Two topics reverberated throughout the International Association for Human Resources Information Management’s HRMStrategies 2009 Conference and Technology Exposition: knowing which HR technology vendors are viable in today’s economy and how to better interpret HR metrics so they may be used in strategic and actionable business decisions.
In his keynote speech, John Boudreau, professor at the University of Southern California, urged HR professionals to better understand what metrics and analysis drive strategic business decisions.
“Are your HR management systems educating company leaders to be better?” he asked. “Are they demonstrating areas of biggest change and revealing those changes that make the most difference?”
Boudreau’s point resonated with the nearly 550 people in attendance, who participated in educational sessions and visited the exhibitor hall to learn how to more effectively use and interpret the data HR technologies provide.
During a panel discussion, industry leaders commented on the state of HR technology.
“Old niche products are already changing,” said Ed Newman, president of The Newman Group. “There are a lot of software-as-a-service pretenders out there who will soon be found out.”
Newman and IHRIM Chairman John Greer said they anticipate growth in business intelligence, workforce analytics, open source software and workforce planning solutions.
Additionally, IHRIM held the first practice exam of its new Certified Human Resources Information Management Professional (PHRI) credential. Offered to professionals with at least five years of experience, the certification will begin formally in September. IHRIM will begin offering online practice exams in various U.S. regions this summer.
IHRIM’s 2010 conference will be held May 2-5, 2010 at the Rio Las Vegas hotel in Las Vegas.
