Difference between Team & Group systems

[DKinsley]

We currently have a team system and there are several things I don't like about it. I very familiar with team system but what to learn about "group systems". How are techs paid, how is the group compensated, who dispatches work, is low labor rate work only given to lower pay rate techs, etc...

[gordyw]

We have a group system or,lateral support as it is sometimes called. We have 2 groups of 4-6 technicians including a group leader for each group. I have worked as a tech under the team system and now have managed the group system for the past 4 years. I like the group vs team system for the aspect that you do not pool hours and divide them under the group. The group leader handles the dispatch for each group. The advisor is basically the sales manager of the group and the group leader is the production manager of the group. Each technician is paid by their own hours produced. The dispatch system is designed to dispatch from the bottom up, which means that the simpler, less technical job would be dispatched to the least experienced tech and then upward from their. The group leaders job is to see that the production of each technician is somewhat equal and not take all the best gravy jobs for himself. This is where it takes a special diciplined individual to dispatch correctly. I have had both ends of the spectrum on this issue. fortunately I have 2 fantastic group leaders at this time whounderstand what their responsibilities are. The group leaders are paid for their productivity and also get paid a dollar amount based on what their group produces less their own hours. Our system was installed with the help of ATCON, which is a consultant group. All in all we are happy with the system, as with any system they are only as good asthe people working in them.