Healthcare organizations continue to search for ways to reduce administrative burdens and improve workforce efficiency. Electronic health record giant Epic has taken a major step in that direction with its first enterprise resource planning (ERP) application, helping hospitals streamline provider scheduling and workforce management.
Early results from Parkview Health show that the new application has significantly improved scheduling efficiency. The health system reported a 75% reduction in the time required to create provider schedules, highlighting how integrated ERP solutions can simplify healthcare operations and reduce reliance on spreadsheets and manual workflows.
Epic Introduces Its First ERP Scheduling Solution
Epic recently expanded beyond electronic health records by launching Teamwork, its first ERP application focused on staff and provider scheduling. The platform allows healthcare organizations to manage schedules directly within the Epic ecosystem rather than relying on separate software or manual spreadsheets.
A Unified Scheduling Platform
The Teamwork application creates a centralized scheduling environment where managers can:
- Build provider schedules in real time.
- Publish schedules instantly across departments.
- Update staffing information automatically.
- Reduce manual coordination and paperwork.
- Improve visibility into workforce availability.
Because scheduling data lives within Epic’s ecosystem, hospitals can integrate staffing decisions with clinical workflows and operational data. As a result, organizations gain a single source of truth that updates continuously.
Parkview Health Achieves Dramatic Efficiency Gains
Parkview Health became one of the earliest organizations to adopt Epic’s Teamwork application. The results have been impressive.
According to Epic, supervisors at Parkview reported that creating provider schedules became 75% faster compared with their previous scheduling system. In addition, publishing schedules, which previously required around eight hours per month for each department, now takes only a few clicks.
Moving Beyond Spreadsheets
Before implementing the ERP solution, many scheduling activities depended on spreadsheets, printed schedules, and manual coordination. These fragmented workflows often led to:
- Delayed schedule updates.
- Increased administrative workload.
- Limited visibility into staffing changes.
- Greater risk of scheduling errors.
However, Teamwork eliminated many of these inefficiencies by bringing scheduling directly into Epic’s integrated platform. Consequently, managers spend less time on administrative tasks and more time supporting clinical teams.
Parkview’s Broader Digital Transformation
Parkview Health has consistently invested in digital innovation and has partnered closely with Epic for more than a decade. The health system first implemented Epic in 2012 and has repeatedly earned recognition for its effective use of the platform.
Recognition for Technology Excellence
Parkview has received:
- Epic Honor Roll recognition for multiple years.
- Cum laude and magna cum laude distinctions from Epic.
- Strong performance scores in patient experience and provider usability.
- National recognition for healthcare technology leadership.
Furthermore, Parkview continues to expand its use of Epic technologies across clinical care, patient engagement, workforce management, and artificial intelligence initiatives.
Why ERP Matters in Healthcare
Enterprise resource planning systems have long been common in industries such as manufacturing and finance. Healthcare, however, has been slower to adopt fully integrated ERP solutions.
Today, staffing shortages and increasing operational complexity are changing that trend. Hospitals need systems that connect workforce management, scheduling, patient flow, and financial operations.
Benefits of Integrated ERP Systems
Healthcare organizations adopting ERP platforms can expect several advantages:
1. Improved Workforce Efficiency
Automated scheduling reduces the time managers spend creating and updating schedules. Staff members also gain access to real-time schedule information.
2. Better Resource Utilization
Integrated workforce tools help organizations align staffing levels with patient demand. This approach improves operational efficiency and reduces scheduling gaps.
3. Reduced Administrative Burden
ERP systems eliminate duplicate data entry and minimize manual processes. Consequently, healthcare teams can focus more on patient care instead of administrative work.
4. Enhanced Decision-Making
Real-time analytics and workforce visibility help leaders make informed staffing decisions. In addition, predictive tools can forecast future needs and improve resource allocation.
The Future of Epic’s ERP Strategy
Epic’s entry into ERP signals a broader shift in healthcare technology. Rather than offering standalone solutions, vendors are increasingly building integrated platforms that connect clinical and business operations.
As healthcare systems face rising labor costs and staffing challenges, solutions like Teamwork may become essential components of digital transformation strategies.
Moreover, organizations such as Parkview demonstrate that ERP technology can deliver measurable results quickly. Faster scheduling, reduced administrative overhead, and better workforce coordination provide clear value for health systems seeking operational excellence.
Conclusion
Epic’s first ERP application marks an important milestone in healthcare workforce management. By integrating provider scheduling directly into its ecosystem, Epic enables hospitals to simplify operations and improve efficiency.
Parkview Health’s early success offers a compelling example of what is possible. The organization reduced provider scheduling time by 75% and transformed a time-consuming process into a streamlined workflow. As healthcare organizations continue to modernize, integrated ERP solutions are likely to play a central role in shaping the future of hospital operations.
