Avoiding an HR System Implementation Nightmare: #HRISChat Session 10

Tuesday, September 10, 12:00 pm EDT/ 9:00 am PDT

With guest moderators Dovetail Software and Gary Morlock, HRIP,  Qualcomm

 

You’ve started the process of implementing your new HR software. Somewhere along the line the project has become over budget, resources are dwindling, team members are frustrated, you’re go live date is nowhere in sight. Sound familiar? Companies invest in HR Technology to streamline processes, save costs and increase efficiency. However, implementing a new HR system can present a host of challenges. Organizations are often times unprepared for what lies ahead, entering into the implementation phase with a weak set of objectives, superficially gathered requirements and no change management strategy. Pair that with unrealistic expectations and you have recipe for disaster, resulting in costly delays and dissatisfaction with the project. Without the proper resources, time, budget and support, the process can be overwhelming and it may seem impossible to get to the finish line.

This week’s first guest moderator, Traci Deveau of Dovetail Software, recently published the blog post, “Why Many HR Software Implementations Fail”. She outlines her five step process for a successful implementation, “The 5 P’s – Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”, and shares how a strategic plan coupled with knowing what mistakes to avoid can lead to a successful implementation and a return on your investment.

The blog post can be accessed here:
http://dovetailsoftware.com/hr/tdeveau/2013/08/22/why-many-hr-software-implementations-fail/

Our second moderator this week is Gary Morlock, HRIP. Gary is Senior TRM Project Manager at Qualcomm in San Diego, where he manages various projects that expand the functionality of Qualcomm’s self-built HRMS, MySource. Gary also serves on the Board of Directors of IHRIM, the International Association for Human Resources Information Management.

On this edition of #HRISChat, we will address the most common roadblocks organizations face during an implementation and discuss ways to ensure that the benefits of a new HR system far outweigh the cost of possible pitfalls.

Here are the questions for this week:
Q1: What kinds of HR system implementation nightmares have you suffered through or observed?
Q2: What were some of the root causes of those failures?
Q3: What steps could have been taken to avoid under-funding and unrealistic time constraints?
Q4: How can you better manage the expectations of key stakeholders?
Q5: Why is time spent on gathering and prioritizing requirements and process improvements typically sacrificed?
Q6: What are some best practices to increase user adoption and decrease go-live related issues?
Q7: How could a company leverage the vendor relationship (and consulting expertise, if appropriate) to decrease the pain of implementation?
Q8: What key learning are you going to take with you to your next implementation?

New to TweetChat? Don't worry, it's easy! Go to www.twubs.com, enter HRISChat at the top of the screen next to the # symbol and click "go." It will likely prompt you to login to Twitter. Then just watch for the questions and provide your answers. We look forward to your participation next Tuesday 9/10 at 12PM EDT/9AM PDT.