Embrace smarter resource management with Unit4 Resource Request

Unit4 ERPx, Professional Services, Global

from  Unit4 Communications May 14, 2025  | 4 min read

Efficient resource utilization is a critical factor in the success of professional services firms. Considering that over 80% of revenue for these businesses comes from project-based work, optimizing resource allocation and management can have a significant impact on financial performance and project outcomes.

However, many project managers and resource managers face persistent challenges that hinder effective resource deployment.

This blog will explore the key challenges associated with resource utilization and how the Unit4 Resource Request solution in ERPx can address them to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and improve business outcomes.

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Challenges faced by project managers in resource utilization

Project managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality expectations. However, their ability to effectively allocate resources is often burdened by several common bottlenecks.

Allocation bottlenecks

Finding the right talent with the required skills for specific project demands is no small feat. Project managers frequently struggle to match resources to tasks, especially when competing priorities arise. 

These delays directly impact project timelines, inflate budgets, and compromise overall project quality.

Manual tracking and delays

Many organizations still rely on emails, spreadsheets, and other manual methods to manage resources. This reliance on manual tools often results in inefficiencies and miscommunications. 

For instance, important requests or assignments may be delayed or lost in inboxes, creating setbacks in project execution.

Balancing stakeholder expectations

Clients, team members, and stakeholders have varying expectations when it comes to project delivery. Poor resource management can lead to communication breakdowns, missed deadlines, and dissatisfied stakeholders. 

Project managers often find it challenging to balance these expectations while ensuring resources are effectively employed.

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Challenges faced by resource managers in resource utilization

Resource managers are tasked with assigning the right people to the right projects. However, inefficient processes and a lack of visibility often create barriers to optimizing resource deployment.

Overwhelming workload

Resource managers frequently deal with high volumes of project requests. According to recent data, some resource managers are only able to plan 14 assignments per day due to inefficient processes. 

This constraint not only leads to underutilized staff but also results in missed opportunities to maximize workforce capacity.

Communication gaps

Without seamless collaboration tools, resource managers waste valuable time on back-and-forth communication with project teams. This not only slows down resource allocation but also creates bottlenecks that hinder timely project completion.

Lack of data visibility

Limited access to real-time data is one of the biggest pain points for resource managers. Without accurate forecasts of resource demand and utilization trends, they are unable to make informed decisions, leading to resource shortages or inefficiencies.

The importance of efficient resource management

Efficient resource management is essential for achieving better business outcomes. When organizations streamline their resource allocation processes, they unlock several strategic advantages:

  • Improved utilization – By assigning staff to their most suitable projects, businesses can achieve better utilization rates, which translates to higher profitability.

  • Enhanced project margins – Resource alignment helps to reduce waste, control costs, and ensure budgets are adhered to, improving project margins.

  • Elevated project quality – Providing the right resources ensures that teams are both capable and motivated, enhancing the overall quality of project delivery.

How Unit4 Resource Request makes a difference

Unit4 Resource Request is purpose-built to simplify resource management, eliminating inefficiencies and enabling seamless collaboration between project managers and resource managers. Here’s how it addresses the challenges outlined above:

Streamlining requests and assignments

Enhancing collaboration

  • Built-in communication tools: The solution includes discussion and approval tools to keep all project-related communication streamlined and organized within the system.
  • Stakeholder alignment: Real-time notifications and transparent workflows ensure that decisions are made collaboratively, preventing miscommunication or misalignment.

Leveraging data for strategic insights

  • Real-time visibility: Unit4 Resource Request offers resource managers complete visibility of resource demand and allocation trends.
  • Data-driven planning: By analyzing historical and real-time data, managers can make strategic decisions about workforce planning, training investments, and capacity adjustments.

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The business impact of Unit4 Resource Request

By implementing Unit4 Resource Request, organizations can unlock several powerful benefits:

  • Faster resource assignment – The platform eliminates unnecessary delays by enabling quick identification and assignment of resources.

  • Elimination of manual tracking – Resource managers can focus on optimizing allocation without the burden of emails or spreadsheets.

  • Higher project quality – Matching the right people with the right tasks leads to more motivated teams and improved project outcomes.

  • Enhanced margins – Efficient resource utilization boosts profitability by maximizing workforce capacity and reducing operational costs.

Ready to learn more?

Efficient resource management is a strategic advantage. By overcoming allocation bottlenecks, enhancing collaboration, and leveraging data insights, organizations can deliver projects faster, improve margins, and achieve higher quality results.

For more information, you can check out our suite of integrated solutions, watch a demo, or talk to sales - today. 

Discover how Unit4 Resource Request can transform your resource management processes - take the first step toward smarter, faster resource planning!

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