Timegrip and Synoptik Drive Year-on-Year Productivity Gains
With nearly 500 stores and over 5,000 daily users of the Timegrip system across Scandinavia, Synoptik is one of the largest players in the optical retail sector. For more than 15 years, the optical chain has relied on Timegrip as its workforce management solution, leading to a partnership where joint development and mutual knowledge-sharing deliver high-quality results.
“Timegrip is a key player in our ongoing quest for increased productivity,” says Mikkel Bro, IT Director at Synoptik Scandinavia.
Before Timegrip, Synoptik’s staff scheduling was based on in-house solutions with limited functionality. These earlier systems could not handle complex labour agreements, flexible working models, or the ability to efficiently manage staffing across stores and even across countries. The need for a more advanced and scalable system to address Synoptik’s cross-border challenges was growing — and so the optical chain turned to Timegrip.
It soon became clear that Timegrip was more than just a workforce management solution. It was a strategic partner capable of meeting Synoptik’s needs and supporting its ambitious productivity goals.
“Remote Optician” as a Strategic Leap
One of the most significant innovations to come out of the collaboration is what Synoptik calls “Remote Optician”. This feature enables eye tests to be carried out via video, meaning the customer and optician do not need to be in the same room — or even the same country.
Today, in Sweden alone, Synoptik performs over 5,000 eye tests every month using this solution, with every booking managed through Timegrip. Store staff simply ensure the customer is comfortable, while the optician connects remotely.
The function has been in high demand due to the severe shortage of opticians in Scandinavia. It is therefore not only a digital and innovative service but also a strategic answer to both limited availability of opticians and high market demand.
“This is a complexity that has been built up over time, and Timegrip has been a crucial part of making it work,” says Mikkel, highlighting how the solution has enabled resource planning far beyond an individual store and store manager’s remit.
More Than Time Tracking and Staff Scheduling
The partnership between Synoptik and Timegrip is no longer solely based on time tracking, staff scheduling, and booking management. It is built on mutual trust and the courage to challenge one another.
Over the years, a culture has developed where ideas and business challenges are not just addressed but used as a springboard for innovative solutions. Mikkel describes it as a journey where Timegrip has evolved from being a supplier carrying out tasks to becoming an active development partner — offering ideas, asking critical questions, and bringing in experience from other industries and markets.
“Previously, we would ask you to deliver a task based on our specifications. Today, we expect you to use your own expertise and experience — and you absolutely do,” says Mikkel.
This approach has led to the development of specialist modules for research collaborations, such as Synoptik’s ongoing glaucoma project, where only selected stores can offer extended eye tests for this purpose. Timegrip ensures that bookings, resources, and data are handled correctly and efficiently — without adding manual processes.
A Shared Focus on Productivity
For Synoptik, productivity is not just an ambition — it is a measurable performance driver that runs through every workflow and strategy.
The number of eye tests per optician, time spent per consultation, and the ability to move staff between stores, chains, and cities are all continuously analysed and optimised. Timegrip plays a central role here as a data source.
With integration into Synoptik’s BI system, Timegrip provides real-time access to the data required for informed decision-making.
“The number of eye tests is one of the most important KPIs we track daily. Timegrip is the only system that gives us access to this data,” Mikkel explains, noting that Timegrip has become their key enabler for data-driven management.
Timegrip as the Backbone of Daily Operations
Timegrip’s solution now covers all aspects of workforce management within Synoptik — from staff scheduling and leave requests to integration with booking and patient record systems.
Employees use the Timegrip app to keep track of shifts, request absence, and communicate with their managers.
“If you visit a Synoptik store, you’ll see two screens on at all times — and I’m sure one is always logged into Timegrip. The system is simply part of everyday life,” says Mikkel.
A visit to Synoptik’s stores quickly confirms how deeply embedded the solution is. Christoffer Myrhøj, Store Manager at Synoptik Aalborg Storcenter, uses Timegrip daily — from logging staff hours to creating schedules. Through the TG app, his team gets a full overview of the working day and can easily clock in and out of shifts.
“Timegrip is a vital tool in my work. Without it, my job and my day would be far more complicated,” says Christoffer, adding that Timegrip helps him ensure staff work the correct number of hours and get the holiday and time off they are entitled to.
The focus on productivity extends to each individual store, where Timegrip provides accurate, reliable data. With precise records in Timegrip, Synoptik can actively use data insights in staff scheduling and store operations.
“Timegrip definitely helps us boost productivity. We can see from our footfall counters exactly when customers are in store, and we have historical data to spot patterns from previous years. That lets me plan ahead and know when footfall is likely to rise again — and when it’s time to get more hands on deck,” Christoffer concludes.
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