Partnership combines Agentic AI, cloud-based workforce management and intelligent time recording for multi-site organisations
Workforce management is entering a new phase of digital transformation. While time recording systems have traditionally focused on documenting working hours and workforce management solutions on scheduling employees, artificial intelligence, cloud services and data-driven workforce planning are increasingly converging into integrated platforms. A new partnership between PCS Systemtechnik and PEPLY.ai reflects this evolution.
PCS, a leading provider of time recording and access control solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with PEPLY.ai, an Agentic AI platform for workforce management in multi-site retail environments. The collaboration combines AI-driven workforce planning, intelligent time recording hardware and centralised SaaS operations into a single end-to-end solution.
Workforce management evolves into an intelligent control platform
Organisations operating multiple locations face growing challenges in synchronising workforce planning, time recording and HR processes. Reliable time data must flow seamlessly into staffing decisions while the installation, maintenance and software management of distributed terminals remain efficient and scalable.
PEPLY.ai addresses these requirements through a cloud-native workforce platform that combines workforce planning, time recording, recruiting, employee communication and additional HR functions. A multi-agent AI system analyses historical business and workforce data alongside external factors such as weather conditions, holidays and local events. A reasoning AI then translates these inputs into staffing forecasts and shift recommendations while taking qualifications, employee availability, contractual obligations and individual preferences into account.
The objective is to improve workforce utilisation while significantly reducing administrative effort across distributed organisations.
Cloud connects hardware and AI
As part of the partnership, PCS contributes its INTUS time recording terminals, which are centrally managed through the new SaaS platform INTUS UNICOM. Device provisioning, monitoring, software updates and security patches are handled remotely, while integration with PEPLY.ai is achieved via a REST API.
The solution supports both newly deployed hardware and existing INTUS terminals already installed at customer sites, allowing organisations to modernise their workforce management without replacing established infrastructure.
According to the partners, this approach enables faster rollouts across large branch networks while reducing operational complexity.
“With PCS as our hardware and technology partner, we combine our Agentic AI platform with modern time recording hardware to deliver a fully integrated solution for our customers. Through INTUS UNICOM, the joint solution can be deployed efficiently and consistently across large retail networks, while PEPLY.ai remains the central platform for workforce planning and HR processes,” says Steffen Vietz, Managing Director of PEPLY GmbH.
From data collection to operational intelligence
Both companies see the real innovation not in digitising individual HR processes but in transforming operational data into actionable workforce intelligence.
“The real innovation lies in turning time, sales and operational data into transparent staffing requirements and practical shift recommendations. PEPLY.ai combines operational requirements with contractual obligations and employee preferences, while PCS provides the reliable data foundation required to make this possible,” explains Dr Hannes Vietz, Managing Director of PEPLY GmbH.
PCS likewise views the partnership as part of a broader shift towards integrated workforce platforms.
“With INTUS UNICOM, we are opening our time recording hardware to cloud-based workforce management solutions. Our partnership with PEPLY.ai demonstrates how modern software, reliable hardware and centralised SaaS operations can be combined into a scalable solution for retail and many other industries,” says Alexander Harbecke, Head of Sales at PCS Systemtechnik.
INTUS UNICOM to debut at ZP Europe 2026
PCS will officially introduce INTUS UNICOM at ZP Europe 2026, taking place in Cologne from 15–17 September 2026. The company will also showcase its new INTUS 7200 and INTUS 7600 time recording terminals, while the SaaS platform will support both the new generation of devices and existing INTUS terminals already deployed in the field.
Industry perspective
The partnership highlights a broader trend within workforce management. Time recording is evolving from an administrative function into a strategic source of operational intelligence. Combined with Agentic AI and cloud-native device management, workforce platforms are increasingly capable of supporting predictive staffing, improving operational efficiency and simplifying the management of geographically distributed organisations.
For retailers, logistics providers, healthcare organisations and other labour-intensive industries, the integration of AI, SaaS and intelligent time recording is likely to become a defining element of next-generation workforce management.
