10 Milestones for your HCM Implementation Roadmap
HCM systems are pivotal to achieving an organization’s people objectives. But in a crowded marketplace with a number of ‘build’ as well as ‘buy’ options, defining a clear roadmap could be a challenge. We share ten easy steps to get your HCM implementation project up and running.
It’s no secret that HR managers often shy away from transformation as a result of doubts and uncertainties around HCM implementation outcomes. At times, HCM implementation programs do not live up to HR expectations and involve a lot more effort than originally anticipated. While HR tech vendors are usually tasked with the implementation, in several cases inadequate planning and a weak HCM implementation strategy by HR is at fault. We share our ten-step handbook for HCM implementation success.
1. Project Team Assembly
Once your requirements and business objectives are in place, start by creating a dedicated project team. It is advisable to involve ‘technology champions’ who will influence opinion and ease HCM tool adoption. A right-sized project team will include technical talent, divisional heads, and a C-level/senior stakeholder.
Also read: 7 Skills You Need to Make an HCM Strategy Successful
2. Scope Definition
The next step is to design a written document listing all the functionalities of your new HCM platform. Each feature is aligned with a specific business target, with a project team member taking ownership of the same. A written scope document will be critical later, in case of disputes or conflicts during HCM implementation.
3. Post-change Visualization
It is important to allocate time and effort towards visualizing the end result. This includes key questions around look and feel, people reactions, and operational changes. With a concrete picture in place, it will be simpler to select the right software and eliminate redundant/irrelevant feature sets.
Also read: 6 Human Capital Management (HCM) Trends That Will Dominate 2019
4. Process Mapping
Take stock of your existing processes to understand how they will be impacted by the new HCM system. This will help the selected HR Tech vendor to accurately understand process requirements, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a smoother roll-out. Process mapping could be a technically challenging task; you could partner with an external consultant to get this done correctly.
5. Requirement-to-budget Alignment
Insufficient budgets are among the top reasons for HCM implementation failures. You can avoid this by conducting a thorough requirement analysis, in conjunction with your project team and other relevant stakeholders. Complicated workflows, reporting modules, and specific user interfaces must be identified – generally, these are the most expensive parts of any HCM implementation project. A key benefit of this step is that it provides potential vendors with a ready reckoner when you send out an RFP.
6. Vendor Selection
It is a good idea to shop around a little before finalizing on a new system. Do not simply go for the biggest names out there or depend on word-of-mouth. We recommend adopting a simple scoring system assessing each option in terms of technical attributes, vendor experience, market positioning, support quality, and compliance. Most vendors will be agree to demonstrating their products before actual ‘go-live’; this can help gain a better understanding and ensure the investments are accurately channeled.
Also read: Selecting an HCM Solution
7. Project Plan Creation
This step is often overlooked by business users when preparing for HCM implementation. While it is tempting to offboard the entire project planning process to your supplier, this could result in reduced control and visibility. Collaborate with your HCM partner and undertake a virtual walkthrough of each step, emphasizing and addressing any potential issues.
8. Data Audit
‘Garbage in, Garbage out’ could cripple your new HCM implementation plan. That’s why it is vital to first cleanse your data before transitioning to the reimagined system. This could also include tasks that are currently done manually – which your HR team would like to automate. As the old data is prepared for the new system, it is essential to scan information across an employee’s lifecycle removing duplication and plugging any gaps.
9. Deployment
Finally, at the deployment stage, a number of best practices should be kept in mind. If your HCM platform has online, self-service or other multiple modules take a ‘phased’ or staggered HCM Implementation approach. Share any HCM implementation ‘wins’ with your project team, fostering a sense of belief and interest. Maintain a detailed issue log and communicate this to stakeholders across the organization, soliciting prompt action and resolution. Finally, try to minimize ‘scope creep’ as much as possible, as additional functionalities could compromise timelines and fiscal goals.
Also read: 3 HCM Best Practices to Boost Your ROI
10. Review and Maintenance
Many HCM implementation projects come to a halt once the foundational system goes live, even before all the original targets have been realized. Work closely with your project team to revisit step 1 and identify any objectives that haven’t been met. Further, you could keep a ‘benched project team’ who will take ownership of the HCM implementation and any associated issues across the software lifecycle.
A Final Word
There you have it; these ten steps are vital to any failsafe HCM implementation roadmap. Last but not least, be a personal advocate for the new system, and clearly communicate its benefits for all employees regardless of hierarchies. In the end, this will not only ensure that the C-suite realizes their investments, but also push newer generations of employees towards enhanced productivity levels.
Also read: Building a Stellar Employee Experience and How HCM Planning Can Get You There
Are considering a next-gen HCM implementation strategy at your organization? Share your thoughts, doubts, and ideas in the comments section below.
