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Expect more from your HR system
When it comes to investment in new technology why is it that the HR department rarely gets the budget they need? It has long been regarded as essential that an organisation has the right systems and processes in place to ensure its success. Finance and CRM systems have always been regarded as critical and now HR is being added to that list.
The good news is that fourth generation HR systems give HR professionals the tools they need at a reasonable budget. With the right systems and processes in place, HR can be a truly strategic player.
Currently, the HR executives that we speak to tell us that they spend too much time on repetitive tasks and are unable to give proper attention to business critical challenges: managing absence, controlling staff turnover, training requirements and succession planning. They are typically able to find this information but in a very labour intensive, and often inaccurate way The savings that can be achieved by releasing HR from its administrative burden are immense. For example, according to recent research carried out by the CIPD, if a company employing 2000 people can reduce their staff turnover by just 1% per annum they would be saving the company £200,000 in one year! Even if you are part of a smaller organisation, the numbers can be staggering.
The above is just one example. Many reports have identified the costs of employee absence. Recording and identifying the absence is one thing, but do you have enough data to perform analysis to know why this is happening and use the information to predict trends within your organisation?
Over recent years HR business systems have evolved to include a host of new exciting technologies. Fully configurable web delivered applications that allow organisations to automate key processes can provide up to the minute data analysis and production of statistical information. We believe, as do many of our clients, that today's HR system should be capable of providing a high level of flexibility and consistency, enabling your HR function to be truly strategic.
Tom Randle, Director of Human Resources for Europ Assistance who implemented HR.NET last year, reports that "Our existing system was simply a stand alone database only accessible by the HR staff. It performed the essential tasks but offered no interactivity with our employees, as a web based system, HR.net can be accessed at any time from any location. Employees can make holiday requests, change personal details and carry out other transactions online without the need for assistance from HR."
Linda Hughes, Head of HR, Atlas Copco, who has recently implemented HR.NET is delighted that "the ability to report on different parts of the business, such as cost centres, locations and individuals, is something that HR.net has enabled us to do easily."