DRoster is a free employee scheduling software that can be installed as a standalone software on one computer system, as a client server based system in a computer network and an online version. The free version of the software program has one limitation: It has a hard coded limit of 300 work shifts that can be entered in the software. Deleting shifts makes it possible to add new ones. Just keep in mind that 300 is the limit which means that companies with many employees should consider buying the employee scheduling software to remove that limitation.

All three versions of the Employee scheduling program function basically the same way. The online version benefits from a role driven user system which allows employees to log in with their accounts to check their work schedule. The desktop versions make up for that with extensive print and export options.

Working with the employee scheduling software starts by adding employees to the database. Information like names, addresses, phone numbers and notes can be added to the software program. It is possible to add or edit employees at any time.

Once the employees have been added it is time to add places as well. Staff shifts are added to each place. It would for instance be possible to create the place helpdesk and add shifts to it that cover the work days. Each shift consists of a name and start & ending hours. Employees can then be added to the newly created place.

Setting up employees, places and shifts is a one time process. The business owner can get back to these settings whenever the need arises. It could for example be used to add or remove employees or to add a new place.

It is then time to create the work schedule now that employees, places and shifts have been configured and connected. The Daily Planner is basically a calendar that displays all places in rows in its view.

Employees can be assigned in this menu so that each work shift is covered. Shifts can be confirmed during this process which displays a green icon next to them. Shifts that have not been confirmed yet are shown with a red icon in front of them. The administrator can switch to an hourly view in the interface which offers more details than the daily view.

A variety of reports can be created and printed. It is possible to create reports for individual employees, for locations and an attendance report. DRoster is template driven which can aid the administrator in adding new shifts.

The free employee scheduling program DRoster (via Freeware Genius) can be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. The desktop software is compatible with Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, the online version should work in most popular web browsers.