HR technology buying trends and the market is hotter than ever. Fast fact – 57% of companies plan to make a major new HR software purchase in the next 18 months.
Here are the top 7 drivers of growth:
HR software systems are aging
The average HRMS system in large companies today is more than 5 years old and more than half are over 7 years old. And enterprise software becomes nearly obsolete in seven years, leading most companies to shop around.
Cloud HR software is now easy to buy
Nearly every major HR software provider now offers their solution in the cloud, making it possible for corporate HR managers to stop the frustrating cycle of upgrading systems every year or two.
And once you buy a cloud-based system, you are out of the cycle of major upgrades every few years because the vendor does this for you.
New User Interfaces are a top driver for replacement
The biggest challenge HR software buyers face is the fear that people won’t use the systems. Research shows that the #1 driver of change is the need for a more compelling, consumer-like, experience. Most of the vendor solutions now have mobile applications also, enabling employees to manage their vacation, time sheets, and employee directories on the road.
Companies have too many systems and are ready to consolidate
Our new research shows that only 13% of organizations have a single HR system and on average companies have 3-4 different HR applications (one for HRMS, another for learning, another for recruiting, for example).
Vendors have gobbled each other up, making most platforms more complete than ever. The result: nearly half of the buyers we surveyed this year told us they are willing to sacrifice features for a single vendor solution.
The Potential for Big Data Analytics is Driving Adoption
Second on the list of buying criteria is the desire to create better talent analytics. Research also shows that while much of the core HR technology has now become a commodity, analytics is still a new area of technology and vendor solutions here vary greatly.
All the other big talent management providers offer integrated analytics now, giving buyers the promise of finding a single solution at last. Companies are ready to play “Moneyball” with their people data, and the software providers are investing heavily in this area.
Cloud Technology makes it Easier to Switch Vendors
Since more and more companies now have cloud-based systems for recruiting, learning, and other HR applications, it is now easier than ever to switch. Unlike traditional software which is highly customized by IT, these new systems can be replaced.
24% of the companies were surveyed are considering replacing their vendor. Yes cloud-based software is a wonderful business model – but it also reduces switching costs to some degree.
Talent has now become one of the most important issues on the mind of the CEO
And finally, as the global economy recovers more and more companies realize that talent is their biggest challenge. Strategic recruiting, employee development, social networking, and internal employee communications are all critical business issues.
HR technology software is no longer purchased to improve the efficiency of HR. Today companies buy these systems to help transform their talent strategies and directly improve employee engagement and the ability to hire.