AUSTIN, Texas, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HotSchedules, an award-winning provider of mobile and web-based employee scheduling, forecasting and paperless hiring solutions for the restaurant and hospitality industries, today announced the release of a new version of its popular iPhone app --- HotSchedules 3.0 ---- with new, enhanced features to make it even easier for managers and staff to communicate 24/7. 

The HotSchedules mobile app, already the customer-preferred method of accessing the HotSchedules platform, allows managers and their employees to quickly view their schedule, request a shift swap or release, see available shifts, pick up shifts, or message co-workers to see who is working during a particular shift. In addition, managers can check the schedule roster, approve or deny shift change requests, and enter, read or search Digital Logbook entries --- a virtual communications log for shift notes and staff performance information. 

The iPhone app's new version offers a completely updated user experience for managers and staff alike. Upgraded 3.0 features include user-friendly tabs, enhanced icons that illustrate shift releases, swaps and day-off requests, a quick contact bar, improved calendar sync capabilities, as well as user avatars and profile images that can be accessed across the contacts, roster and messaging bars. 

"The new app's interface was redesigned from the ground up so it is easier to navigate, more convenient to use and improves visibility of important information for busy, on-the-go managers and their employees," said Casey Clinkenbeard, Vice President of Product Development, HotSchedules. "We believe Version 3.0 will deliver an exceptional user experience." 

HotSchedules plans to expand the app even further by adding additional features that will be rolled out later this year, according to Clinkenbeard. Users can expect to have the ability to view a complete version of a chosen schedule that includes all staff members, rather than just their own personal schedule - a popular tool on HotSchedules' web-based platform. 

In addition, managers can expect to utilize an enhanced reporting tab feature that will allow them to access new reports, including an overtime warning, employee hours summary and additional labor proforma reports. 

HotSchedules plans to release an Android version of its popular mobile app in the next six months. For more information, visit www.hotschedules.com. 

About HotSchedules

HotSchedules provides mobile and web-based scheduling, forecasting, and paperless hiring solutions for the restaurant and hospitality industries. HotSchedules' mobile applications are consistently rated by AppToday as one of the top ten business apps. The company also provides training and account management, and a bilingual support team supports customers seven days a week. For more information about the award-winning company and its products, visit HotSchedules on the web at www.hotschedules.com or call (512) 904-4299. 

SOURCE HotSchedules