HR Tech Selection Protocol

About this guide

When HR technology disappoints, the software is rarely the real problem. The process used to choose it is. The market is full of rota apps, HR systems, payroll platforms and all-in-one bundles, and most work well for somebody. The question is whether one works for a business with a small team, a busy service, seasonal peaks, tips and tronc.

The HR Tech Selection Protocol sets out ten stages, grouped into four phases, so you can make the decision deliberately rather than being sold to. A ten-person café can move through it in an afternoon; a small group of pubs might take a couple of months.

What’s inside

• Why process matters more than software
• Phase one, Foundation (stages 1 to 3): scope, business case and project owner
• Phase two, Preparation (stages 4 to 6): requirements, the brief and clean data
• Phase three, Selection (stages 7 to 9): longlist, shortlist and demonstrations you control
• Phase four, Decision and Implementation (stage 10): negotiate, decide, implement and settle in

Who it’s for

• Owners and general managers choosing HR, rota or payroll software
• Businesses moving off spreadsheets and paper
• Anyone whose current system is not delivering what was promised

Part of the WINC HR Confidence Guide Series

This is guide 06 of 8 in the WINC HR Confidence Guide Series: free, practical guides for owners and managers of independent hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafés who want to make better people decisions without the jargon. Each guide pairs plain-English guidance with checklists, questions and space to plan. Guidance is for UK use (England and Wales) and is not legal advice.