Don't you want your technology to innovate your business?

I just read a great blog article written by Brain Sommer for Enterprise Irregulars, the title is "HR & Innovation" http://www.enterpriseirregulars.com/51938/hr-innovation/.

Contained herein is a great infographic he obtained from the consulting firm of Baker Tilly.  It shows their historical campus recruiting process using their ATS and ERP as centerpieces for data collection and process control.   Then, it shows the NEW way that redefines the process flow and reduces the dependence on core systems to accommodate social media and new technology tools to effect a more dynamic process flow.  Check these graphics out and note the stark differences that has developed over the last two years.

Taking the technology and innovation theme a bit further...

When speaking to line of business stakeholders who are searching for new systems, tools and technology, it is rare to find the 'innovators'; the ones who are looking to change out the way they do things, to re-invent processes, and to use a technology to achieve a strategic advantage in what they do.

It is rare, at least in my dealings, to find stakeholders and decision makers who will have already defined their current state process flow as well as their desired state process flow.  Most simply know that they need to do things better or want to have a system that will be competitive to their competitors.  Looking ahead and mapping out the process flow changes, advantages and gains in efficiency is most often left to a post-purchase task force and not used as a tool to guide the purchase.

It is also rare for the stakeholders to see beyond the impact that the new technology will have to their own department.  In most cases, a new technology system will impact the organization across many elements, processes and silos.  This is where a vendor can have a more profound impact if they can uncover other strategic advantages to other departments within the organization.  Thus, the business case becomes all the more pertinent and the potential 'returns' become all the more relevant. 

As good salespeople, this is our job, but maybe that's why there are so many consultants around!

Regards,
Jamie