smaller or mid-size contingent workforce budgets.  As a result of these complex functionalities, implementation takes longer, ease-of-use is dramatically reduced and businesses that don’t need these features simply waste time and money navigating a technology solution that’s way too powerful for their requirements.  ## What are the Key VMS features you actually need? The six key functionalities you need to manage your contingent workforce and staffing agencies include:  1. Worker hiring and onboarding 2. The consolidation of staffing agencies into one centralized platform 3. The automation of vendor management processes 4. Time and Expense Management Invoicing 5. Vendor guidelines so all hiring managers are following standardized rules 6. Scalability, so your tech can grow with the demands of your business ## Need Help Choosing the Right VMS? Whether you are in the market for a new VMS Solution, or just getting started, we are here to help.  Download a free copy of our VMS Buyers Guide to help you choose the right one for your organization. This helpful guide includes a checklist of questions to ask VMS providers when you are making your selection.  [![Everything you need to know about Vendor Management Systems](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/9ad5634f-c8fc-44d7-ac23-49cded1aacec.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/9ad5634f-c8fc-44d7-ac23-49cded1aacec) ## Additional Reading on Managing Staffing Agencies [Managing Staffing Agencies with a VMS | Everything You Need to Know](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/managing-staffing-agencies-with-a-vms-guide) - [The Benefits of a Vendor Management System](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/benefits-of-vendor-management-system) - [Staffing Agency Software: 4 Things You Need to Know](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/what-are-the-top-benefits-of-a-vms-vendor-management-software) - [How to Choose the Right Staffing Agency for your Contingent Workforce Program](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-staffing-agency-for-your-companys-contingent-workforce-needs) - [5 Ways a VMS Reduces Staffing Costs with Smarter Rate Card Management](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-a-vms-reduces-staffing-costs-with-smarter-rate-card-management) - [How a VMS helps Manage Staffing Vendors more Effectively](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-a-vms-helps-you-manage-staffing-vendors-effectively) - [How a VMS helps Measure Staffing Agency Performance](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/measure-staffing-agency-vendor-performance-with-a-vms) - [4 Key Benefits of Managing Staffing Agencies with a VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/vms-the-simplest-way-to-manage-your-staffing-agencies) - [The 8 Key Metrics to Measure Staffing Agency Performance](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/optimize-staffing-agency-performance-contingent-workforce-program-metrics) - [5 Best Practices to Manage your Vendors and Increase ROI](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/buid-a-vendor-management-best-framework) - [5 Reasons to Work with a Staffing Agency for your Contingent Workforce](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-to-manage-staffing-agencies-efficiently-with-a-vms) - [The Benefits of Partnering with a Light Industrial Staffing Agency](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/light-industrial-staffing-agencies) - [How Does Staffing Agency Vendor Management Software Work?](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/staffing-agency-vendor-management-software-how-does-it-work) - [Managing Staffing Agencies: To Tender or Not to Tender](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/staffing-agency-management-to-tender-or-not) - [3 Best Practices for Managing Staffing Agencies](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/best-practices-manage-staffing-agencies-contingent-workforce) - [What Key VMS Features do you really Need to Manage a Staffing Agency?](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-to-identify-the-staffing-vms-bells-and-whistles-you-actually-need) - [Is your Staffing Agency Putting your Company at Risk?](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/is-your-staffing-agency-putting-your-company-at-risk) ## The Conexis VMS Difference Conexis VMS is an [award-winning](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/conexis-vms-awards-and-recognition) vendor management system built for organizations that want the power of enterprise software without the complexity or cost. Leveraging the latest technology, Conexis VMS delivers the expertise, reliability and security of enterprise systems, while offering the flexibility, user friendliness and tailored, personal service you require. Learn more about our [Company](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company) and what makes [Conexis VMS different](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis). ## Discover the Power of Conexis VMS Conexis VMS is trusted by staffing agencies, MSPs and leading organizations to modernize and manage their contingent workforce programs. Here's why organizations choose Conexis VMS: - [Modern VMS Technology](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis) - Built on the latest AWS microservices architecture and Open API - [Fast Implementation](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) - Get up and running in under a month, free setup and training included - [Fully Branded White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) - Your Logo. Your Domain. Your Branded Communication - [Flexible Pricing](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing) - No setup fees, with free implementation, training and account management - [Personal Attention](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-nps-customer-satisfaction-adoption) - Experienced senior account management from implementation onward ## Switching Your VMS or Just Getting Started? We work with teams at every stage, from first-time buyers to companies replacing outdated platforms that can't keep up. Either way, we'll show you what a modern VMS looks like, up and running in under 30 days.  | [![Take a self-guided tour of Conexis VMS ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/6617fad0-9168-4a45-b474-c96a34628641.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/6617fad0-9168-4a45-b474-c96a34628641) | [![Book a private consultation with Conexis VMS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/838fcdf1-1e6b-4f38-94ca-546b5c3f500a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/838fcdf1-1e6b-4f38-94ca-546b5c3f500a) | [![Book a Demo with Conexis VMS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/18db2c62-a34a-4454-8010-c1bfc7f5e559.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/18db2c62-a34a-4454-8010-c1bfc7f5e559) | | --- | --- | --- |   [![Managing Staffing Agencies](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/83d594cf-c8dc-4502-918d-4f546e187686.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/83d594cf-c8dc-4502-918d-4f546e187686) ![Wayne Burgess](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/Wayne100.png) #### Wayne Burgess Wayne Burgess is the Co-Founder of Conexis VMS, a technology company focused on helping organizations get control of their Contingent Workforce. ### Popular posts ![How Do They Do It? How Conexis Open APIs Deliver Fast VMS Integrations](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/how%20do%20they%20do%20it-Conexis-VMS-Open%20api_%201200x627-44.jpg) ## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis Open APIs Deliver Fast VMS Integrations](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-vms-open-apis-make-vms-integration-fast) [![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-vms-open-apis-make-vms-integration-fast) 17 September 2026 ![How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Delivers a White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20and%20Website%20Page%20IMAGES%202026/HOW%20DO%20THEY%20DO%20IT%20OPTIMIZED%201200/conexis-vms-white-label-vms-1200-627-60.jpg) ## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Delivers a White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) [![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) 24 June 2026 ![How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Can Launch in Under 30 Days](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20and%20Website%20Page%20IMAGES%202026/HOW%20DO%20THEY%20DO%20IT%20OPTIMIZED%201200/conexis-vms-implementation-1200-627-59.jpg) ## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Can Launch in Under 30 Days](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) [![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) 1 June 2026 ### Subscribe to the Conexis Monthly Newsletter ![Conexis Logo - White](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square-White-V2.svg "Conexis Logo - White") [![Conexis VMS Reviews](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/www.conexisvmssoftware.png)](https://sourceforge.net/software/product/Conexis-VMS/) - [VMS BENEFITS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/benefits-of-vendor-management-system) - [PRICING](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing) - [COMPANY](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company) - [CONTACT](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contact) - [CONEXIS VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis) - [LEARN](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-vendor-management-system-resources) - [TAKE A TOUR](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo) - [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo) ![icon-map-marker](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/icon-map-marker.svg)**USA** 350 S NW Highway, Suite 300 Park Ridge, IL 60068 ![icon-map-marker](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/icon-map-marker.svg)**Canada** 100 King Street West, Suite 5600 Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9 ![phone-icon](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/2021/Images/icon-phone.svg)[(312) 776-2006](tel:13127762006) ![SIA\_Corporate Member Logo](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SIA_CM_Member_2018%20copy.jpg?width=300&height=74&name=SIA_CM_Member_2018%20copy.jpg)   Copyright © 2026 Conexis VMS - All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Wayne Burgess" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-24T1:14:40 AM", "datePublished" : "2021-10-04 14:23:56", "description" : "Discover the key VMS features for managing staffing agencies effectively that will enhance quality, and control costs without unnecessary complexities.", "headline" : "The 6 Key VMS Features You Need to Manage a Staffing Agency", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 40, "url" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/conexis-favicon.png", "width" : 40 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-to-identify-the-staffing-vms-bells-and-whistles-you-actually-need", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "The 6 Key VMS Features You Need to Manage a Staffing Agency", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 73, "url" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/Conexis%20Logo%2001-1.png", "width" : 80 }, "name" : "Conexis" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "sales", "telephone" : "+1-647-370-8987" }, "name" : "Conexis", "url" : "https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/" } ```