Managing labor in a manufacturing plant is complex. Between shifting demand, workforce shortages, and production deadlines, keeping operations on track can be a constant challenge. A Vendor Management System (VMS) - like Conexis VMS - helps manufacturers stay agile, efficient, and compliant, even during peak production periods.
In this article, we look at how a modern Vendor Management System (VMS) - like Conexis VMS - helps manufacturers stay agile, efficient, and compliant, even during peak production periods.
In manufacturing, labor management isn’t just about filling shifts - it’s about ensuring production lines stay operational, quality standards remain high, and costs stay under control. But labor needs can change fast due to:
Seasonal production spikes
Rush orders or unexpected demand
Worker absences or turnover
Multi-plant staffing coordination
Many manufacturers rely on contingent and temporary labor to handle these fluctuations. However, managing multiple staffing vendors manually often leads to inefficiencies, delays, and compliance risks.
Contingent labor helps manufacturers stay flexible, but without proper oversight, it can lead to:
Production slowdowns
Budget overruns
Safety and compliance issues
Overreliance on a few staffing vendors
Learn more about The Benefits of Contingent Labor
A Vendor Management System is a software platform that centralizes and automates the process of sourcing, onboarding, managing, and tracking temporary labor. For manufacturers, a VMS is critical to optimizing workforce efficiency across locations.
Learn more about What is a Vendor Management System
Here are 4 ways a Vendor Management System streamlines Manufacturing contingent labor management:
One of the biggest challenges manufacturers face is juggling multiple staffing agencies across various plants and locations. Without a centralized system, tracking headcount, roles, and vendor performance can quickly become a logistical nightmare.
A VMS consolidates all your staffing suppliers into one single, easy-to-use platform. HR teams, plant managers, and procurement gain real-time visibility into:
This centralized coordination allows you to better balance labor needs across your entire operation. If one plant is short while another has surplus workers, managers can make informed decisions — not guesses — to keep operations running smoothly.
In manufacturing, every minute counts. Lack of real-time labor data can lead to costly consequences like:
With a VMS like Conexis, you gain real-time visibility into every facet of your contingent labor force. At any moment, you can track:
Having this data at your fingertips allows plant leaders to proactively manage labor needs, avoid costly surprises, and optimize workforce allocation to match production demands.
Manufacturing facilities are heavily regulated environments where safety, training, and compliance are non-negotiable. Allowing unqualified or improperly credentialed workers on the production floor puts both employees and your business at risk.
A VMS simplifies compliance by:
Speed is everything in manufacturing - especially when dealing with high-volume contingent labor. Traditional onboarding methods can be slow, inconsistent, and burdensome for both HR and staffing agencies.
With a VMS, onboarding is streamlined through:
This reduces time-to-productivity for new temp workers, allowing you to scale up quickly without sacrificing compliance or wasting valuable production time.
Managing contingent labor manually in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment is unsustainable. The inefficiencies and risks are too great.
A Vendor Management System like Conexis provides manufacturers with the control, visibility, and speed they need to operate efficiently:
Conexis VMS helps manufacturers build a flexible, agile, and compliant labor strategy - ensuring your production lines stay running and your business stays competitive.
Ready to improve how you manage plant labor?
👉 Schedule a demo of Conexis VMS today.
Conexis VMS is purpose-built for companies with complex, shift-based operations. More than 60% of users are in manufacturing and light industrial roles, meaning Conexis VMS understands your operational needs.
Ease of Configuration: Conexis VMS adapts to your existing workflows, shift models, and supplier network - without long or complex implementations.
Real-Time Visibility: Every facility, every role, every worker - all visible in one dashboard.
Automation Built for Scale: From requisition to invoicing, Conexis VMS removes manual steps, freeing your team to focus on strategic workforce planning.
Secure, Compliant, and Auditable: Built-in compliance tools, automated credential tracking, and identity verification ensure every worker meets your standards.
Advanced AI Driven Forecasting: AI-driven analytics help anticipate demand, ensuring the right number of qualified workers are available when and where you need them.
Designed for Manufacturing and Logistics: Conexis VMS supports shift-based work, variable pay structures, and multi-site coordination - critical for fast-moving, high-volume environments.
Read more at Conexis VMS for Manufacturing and Conexis VMS for Logistics
Before implementing a system, understand your organization’s unique labor challenges. Download our Free VMS Buyer’s Guide to learn how to evaluate, compare, and choose the right solution for your operations.
Conexis is an award-winning Vendor Management System built for companies that want the power of enterprise software without the complexity or cost.
Leveraging the latest technology, Conexis 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 and why organizations Choose Conexis VMS.
Whether you are looking to Switch your VMS, or just Getting Started, we are here to help.
Additional Articles on this Topic
👉 VMS for Warehouse, Logistics & Distribution | 👉 VMS for Light Industrial & Manufacturing