So probably more in the last few posts than anyone who reads this blog ever wanted to know (assuming anyone knows what I was talking about). In my “vision” diagram, I call the whole thing web service, but technically, web services and directory access should be broken apart – they are not the same, as we have discussed.
The two technologies act together to provide users the ability to
1. interact with multiple systems within a single unified presentation layer, and
2. interact with systems by retrieving data and executing new data transactions.
Let’s not kid ourselves. This stuff costs a lot of money.
- First, it assumes that you have purchased an HRMS and a set of point solutions that are capable of supporting these technologies. Not all do… not even some of the best ones you see linked to on the right panel.
- Second, building out a portal (or buying one) and implementing it is something that could take years.
- Third, the more point solutions you buy, the more data transactions you need between system, the more XML you are going to build. Not like yesteryear of the ERP – but not nearly as bad as async interfaces either.
- Fourth… I’m not actually sure anyone has ever done this yet, at least not perfectly.
In the 80’s and 90’s we implemented technology because we could increase the rate of transactions and efficiency. In this century, we’ll think about technology’s impact on service delivery. As you continue to think about HR service delivery, think about the user experience. In a web delivery model, 80% of your transactions should be between the customer and the HR portal. The messier your data model and UI are, the fewer web transactions you’ll have.
So now that we’ve talked about some of the technology aspects at a high level, I present the vision again:
(readable version of the image here)
Next Week: Federated Access
Previous Posts in this series:
good stuff! my ranting on modular convergence:
http://www.contingentworkforce.org/jla/blog/2005/12/jeremys-industry-growth-outlook-for.asp
Loving this series! You’re absolutely on the right path. Keep it coming….