The HR Journey

Part of our business is developing custom, web-based HR applications for our clients. Often we find that a client has a specific HR need and that there is not an acceptable technology solution available in the marketplace. Perhaps the functionality is unique or very client specific, perhaps existing systems are far too advanced or expensive, or perhaps the client needs something special to integrate with other existing platforms.

A custom application can be the perfect solution. You get all of what you need and none of what you don’t. Your specific business rules or HR processes can be incorporated into the application. Training is often easier and less expensive since functionality is generally smaller in scope than systems designed to serve multiple clients of varying sizes, industries, etc. You have the opportunity to design the application around you – instead of the other way around.

There are some potential pitfalls as well. Designing and building a custom application takes time and money. Development times are often 6-18 months and are rarely less than 3 months. Also, since a custom application is almost never resold to other clients without additional development, you need to be prepared to cover the entire cost of planning, development, testing, and implementation. It will also take dedication from your HR team – a custom application is not the type of engagement you approve and walk away. Your project team will be very involved in reviewing and approving everything from the structure and functionality of the application to the look and feel of the user interface to delivered reports.

Remember, a custom application is a long-term relationship – you’ve invested significant time, money, and talent into this tool. Applications need on-going maintenance and support. Even when functionality doesn’t change there is hosting, security, updates for new web browsers, etc. etc. But functionality will change. Your needs change over time and one of the advantages of a custom application is that you do not need to wait in line behind every other client in the user group to have your changes implemented. Also remember to leverage the experience of your development partner. This may be the first application you’ve developed – your development team can help you avoid problems such as over-complex navigation or expensive bells-and-whistles that may not get used in production.

Before embarking on a custom application, make sure your needs are not met by existing products in the marketplace. If you do need to have something built, establish realistic expectations for development time, budgets, resource requirements, and on-going maintenance and support. Develop a long-term plan. Schedule releases every six months with updates or functionality changes. A custom web-based application can be just the ticket to solve that nagging HR problem – as long as you keep in mind the good, the bad, and the ugly.