As leaders in Human Capital Management (HCM), we help clients with every part of the HCM technology journey. We partner with organizations that are exploring the implementation of an HCM technology solution and with those who are redesigning processes and operations years after implementing a new system. Through our engagements, we hear variations of the following three themes:

1. Our organization is considering a new HCM technology solution. What are some key benefits to consider?

Technology is often an enabler of strategy, and HR solutions are no different. Many organizations look for a new HCM technology solution when they need to improve HR’s ability to think and operate strategically.

Numerous HCM options exist in the market and selecting the right HCM solution is essential for organizations to realize the intended benefits of a new system. Primary goals of technology enhancements should include:

Optimize Operations

Leverage best-in-class pre-built tools available in cloud-based solutions to improve internal customers’ experience with HR services.

Harmonize

Drive consistency and simplicity across the organization by reflecting standardized policies in aligned business processes.

Deliver value

Empower business partners and leaders to make informed HR decisions through visibility and real-time access to data.

Case Study: Two major retail and distribution companies merged and needed to combine their HR functions, establish a dedicated employee support center, and harmonize the HCM technology solution. ScottMadden advised on each phase of the implementation journey to deliver an HCM solution that supported an improved service delivery model for the combined entity.

2. Our organization is about to begin an HCM technology solution implementation. What are some important aspects of the project to anticipate?

Successful implementations often take the following steps before the project begins:

Meet business requirements

In addition to a technical integrator, consider partnering with a functional adviser to manage outcomes and achieve the intended delivery model.

Staff the project

Enable and capacitate project team members to complete the project while meeting existing business demands.

Create a diligent project organization

Ensure roles and responsibilities are clear and proper governance is in place with IT to support project decisions.

Run a program of change

Promote adoption by embedding change management every step of the way and addressing the needs and desired accountabilities of all stakeholders.

Case Study: An international construction and engineering business launched a new HCM solution across 40 countries with decentralized operations. The effort required dedicated support from different stakeholders who were tapped to enter a program role while maintaining day-to-day operations. ScottMadden helped executives with program and change management, assisted with technical and functional global requirements gathering, acted as a project liaison for local teams, and supported stabilization.

3. Our organization recently launched a new HCM technology solution. How do we foster continuous improvement and build on our success?

Launching a new HCM solution is a meaningful step. Successful organizations create a team that continues to:

Manage the change

Continue training on the new technology to increase user acceptance and to fully leverage new functionalities. Operational stabilization will lay the foundation for future modules and continued system improvement phases.

Measure performance

Leverage system reports to compile metrics and performance indicators that track adoption, identify process issues, and help prioritize opportunities (e.g., are business processes still meeting compliance requirements?).

Align the operating model

For example, self-service initiatives may be appealing (and cost-efficient) but can create bottlenecks and inefficiencies in parts of the organization (e.g., managers lacking the understanding to execute transactions they rarely perform).

Case Study: A global pharmaceutical company was experiencing talent acquisition operational issues in the HCM solution module. A short implementation window left the organization with gaps in process, policy, operational efficiency, user experience, and the integration between talent acquisition and hiring managers. ScottMadden led a project to identify opportunities and set a strategic improvement roadmap.