TeamSense, a Seattle-based company that has developed an app-free platform for hourly employees in the manufacturing sector. The platform allows these "deskless" workers, who make up 70-80% of the global workforce, to manage attendance, communicate with managers, and access company resources via SMS. Founded in 2020, TeamSense recently announced a $4 million funding round led by Bonfire Ventures. The platform offers features like Absence Management, engagement surveys, and an employee portal. It aims to solve the communication gap for workers who don't have a company phone or email. The company plans to use the new funding to expand its development and go-to-market teams

In a significant move that underscores the growing importance of effective communication within the manufacturing sector, Seattle-based TeamSense has successfully raised $4 million in a funding round led by Bonfire Ventures and supported by Operator Collective.

Funding Fuels Expansion

The newly acquired capital will be instrumental in scaling TeamSense's unique text-based communication platform, designed explicitly for hourly workers in manufacturing. The funds will be allocated to expand the company's development and go-to-market teams, aiming for a broader reach and more robust features.

The Problem of Deskless Workers

Approximately 70-80% of the global workforce consists of deskless employees, often in the manufacturing sector. These workers face challenges in staying connected with their employers, primarily due to the absence of a dedicated work computer or email. TeamSense addresses this gap by offering an app-free digital connection to this significant labor demographic.

A Text-Based Solution with 100% Adoption

TeamSense's platform operates without the need for an app, leveraging text messages for communication. This approach has led to a 100% adoption rate among users, as stated on their official website. The platform minimizes call-off disputes and miscommunications, providing a system that both employees and managers love.



Rapid Deployment and Real-Time Notifications

One of the standout features is the platform's quick rollout capability. Companies can onboard their workforce in days, not weeks or months, and integrate TeamSense with their internal systems almost immediately. The platform also offers real-time notifications to supervisors for call-offs, enabling faster shift replacements and minimizing production downtime.

Reducing Absenteeism and Overstaffing

According to TeamSense's website, the platform has contributed to a 39% reduction in absenteeism rates at multinational 3PLs. It also helps in preventing overstaffing, thereby cutting unnecessary labor costs.

Legal Compliance and Audit-Readiness

TeamSense ensures that attendance data is timely, accurate, and accessible, minimizing legal risks for businesses. The data is employee-generated, making the call-off logs free from errors and biases and ready for audits.

Testimonials and Customer Satisfaction

The platform has received glowing reviews from plant managers and HR professionals alike. It has been credited with improving Employee NPS scores and enabling proactive staffing, based on data and insights provided by TeamSense.

Conclusion

With this new funding, TeamSense is poised to redefine how hourly manufacturing workers communicate and interact with their employers. The investment not only validates the company's innovative approach but also sets the stage for its next phase of growth.