Accenture is positioned in the ‘Winner’s Circle’ of HfS Research’s 2016 Human Resource (HR) Operations in the As-a-Service Economy Blueprint Report. Accenture is recognized as the overall leader in execution, positioned ahead of 12 other multi-process HR outsourcing (MPHRO) service providers.
The report recognizes Accenture for its distinct mix of service delivery expertise and technology innovation that enables clients to address business outcomes on a flexible, plug-and-play basis.
Accenture is lauded for its collaborative relationships with clients, its articulate vision and “new ways of thinking,” and for its recognizable investments in future capabilities that are driving new insights and models.
“Accenture demonstrates the most mature use of As-a-Service capabilities in the industry, which is indicative of its ability to increase the value of MPHRO for its clients,” said Phil Fersht, CEO and chief analyst of HfS Research – The Services Research Company.
“As a result of its forward thinking vision, proactive use of intelligent automation, clear technological and services framework and global scale, Accenture continues to dominate the market.”
A significant element of the assessment methodology was based on the adoption of HfS Research’s eight ideals of As-a-Service, which describe the operations of service providers and buyers in a business-outcome focused outsourcing partnership.
As the MPHRO market matures there is an increasing focus on the underpinning cloud HCM platforms used in the delivery of HR service. Buyers recognize this and as such are seeking service providers who not only have excellent service delivery credentials but can implement, manage and optimize these new HCM platforms to extract maximum value; essentially embracing ideals of the As-A-Service Economy.
“Accenture’s market-leading position in this report demonstrates its ability to provide clients with transformational, platform-based solutions that can flex to support dynamic business and workforce needs,” said Debbie Polishook, group operating officer, Accenture Operations.
“Enabled by cloud, analytics and automation, we’re committed to delivering a consumer-based experience that offers the right balance of high-tech and high-touch services.”
See: Managers Prepared to Embrace Cognitive Computing in the Workplace: Accenture Research
Much of the MPHRO growth in the APAC region, specifically Australia, is driven by the need to adopt cloud based HCM platforms and applications as many organizations in the region have been slow to implement. This has created a follow on scenario where many implementation only deals have evolved into deals that include service delivery.
The use of prescriptive and predictive analytics, specifically in workforce development services, payroll and RPO is set to become a differentiator in the MPHRO market. This form of analytics has been rolled out by HCM software manufacturers at this point (Ultimate Software) but is in the pipeline from many service providers as either an application or embedded within proprietary HCM platforms.
With the large scale move to cloud HCM platforms there is a niche created for consultation around these platforms. The majority of the consulting at this point is handled by the likes of Deloitte although both multi-tenant and pure HR service providers such as Accenture, IBM, Capgemini, NGA HR and Infosys are using this implementation as an entry point for managed service delivery of MPHRO.
As the MPHRO market continues its evolution to an As-A-Service Economy, it is fundamental to understand why this evolution is taking place. The answer is employees. The need to attract, retain and nurture talent is now more important than ever as organizations look to grow and adapt to a more digital ecosystem.
Corporate culture plays a part in this but mission critical is having a HR function that can improve employee engagement and interact in a way that is natural to the employee. As millennials enter the workplace, employee interaction has to change.
Organizations need to adapt HR functions accordingly and embrace mobile and cloud technology that can be accessed anywhere and anytime. Cloud HCM platforms have developed user interfaces that speak to this new workforce, but with 50% of organizations still using on premise legacy HCM systems, there is still a long way to go for many organizations.
By partnering with proven service providers, organizations can now make the migration to the cloud quickly and efficiently. Also by leveraging the managed service expertise of these providers, organizations are more enabled to focus on key moments of truth with employees thereby reducing employee churn and having a more aligned, motivated and focused workforce.
Also read: Grim Outlook for Future of Management and Workplace Collaboration: Survey Reveals
