For the past 20+ years, I have been attending the HR Technology Exposition held by LRP / HR Executive Magazine. For me, it is the best way to get a snapshot of the marketplace for applications that support an organization’s Human Resources / People and Culture function.
Every year, there is a “theme,” not one that the event organizers create, but rather one that the mix of vendors exhibiting create. Last year, I was somewhat disappointed as the HR Tech theme was Talent Acquisition (TA). TA is a critical business priority, it is one of the areas that we at HRchitect know very well, and the learning was somewhat limited.
Artificial Intelligence takes center stage.
This year, however, it was completely different. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking center stage and newer offerings for Performance and Development, along with HR Tech Talks and Insights from Industry Analyst Josh Bersin, my team and I came away with newfound knowledge.
- While not quite dead, the traditional annual performance review is on its way out. New tools to support just-in-time feedback and management to shorter duration goals are quickly replacing the legacy tools.
- AI is everywhere and is not scary. However, like humans, it needs reliable data to produce actionable results.
- It’s time to prepare the next generation for leadership. Revisit “who does what” in the organization. Look at your jobs and see what very senior tenured people perform that can be done by more junior staff. Reallocate the work so that junior staff can get the experience they need to be ready for those roles performed today by the more senior tenured people.
The Mega Booth Phenomenon
The other interesting phenomenon was the size of each vendor booth. There were more “Mega Booths” than in years past, and some very surprising vendors were in these “Mega Booths.” This phenomenon reflects the vast amount of Venture Capital investment in this space. Relatively unknown vendors, some of whom have been in business for five years or less, were able to have a presence similar to established vendors such as Dayforce (FKA Ceridian) and UKG. Their presence and booth size indicate a positive future for HR/People and Culture applications. When the investment community supports HR Tech businesses at this level, it usually translates to innovation, something the HR/People and Culture community is overdue for.
Exciting New Vendors
Here are a few vendors that we are excited about. Given the differentiation of their offerings and how they can complement your enterprise HCM technology and applications:
- Joveo: Recruitment Marketing
- Pivot.CX: Communications AI
- Macorva: Performance & Development
- Splash BI: Analytics and AI Driven insights
Our Strategic Services team has been following the vendors that exhibit at HR Tech for over a decade. Partnered with their ongoing research, we are the experts to assist your organization in selecting the right software for your needs. You, too, can draw on this expertise to find your way through the many HCM offerings available. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with HRchitect’s Strategic Services team.
About the Author
Jacqueline Kuhn, Executive Vice President of Strategic Services, oversees our HCM strategic consulting group. This team inlcudes experts on HRchitect’s HCM systems strategic planning, evaluation and selection, plus our change management practices. She spends much of her time with HCM vendors reviewing their technology offerings. Ensuring she has the most current insights into HCM technology offerings. Jacqueline enjoys working with organizations to impact their HCM strategies through the utilization of technology.
Jacqueline is a Certified Professional of Human Resource Information (HRIP). She is also a well known speaker at industry events and is published in professional magazines and journals. She is the author of HRchitect’s Guide to HCM Technology: What you need to know before your next HCM technology purchase.
Read more about Jacqueline on LinkedIn.