"C2B" Consulting-to-Business

 

Dwayne D. Jakes & Associates Management Systems, LLC

P.O. Box 12361-2361

Columbus, GA. 31917-2361

Phone (706) 561-5346 Fax (706) 561-8644

E-mail C2B@ddjakes.com

Website http://www.ddjakes.com

 

August 2003

 

E-HR Delivers Global Results in the New Millennium

 

“C2B” is in 6 sections this month:

 

  1. HRIS
  2. Developing a Strategy
  3. Four Implementation Options
  4. Choosing the Right Technology
  5. A Growth Opportunity
  6. Online Resources

 

     A relevant aspect of the assessment of the HR function concerns the degree of sophistication of the information and communication systems used: the human resource information systems. The technology is now available for every line manager and division director to be able to access, in real time, the complete record of every member of their staff, including all details of their competencies, skills and training. With this kind of information availability many of the other aspects of HR work (training and development, assessment systems, human resource planning, etc.) become easier and more powerful. Few HR departments take full advantage of such systems and many are still caught in the vice of administration and paper shifting.

 

     Network based self-service applications liberate HR professionals from tedious administrative tasks and give employees control over their own information. With employees using intranets to update their personal data. HR Directors can focus on bottom line projects like strategic analysis and planning.

 

Once-and-done data entry and real-time updating makes E-HR perfect for:

 

v      Publishing Information. Ensures that policies and procedures, company directories and announcements always reflect up-to-the minute information.

v      Processing transaction. Eliminates paper and reduces reporting errors.

v      Responding to queries. Frees up HR staff time by providing answers to employee questions about benefits, available vacation time, and more.

 

Getting Started: Developing a Strategy

 

How you implement E-HR at your organization depends on a variety of considerations:

 

v      Does your company already have an intranet in place?

v      How much of your workforce is already wired?

v      Should legacy systems be maintained, or should you start from scratch?

v      How strong is your IT Division?

v      What’s your budget

v      What functions do you want your self-service network to perform, now and in the future?

v      Which functions would save you the most money and time through automation?

v      What are the strengths and limitations of your network infrastructure?

v      Review your options.

 

Implementation Analysis

 

Organizations large and small implement E-HR using one of four basic approaches:

 

  1. HR Re-Engineering. Tie self service to a larger redesign of overall HR processes. Data-and-labor intensive administrative services like direct deposit and 401(k) enrollment are automated and standardized for application via the intranet.
  2. Realignment. Introduce applications based on existing policies and architectures incrementally, beginning with simpler functions such as publishing policies, explanations of benefits and other corporate information, As the organization becomes more comfortable with handling transaction online, more sophisticated applications like side-by-side benefit analysis and time and labor reporting are added.
  3. New Business Initiatives. Identify existing processes ripe for automation, and then go “global” with a full suite of self-service applications that get those jobs done electronically.
  4. Implementation. Choose a high-profile process that’s chronically inefficient-say, compensation reviews or electronic postings-and automate it with an easy-to-use online application. When users discover how simple the new solution is to use, they’ll naturally buy-in to it and other self-service applications, and you will be on your way to full E-HR Implementation.

 

Choosing The Right Technology

 

Of the four fundamental approaches, choose the one that best suits your budget, your online savvy and your corporate culture.

 

  1. Branding. Custom-develop applications using a general or HRMS-friendly development tool.

 

v      Pros: Many of these are tried and true. Bugs and other kinks have already been worked out.

v      Cons: May not integrate enterprise-wide, or with existing systems.

 

  1. Existing HR Software. Buy a prepackaged application that that offers common, generic self-service functions.

 

v      Pros: Fast, easy implementation.

v      Cons: Limited functionality; limited expansion capability.

 

  1. Vendor Software Packages. Use web-enabled architectures offered by HRMS vendors.

 

v      Pros: Guaranteed integration with HRMS vendor.

v      Cons: May not offer all the functions you need.

 

  1. Outsourcing.  Many intranet and Extranet consultants also offer specific HR                    applications.

 

v      Pros: Keeps the technology in the hands of the pros.

v      Cons: Control of data and processes may be compromise.

 

A Growth Opportunity

 

     Today, intranets are proving their value by delivering direct access to HR data and applications, Next generation E-HR systems will go further still, offering direct links to health care and insurance providers, HR benefits, relocation and training.

 

     With E-HR, HR professionals can redefine their role in the organization, allowing them to make their mark as decision-makers, strategic planners, and full partners in the organization.

 

Online Resources

 

     The great diversity of skills needed to implement HRIS has facilitated the rise of “E-HR” consultancies. These are formed on a project basis and teams usually come together because an executive, either a firm or an independent consultant, has an opportunity to bid for work that is too large or complex for him or her to handle alone. When planning your own E-HR network, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The web is full of advice from experienced HR professionals, technology consultants and professional organizations.

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

“C2B” Consulting-to-Business is a free, monthly, electronic newsletter written and published by Dwayne D. Jakes, D.B.A., Founder & Managing Director of Dwayne D. Jakes & Associates Management Systems, L.L.C. Past Columns are archived at

http://www.ddjakes.com

 

Copyright August 2003, Dwayne D. Jakes & Associates Management Systems, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited. We encourage sharing “C2B” Consulting-to-Business in whole or in part if copyright and attribution are always included. Distribution and Reproduction without attribution prohibited.

 

Tell A Friend Or Associate About The Article! If you know someone that you feel would benefit from the information contained in this article, tell him or her about it. You are encouraged to write letters, comments and suggestions about the “C2B” Consulting-to-Business electronic newsletter.

 

____________________________________________________________