Cloud based HR software - how to make a good decision and avoid the Geek Speak

• No matter who is in charge of making the purchasing decision, consult all the potential users of HR Software so that everyone agrees what the software needs to do ahead of purchase. 
• Many providers are able to tailor or customise software to suit your needs, but if tailoring wasn’t quoted for in the provider’s estimate, asking them to add it later could prove expensive and the work probably won’t be carried out free of charge – it’s like buying milk and asking why eggs weren’t included.  Getting the spec right in the beginning can be time consuming, but much better for both you and the software provider in the long tun.
• Once you have agreed the functions you need, tell your potential providers clearly, ideally in a document.  Decide which of these functions are essential, and which are the 'nice to haves'.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions – you are the customer, and if you don’t understand their answers, tell them – you are the customer and it’s a major investment

2. Make sure your cloud based HR software provider is secure

• What support do you expect? Multilingual, bilingual, or just English or Welsh? 24 hour, 12 hour or 9-5? Telephone or email?
• Set out your expectations clearly. If they can’t meet every requirement as standard, are they able to customise the software or support levels to meet your exact needs? If so, what are the extra costs likely to be?
• A reputable provider will not object to you exploring support and training options.

If you aren’t in IT, choosing software can be intimidating, but hopefully by asking the right questions, you can confidently make the right choice.

Questions you should ask Cloud Based HR Software Providers:

• Is the supplier likely to stay in business – how long have they been trading?
• How many customers do they have and can they provide testimonials?
• Do they offer a live demonstration and a free trial (preferably without the need for credit card details).
• Once everyone has agreed the specification, can they meet all the requirements?
• Where will the supplier host your data?
• Do they have any accreditations, like ISO 27001?
• Are they listed on the G-Cloud?
• If custom modifications are needed, do they have security cleared developers?
• Do they have a disaster recovery plan?
• How often will your data be backed up?
• If you leave the provider, or if they go out of business, can you recover your data?
• What are your support hours?
• What (if any) training is included?
• Is training online or face to face?
• What languages do your support team speak?
• If we wanted more training, could we pay for it?

Help - I'm still getting geek speak!

If your chosen provider is giving you geek-speak, just keep nagging until you understand - the concepts are not hard, don't just assume that tech talk equals intelligence.  The right provider will want to gain your understanding and trust - and if you don't trust them, don't buy from them!

A little persistence beforehand, getting the spec right and choosing a reputable supplier will avoid any hidden surprises long after the glow of a cheap price has faded.

We are happy to speak to any customer, as many times as they want before we get it right – that’s because we don’t want business for a year – we want an ongoing relationship with happy customers who are happy to tell other customers how great we are.