Arpe
People management tool
Arpe was a bespoke people management tool designed to streamline resource tracking and allocation for studio managers. Its intuitive interface provided immediate visibility into workforce distribution and project assignments, facilitating effective planning and budget management. Although Arpe’s development was eventually put on hold to prioritise the expanding client workload, it remains a hallmark of the studio's commitment to innovative operational solutions.
The Brief
The project was initiated with a clear objective: to create an intuitive people management tool for Head of People and Project Managers. The goal was to facilitate an efficient system within the studio environment that would enable the management team to keep a finger on the pulse of resource allocation and availability.
Evolution & Redesign
Originally conceived for internal management use, Arpe represented the studio's commitment to operational excellence and innovation in resource management. As the studio's operations evolved and the demands of managing a dynamic workforce grew, it became evident that Arpe needed to adapt to these changing needs. Thus, the decision was made to undertake a comprehensive redesign of the tool, aiming to enhance its functionality and user experience to meet the more complex requirements of contemporary resource management.
Arpè version 1, 2015
UI & Features
The interface of Arpe was meticulously designed to offer a clear and concise visual representation of the studio’s operations. At a glance, users could survey daily, weekly, and monthly resource allocations, gaining insight into who was engaged with specific projects and who would soon become available. This real-time visibility into project assignments and resource availability was a key feature, allowing for proactive planning and allocation of talent.
Arpe also excelled in forecasting and scenario planning. It enabled the identification of gaps in talent, which could trigger the acquisition of additional expertise. Furthermore, the tool was instrumental in monitoring project budgets, ensuring that financial aspects were aligned with the scope of work. The capability to build mock scenarios was particularly valuable, allowing managers to strategize various outcomes and prepare for different staffing situations without impacting ongoing operations.
Impact & Legacy
As one of Fathom's inaugural products, Arpe laid the groundwork for a series of innovative solutions aimed at streamlining studio management. However, with the studio's expanding client roster and the shift of focus to client-driven projects, the continued development of Arpe was indefinitely paused. Despite this, the tool’s initial versions left an indelible mark on the studio’s management practices, demonstrating the potential of custom digital solutions to enhance organisational efficiency and agility.
Through the design and implementation of Arpe, we not only refined the resource management process but also created a blueprint for future tool development, showcasing the studio's foresight and commitment to continuous improvement.
