Reading the SystematicHR entry on HR Transformation that cited last year’s Deloitte study on Global HR Transformation made us think about how self-service has revolutionized HR. Over the last decade, HR has made great strides. Starting with administrative systems of record, HR drove efficiencies using ERP and standalone HRIS technology.

Then Internet and web applications arrived. One great example of HR savings was self-service benefits, which replaced a costly and error-prone manual paper process and redundant data entry. Self-service drove cost savings and process acceleration. Web browser applications enabled people to connect with that process.

Then talent management arrived online with the added bonus of software as a service (SaaS) delivered on demand. That meant organizations no longer had to purchase a software license and nurture a large scale IT implementation before they could see results. Talent management enabled organizations to establish a consistent process across the enterprise and drove significant value creation while reducing costs in the hiring process.

But wait, there is more. Now we are seeing HR create a significant cultural transformation with the self-service career empowerment of hiring managers and employees. Everyone gets immediate access to information and a direct connection to talent processes on a single system of record.

With recruiting, compliance, reporting, and performance in a closed loop process, organizations can take the next step. Aligning talent with business strategies to create a talent focused culture.

For more, read On Demand Technology: Powering Your Organization’s Transformation into a Talent Focused Culture.