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New role for HR; or is it IT?
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New role for HR; or is it IT?
Discuss workforce management, performance management, retention, communication, motivation, contributing to business results and other topics.
I have a few clients now that are struggling with a similar issue: how to staff the position of "system administrator" for a SaaS application.
In the old days of vended solutions, it was clear that
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Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » New role for HR; or is it IT?
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New role for HR; or is it IT?
posted at 1/26/2009 8:24 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 1/26/2009 Last: 1/26/2009 |
I have a few clients now that are struggling with a similar issue: how to staff the position of "system administrator" for a SaaS application.
In the old days of vended solutions, it was clear that IT and/or HRIS owned the implementation and maintenance of the software. The business provided the requirements and some combination of IT, HRIS and consultants would install, customize and maintain the solution. Nowadays, however, the SaaS model has created a new role that companies must fill, and it is not always clear where this role should reside. A well-designed SaaS solution provides the customer with an intuitive interface that allows the customer to design forms, workflow and reports themselves. The vendor provides minimal support since the solution is meant to be a do-it-yourself application. This model allows the vendor to spend less on their services group and more on R&D. It also allows the customer a more predictable cost model since they pay the yearly fee and not a lot of unexpected service costs whenever they want to change a label. This is all great in theory, and we're getting there in practice, but for some companies it is difficult to use existing staff to fill the role of system administrator for the SaaS application. Here is why I think that is: - the role is not overly technical in nature, so it doesn't make sense to use IT or HRIS resources - the role is too technical for your typical talent management business person - compensation professionals have less of an issue with this because they have experience with Excel and Access and are used to working with technology; however, leadership doesn't want comp prof's time spent on administering software So, the company is left with a few options: - use someone from IT or HRIS to fill the role, which takes away from their time to do other things - buy a "premium service package" from the vendor, which can be costly - pay for a consultant, either independent or from the vendor, which can also be costly - hire someone to fill the role; but whose budget is going to cover this person, and what do they do in the off season? What have you seen done to solve this issue? Suggestions are appreciated! |
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New role for HR; or is it IT?
posted at 1/26/2009 9:53 AM EST
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Posts: 1103
First: 3/16/2007 Last: 8/19/2011 |
More often than not outsourcing of this type of endeavor is a money saver for the company. That is why HR service centers hosted externally are such a great investment leaving the internal HR team to fous on more strategic matters.
This same holds true with SaaS. Get the hosting and maintenance out of the company and with a professional third party vendor. A leaner IT staff can then focus on strategic issues. It isn't about who is in charge of it; that is a tactical issue fought out by people who are not strategic in thought or application. |
Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » New role for HR; or is it IT?
