Human Resources Software Handbook

James G. Meade, Ph.D., is an author, human resource consultant, and magazine writer. He has written for HR Magazine since 1989 and as a consultant has advised companies of varying sizes in a wide variety of industries as they approached the HR software market, evaluated products, and reached a decision. He is the author of twenty-five books, most on computer and business topics, including several in the bestselling Dummies series. His own computer bestsellers have included Ami Pro for Dummies and Using PowerPoint.

• List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits. CD-ROM Contents.Acknowledgments.Introduction.PART ONE: Getting Started.1. A Few Key Questions.Do I Even Need HR Technology?Where Do I Start?Do I Have to Go Through a "Process" Here?How Much Is the Process Going to Cost?How Do I Deal with Vendors?How Long Is All This Going to Take?"But I Don't Know Anything About Technology".What Should I Do First?Conclusion.2. Knowing the Trends.Social and Economic Trends.Outsourcing the HR Function.HR as a "Strategic Partner".From Human Resources to Human Capital Management.HR Becoming More Technically Savvy.The Internet Becoming an Everyday Tool.Conclusion.3. Previewing HR Software.Checking Out Features of Low-End Products.Seeing What Mid-Market Products Offer.What to Expect from a Specialty Product.Looking Over Standard Data Fields.Considering Reports.Finding Vendors.Conclusion.4. Working with Consultants.A Few Cautions About Consultants.General Reasons for Turning to Consultants.When to Turn to a Consultant.Finding a Consultant.Conclusion.PART TWO: Collecting Your Facts.5 Do You Need a Needs Assessment?Systematically Defining Needs.Sample Report.Conclusion.6. The RFP: RIP?What to Put into an RFP.Ten Common Errors in RFPs.Ten Useful Guidelines for an RFP.The Argument for a Short RFP.Why You May Not Need an RFP.Conclusion.7. Scripting the Demo.Why to Script the Demo.What to Cover.Avoiding Pitfalls.Checking Out a Vendor?s Script.Checking Out a Generic Sample Script.Conclusion.8. "Word on the Street": References.Finding a List of References.The Kind of References to Look For.The Kinds of Questions to Ask.A Few Cautions About Talking with Users.Conclusion.PART THREE: Moving Toward Implementation.9. Preparing and Using a Selection Matrix.The Matrix and How to Create It.How It?s Used, and By Whom.Pitfalls of the Selection Matrix.Sample Selection Matrixes.Conclusion.10. Negotiating the Agreement.Why to Have a Contract.Whom to Include in Negotiations.Key Negotiating Points.Getting Down to It: Negotiating Price.What Else to Include.A Few Gotchas.Conclusion.11. Selling to Management.Don't Just Report; Sell.Emphasize Benefits, Benefits, Benefits.Present the Results of Your Research.Lightly Make the Case for ROI.Conclusion.12. Planning Implementation.Setting Up a Project Team.Setting the Schedule.Preparing Your Computer Systems.Training HR and Users.Aligning Your Business Processes.Testing the System.Rolling It Out.Checking Out a Sample Implementation Plan.Conclusion.PART FOUR: Looking Over the Low-End Market.13. Selecting a Small HRIS Package.Price.Vendor Longevity.Support.Web or Windows.Rent or Purchase.Client/Server, PC/LAN, or Standalone.Ease of Use.Flexibility.Scalability.Compatibility with Payroll.Reference Accounts.Functionality.Conclusion.14. The Big Three in Low-End Software.Common Traits.!Trak-It HR.People-Trak.Abra.Conclusion.15. Other Low-End Players.HRIS from Payroll Vendors.Smaller Versions from Mid-Market HRIS Providers.Web-Based "Rental" Solutions."Isn?t That Number Missing a Zero?".Conclusion.PART FIVE: Reviewing the Rest of the Market.16. Mid-Market Main Players.iVantage.Genesys Enterprise Series.UltiPro.Abra Enterprise.hrWindows.Other Mid-Market Providers.Conclusion.17. Exploring Specialty Software.Time and Attendance.Compensation Planning.Succession Planning.Performance Review.Benefits Management.Pre-Employment Screening.Skills Management.Employee Self-Service.Other Specialized HR Needs.Conclusion.18. The E-Recruiting Revolution.Applicant Tracking and Automated Recruiting.Rise of E-Recruiting.Conclusion.19. The Exclusive High End.Trends at the Top.The Big Three.Other Aspirants.A Cautious Perspective.Conclusion.20. Closing Thoughts.Ambitious Undertaking.High Stakes.Streamlined Selection Process.Risks.Ongoing Rewards.Appendix: Software Products Profiled in the Book.References.About the Author.Index.How to Use the CD-ROM.