The CIPD s HR Software Show 2014

Transcription

1 The CIPD s HR Software Show CIPD ANNUAL Conference & Exhibition Sponsored by

2 The CIPD s HR Software Show 2014 The CIPD s HR Software Show is an important event in the Human Resources calendar hundreds of delegates flock to Olympia to investigate how technology can revolutionise their departmental efficiencies, and ultimately, their contribution to wider organisational performance. But with the exhibition hall crowded with dozens of suppliers it can be difficult to make the best use of your valuable time away from the office. HRComparison.com has therefore devised this helpful crib sheet for delegates to download, for free, in advance of the event. This checklist of recommendations outlines: 3 Preparatory tasks that should be undertaken in the weeks running up to the show 3 Ways to optimise your time and glean maximum relevant information, during your time at Olympia 3 What to do next, upon returning to the office. The CIPD s HR Software Show

3 Section 1 Preparation Top tips to ensure you maximise your visit to the CIPD HR software show 3 Pre-register to ease the checking-in process events/hr-software-show. 3 Create a wish list before you go (page 6) and use this to shortlist potential vendors at the show. 3 Do your homework beforehand; see who is exhibiting and research vendors websites (or HRcomparison.com). The exhibition is fully booked therefore there are hungry sales people who want your time. Don t fall into the trap of trying to see every vendor as not every solution will be right for you. 3 If possible book demo time in advance allow approximately 20 minutes for a first look. 3 The popular vendors will find it difficult to accommodate booking time slots though, so make sure you see these suppliers early in the day, before the exhibition hall becomes full of delegates. 3 If you are not local to Olympia, try to travel down the evening before. Train tickets are cheaper which helps to offset part of the accommodation costs, and you arrive fresher to make the most of your day. 3 Take a break! Exhibitions can be tiring if you are trying to make the most of it. There are coffee bars, and food on site; so why not grab a sandwich and watch one of the showcase presentations lunch and learn! The CIPD s HR Software Show

4 Section 2 At the show 3 It can get hot in the exhibition hall and hard on the feet; dress comfortably and take something in which to carry product literature. 3 Don t forget to pick up the exhibition guide! This has all the stand numbers in so you can easily find the vendors you shortlisted to see. 3 Keep this document with you as it contains your wish list and a review section keeping all your notes in place! 3 Ask for demonstrations of particular functionality and do not be swayed into adjusting your criteria if that particular supplier cannot help you. 3 The busier vendors diaries will fill up very quickly after the show. If you want to secure a follow up demonstration at your offices, take your diary and book a date at the stand. 3 Look out for seminars presented by fellow HR professionals across the two days. Their advice and experiences are likely to prove incredibly valuable, and you are often supplied with knowledge transfer white papers and/or briefing documents to take away with you. Don t forget to pick up the exhibition guide! The CIPD s HR Software Show

5 So lets get started... Dates: Address: Wednesday 18th Thursday 19th June Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX Chosen vendor Stand no. Showcases you want to attend Date Time The CIPD s HR Software Show

6 Wish list 1. Are all the modules fully integrated and do they have functionality to cover the following; 3 Core HR 3 Payroll 3 Training/Performance Management 3 Recruiting including online functionality for receiving and processing CVs 3 Expenses Management 3 Timesheets 3 Employee Engagement Self Service functionality for example absence management/holiday requests 3 Auto Enrolment 3 Mobile Apps 2. The latest technology allows software companies to offer flexibility to their clients. The wish list that you are building now will almost certainly evolve and change in the future. You should check that your chosen solution can change with you. Ask the sales person to demonstrate the following; 3 Build a new screen and import data into that screen via an application such as Excel 3 Change field names on any screen 3 Add fields to existing screens Now try come up with a couple of your own ideas: 3 Change the look and feel of the software to suit your brand. This is very important for employee engagement 3. Having your data all held centrally is all well and good but how can you use that data to help you make strategic decisions about your workforce? Technology should allow you to report on this data quickly and efficiently ideally without the need for a third party analytics tool. Ask the sales person to demonstrate the following; 3 Build a report on a topic such as absence 3 What actions can be undertaken once the data is queried? i.e. Can you mail merge letters or to a group of employees? 4. If you would like to use technology to help you implement and standardise your processes and procedures, your chosen solution should offer you the ability to build and configure these yourself. Often vendors will have a module to help you undertake this, most commonly known as Workflow. 3 Pick a process such as preparing for a new starter. Ask the sales person to build a workflow with a set of actions to manage tasks that are undertaken pre and after their start date The CIPD s HR Software Show

7 Section 3 After the show So now it s time to evaluate your wish list. How many solutions meet your needs, if any? Are you going to add to your wish list based on what you have seen at the show? Do you need to involve any colleagues in the next stages? So either when you are back in the office or on the train back, let s review the vendors you spoke to and decide if you want to have a follow up demonstration Shortlisted vendors Did they meet your wish list requirements? TOTAL Hopefully, you can now shortlist the vendors even further. The next suggested step is to give them a call or visit their website to book a follow up demonstration - this way you can see an in-depth, more personalised run through of the software. We hope you found this helpful to kick-start your procurement journey. If you need any further advice please contact HRcomparison at info@hrcomparison.com. Looking for some additional resources? Cascade HR offers a whole library of free resources to help you throughout your procurement process. Simply visit their website and download these free resources: Template tender document How to build a business case PowerPoint White papers Sector specific case studies The CIPD s HR Software Show