Hopefully a recent conversation I had with an organization was unique but I fear not.  Organization of approximately 250 employees was looking at solutions to streamline their HR processes.  Current environment had some automation; Payroll and web-based time and attendance.  The pain points were no automation and process regarding Applicant Tracking, Benefits Enrollment, Training and Performance Management.  Compounding the pain was significant dual entry and a lotus notes environment that required multiple and ongoing patches to maintain somewhat of a pulse to support the organization.  Having automated part of the processes over the past year the next logical step was to continue if not complete the HR system upgrade and avoid future quickly outdated enhancements and time eaters for both HR and IT departments.  

Surprisingly the final decision was a “penny wise pound foolish approach.”  Lacking budget approval to continue automation the organization elected to purchase off the shelf software and load to meet their demands.  While a less expensive route in the short term, this approach is more costly over the long haul.  In no time at all they will find themselves right back to their original pain.  Assuming they can dedicate the time and resources to build out the software to meet their specifications it will soon be outdated and they will be back to the drawing board of building patches and work arounds in order to maintain and keep up.  “Time is money” is cliché but accurate.  Analyzing the total need and taking budget into consideration a stair step approach to improving efficiency is a much better approach. 

Joe Barrett
Achievant