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Article
Three keys to preparing for a new HCM system
Although this article focuses on cloud HCM, the advice applies to preparing for any new human resources system and, indeed, to creating a more effective HR function. Read Now
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Article
HCM implementation advice from Delta, Macy's and United Technologies
Three HCM software users describe the benefits and challenges of implementing HCM software and offer advice for managing change and selecting vendors. Read Now
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Three critical HCM lessons to know during the research phase
Two HR leaders explore the challenges of implementing human capital management software and the ways it will affect HR professionals. Here's what you need to know. Read Now
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Don't just jump to cloud HCM
As more companies consider taking human capital management to the cloud, analysts say the on-site version also has its benefits. Read Now
Editor's note
HR executives and other company leaders charged with finding the best employees, keeping them happy and simply getting them paid have a lot of strategic technology decisions to make. To that end, this essential guide to Human capital management (HCM) software implementation takes you through the critical issues using articles filled with expert advice, general principles and takeaways that can be gleaned from others' experience.
HCM software systems can save companies tremendous amounts of money, effort and time. HCM software can also help companies capitalize more effectively on their employees' talents and productivity, reduce risk, and reap greater returns on their investments.
HCM has evolved into a catchall concept that captures the core HR concept, so there can exist a range of functionality when you hear the term HCM system. The software typically provides core HR tools -- such as payroll, attendance, employee records, and benefits administration -- to make basic HR processes run more efficiently. An HCM software system also can help improve a company's competitive edge by cultivating employees' skills and fostering companywide collaboration. These talent-management functions of HCM software go beyond core HR to help companies identify, attract and retain top talent and cultivate their employees' full potential through internal trainings and skill building, collaboration, performance management, and succession planning.
The benefits of HCM software depend on successful implementations, which are tricky to get right. Such systems are not implemented in some ideal environment, nor are they deployed in a vacuum. This is why successful implementation rests on a number of factors beyond the technology aspects. For starters, current HR processes and legacy systems must be factored into HCM product decisions. It is critical to an organization's business goals that hybrid software as a service (SaaS) and on-premises systems integrate well, as just one example. And there is the human factor, which touches everything from company culture, to employees' receptivity to change, to the executives who must be convinced that HCM software will yield cost savings or revenue-boosting results. When it comes to HR technology, well-planned strategy, vision and change management are all key.
To that end, this HCM software implementation guide takes you through these common areas that affect implementation. First, we look at how to research systems and make the business case. Then we examine the nuts and bolts of implementation and, third, provide specifics on change management, that crucial make-or-break factor. Finally, once you are armed with this advice on creating a strategy to avoid HCM software implementation failure, you can take a look at product information in our buyer's guide. Be sure to also visit our section about the quickly changing landscape of HR technology. It can help you stay abreast of technologies that can help you better manage HR functions in the near future.
1The HCM software systems selection and vendor relationship
Choosing the best software and going through the sales process can be challenging for any business leader. That's why we've assembled expert advice on how to go strategically through the product selection and buying process. The articles in this section offer expert advice on making the best HCM software decisions, how to navigate interactions with vendors and why you should consider cloud.
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Get users involved to choose the best HR and HCM software
One state university in Kansas enlisted a wide sample of potential users to help decide which new software to choose for human capital management, financials and talent management. Here's a look. Read Now
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Cloud HCM is worth the risk and cost, experts say
Although some may perceive cloud HCM innovations as risky, experts say that easier deployment -- not to mention other benefits -- makes cloud HCM an unstoppable trend. Read Now
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Smart HR leaders create shopping lists of features
Just as you wouldn't send a hungry dieter into Whole Foods with a vague directive to "buy something for dinner," neither should you allow yourself to shop for an HR system without a list of necessary features in hand. Read Now
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How to negotiate an HR software contract
When entering the negotiation phases of buying HR software, you need to battle two misconceptions: It's only about money and it's only about you. Read Now
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Five questions that will turn you into a sales process pro
Two experts explain how paying attention to some critical areas will help you navigate the HCM software sales process successfully. Read Now
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The HR software support phase will come sooner than you think
When you have a new HR project on the horizon, vendor support may seem like a far-away issue you'll never have to deal with. Of course, that's not the case. Here's what you need to know. Read Now
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SAP ERP HCM users consider other options
After nearly 30 years, SAP ERP HCM has proven successful as a core HR system. But now is the time for some companies to consider a change. Read Now
2HCM software implementation best practices, challenges
This section offers stories that provide a real-world look into what makes HCM software implementations work -- and challenges you may encounter along the way. HR and technology leaders share advice on selecting HCM systems, how to develop a strategy and tackle rollouts, tips for identifying business goals, best practices for existing resources, and insights into avoiding common mistakes.
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How to proactively squash bugs: Align HR, ERP
It's not always the complexity of HR system integration that takes up time, but the far more mundane yet critical tasks outlined here. Read Now
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Lessons learned from an HCM software implementation
An HR and IT leader shares some critical insights on how to implement cloud HCM software, as well as the benefits his company has gained. Read Now
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Implementing HCM software one module, one region at a time
When Waxie Sanitary Supply chose its new cloud HCM system, the company decided to take a phased approach to replace its existing HR system. Read Now
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One company tackles a massive move to a cloud HR system
Cisco is implementing an SaaS system from Thomsons Online Benefits that will affect thousands of employees of in 62 countries. Read Now
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Medical firm rolls out HCM software in phases
Colorado Permanente started its HCM implementation journey with core HR, benefits, and employee and manager self-service. Here's a look. Read Now
3HR and HCM challenges, benefits and adoption tips
Change management is a critical component of any technology project and this holds true for HCM software system implementations. Ideally, change management is woven throughout the project. It encompasses everything from getting executive buy-in -- for example, building a business case, covered in the first section above -- to getting users involved early on -- for example, including them in product selection as some of the above experts did -- to the marketing campaigns and training surrounding a new system. So although some change management aspects are contained in many of the articles above, the pieces that follow focus more directly on HCM change management, especially as it relates to users. As one article makes clear, change management is the difference between HCM system success and failure. Ignore the issue at your own peril.
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HCM software post-purchase instructions
Training is one key to whether or not your HCM software succeeds. Here's a look at why and what the true goal for the software should be. Read Now
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User adoption is the difference between positive ROI and failure
Buying HCM software should mean user adoption is woven throughout the entire decision-making process. Here is what to keep in mind. Read Now
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Resistance to an HCM system upgrade requires nuanced change management skills
Establishing new standards for HR processes at regional offices that largely functioned as their own businesses was no easy task. Here's how one HR leader tackled the issue head on. Read Now
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Ensuring success with human resources software
One expert weighs in on what you need to guarantee widespread and successful use of HR predictive software. Hint: One key is getting users involved. Read Now
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Musical instrument maker HR chief sings praises of HR software
An HR leader shares insight about the road to HCM software implementation, including communications tips for facilitating user adoption, benefits of the software and challenges to implementation. Read Now