Ventana Research Presents Next Generation Human Resource Management System Research

Ventana Research today announced the release of its latest benchmark research, Next-Generation Human Resources Management Systems. The dramatic shift in HRMS is significant, and the introduction of new digital technologies are facilitating a change in how HR processes operate, engage the workforce and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. The research explored how next-generation technologies are changing the way organizations operate and it identified the best practices used by innovative companies. These best practices will help educate HR professionals and organizations who wish to not only be the most efficient, but manage workforces around the world.

The research examined how organizations’ use of HRMS are evolving. It determined the business drivers and benefits of adopting a new approach include simplifying management of employees and related information in four-fifths (80%) of organizations, followed closely by improving management, actions, decisions and alignment (78%) and improving ability to track and report on compliance requirements (72%). But the research found that less than half of organizations conclude that it meets their business needs.

The research identified new innovative technologies are being incorporated into or applied to HRMS related applications. Among seven emerging technologies, organizations most often cited business analytics (77%) and mobility (54%) as essential for improving their HRMS; one-third or more also cited cloud computing, collaboration (both business and social) and big data then followed by gamification and wearable computing. Unfortunately, advancements in analytics are plagued by a multitude of antiquated ways to access and integrate data like using batch file transfer (47%) or using manual data export (44%).

"The research finds a dramatic technological shift in the human resource management systems. The ease of accessing them through cloud computing has enabled Human Resources to advance their organizations through more effective management of their workforce,” said Mark Smith, CEO and chief research officer at Ventana Research. "With this shift comes not just an opportunity, but a responsibility for HR and organizations to assess and adopt new and innovative digital technologies that will address the needs of managers and employees while helping engage and retain talent across the organization.”

Key insights from the research include:

• Self-service is increasingly important for human resources management.
• Spreadsheets and homegrown systems can undermine HR’s credibility.
• Analytics and reporting are central to using an HRMS successfully.
• Mobile access is a natural and necessary extension of an HRMS.
• Collaboration technologies are gaining adoption in HR management.

This benchmark research identified trends, opportunities for improvement and organizational requirements associated with (a) adoption, (b) use and value from next generation HRMS and (c) new digital technologies being integrated into HR applications. This research found that adopting an advanced or ‘next-generation’ approach to using an HRMS impacts and organization’s people, processes, information and technology requirements as well as its productivity.

Those interested in learning more about this benchmark research can download an executive summary can do so at www.ventanaresearch.com/benchmark/next-generation-human-resources-management-systems. This research was sponsored by Ceridian. Ventana Research, a leading business technology research and advisory services firm, provides qualified research participants with an incentive and complimentary report of the research findings as well as access to a free educational webcast on best practices from the benchmark research. Ventana Research advisory clients have premium access to insights and education on benchmark research.