The Challenge: Engineering a Superior Vendor-Neutral Solution for the Swedish Market
A Manual and Legally Complex Landscape
As a leader in HR services, Randstad External Management (REM) identified a critical challenge facing Swedish businesses: managing a contingent workforce was fraught with manual inefficiency and significant legal risk from complex labour laws and collective agreements. The existing market solutions were clunky, non-compliant, or failed to deliver the absolute impartiality required for a true vendor neutral program. The market lacked a truly neutral VMS solution that could offer both robust compliance and seamless user experience.
Recognising this gap, REM set out not to just find a solution, but to build one – a premier consultant broker service that would set a new standard for efficiency, compliance, and trust in Sweden.
“We saw that companies were being forced to choose between efficiency and compliance, and that suppliers were often frustrated by biased or overly complex systems” says Nina Westerberg, Business Development Manager at Randstad External Management. “Our vision was to create a frictionless ecosystem where clients have total transparency, and every supplier, including Randstad’s own staffing arm, operated on a perfectly level playing field.”
The Solution: A Tailored VMS That Delivered Where Others Failed
REM’s strategy was built on three pillars: unshakeable neutrality, flawless Swedish compliance, and radical simplicity. To bring this vision to life, they initiated a rigorous search for a technology partner capable of meeting their exacting standards.
Selecting the right Partner
“Our selection process was intense,” Nina explains. “We weren’t just buying software; we were choosing the engine for our entire service promise. We needed a platform that could master Sweden’s complex collective agreements right out of the box.”
After vetting multiple global platforms, Pixid VMS was the clear choice. Many systems were overloaded with unnecessary features that confused users, or failed to align with clients’ internal processes. “Other systems felt like one-size-fits-all”, Nina notes. “We needed to cherry-pick features and strip out the rest – otherwise, suppliers and clients would just get lost in the noise”. Pixid VMS provided the modularity and compliance REM demanded, while their collaborative approach ensured a true partnership.
“After an exhaustive review, we chose Pixid because their platform was the only one that met our non-negotiable standards for neutrality, flexibility, and user experience for clients and suppliers alike.”
Implementation: Precision and Speed
The implementation, led by REM’s expert project managers, was a testament to their refined process. “Our second client was live in just 20 days” Nina recalls.” They were astonished. That speed and precision is the standard we bring to every engagement.“
This rapid, seamless deployment wasn’t just about software. It was the result of REM’s deep expertise combined with the right technology – and especially the entire Pixid team’s hands-on, solution-focused support, with dedicated contacts rather than anonymous ticketing. The result was a shared solution, perfectly tailored to the client’s needs and the nuances of the Swedish market.
Collaboration That Built a Better Tool
REM didn’t just implement Pixid for their brokerage solution; they refined it through constant dialogue between clients, suppliers, and developers. When temporary workers struggled with certain features or suppliers requested reporting tweaks, changes were implemented rapidly.
“That’s when we knew this was different,” Nina emphasises. “Other vendors would take months to consider minor changes. Pixid had improvements live before our next weekly call. It wasn’t our system or theirs—it became our shared solution.”
The Results: Transforming Challenges into Competitive Advantages
Operational Efficiency and Scalability
The implementation of Pixid VMS delivered immediate efficiency gains, eliminating the need for manual processes that had previously bogged down REM’s team. In particular, the automation of timesheet management reduced errors and freed up valuable resources.
“Before, scaling our operations would have meant hiring an army of administrators”, Nina Westerberg notes. “Now, we handle twice the volume with the same expert team. For the first time, growth doesn’t automatically mean increased overhead.”
Client Success Across the Board
The flexibility and transparency of Pixid VMS resonated with clients of all sizes, whether large master vendor programs or smaller broker solution services. Programs launched rapidly, with even historically sceptical teams embracing the system.
“What stood out was how quickly clients adapted”, Nina reflects. “Normally, implementing a new system means resistance, but with Pixid, we heard things like, ‘Wait, this is all we have to do?’ That’s when we knew the design worked.”
Suppliers Bought In — Literally
The platform’s intuitive design, customised by REM for each client, led to immediate buy-in, with competing agencies reporting higher engagement and satisfaction. The neutral platform ensured fairness, while the streamlined interface made it easier for suppliers to submit candidates and manage assignments.
“We’ve had suppliers say, ‘This is the first VMS that doesn’t feel like it’s working against us’”, Nina explains. “When suppliers are happy, our clients get better talent, faster. It’s a win-win.”
Opening New Markets
Pixid’s adaptability has supported REM in making premier vendor-neutral services accessible to mid-sized businesses, opening new market segments that have previously been underserved.
“We’re no longer just for giants”, Nina says. “Now, even a client with 20 temporary workers can benefit from the same level of efficiency and neutrality as a multinational.”
The Future: Building on Success
Expanding the Reach of Vendor Neutrality
REM aims to educate more Swedish businesses on the advantages of vendor-neutral solutions, particularly those hesitant due to perceived complexity.
“Many companies still think this is only for huge volumes”, Nina observes. “Our mission is to show them how accessible and transformative it can be, with the right partner.”
Continuous Improvement Through Collaboration
The partnership with Pixid remains dynamic, with both teams committed to refining the system. Near-term priorities include enhancing timesheet tools for blue-collar workers and expanding reporting capabilities.
“This isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ solution”, Nina emphasises. “We’re constantly gathering feedback from clients, suppliers, and our own teams. Pixid doesn’t just listen, they act. That’s how we keep raising the bar.”
