Introduction
Maryland Technology Consultants (MTC) needs an IT solution to improve its hiring process, and Applicant Tracking Software (EZ-ATS) by UMGC Hiring Solutions seems a suitable option. This system is an example of cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS), which brings specific benefits. In particular, this information denotes that people and businesses can access the system from any location by using any device having an Internet connection (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). EZ-ATS is also beneficial because it offers unlimited data storage volumes and does not oblige customers to have additional hardware, which reduces start-up costs (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). Additional advantages include advertising, screening, evaluation, collaboration, scheduling, selection, communication, and other opportunities that improve and automate the hiring process (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). Thus, it is reasonable to consider how EZ-ATS satisfies MTC’s expectations and requirements.
Firstly, one should comment on how the system helps the business achieve its strategy. MTC’s strategic goals include hiring employees internationally, meeting higher demand, increasing competitive advantage, and using financial resources wisely. Specific points from the EZ-ATS brochure demonstrate that these objectives can be met. In particular, cloud-based SaaS can be available over the Internet from anywhere (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). Simultaneously, the brochure indicates that the system features cost efficiency and does not require additional hardware (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). The business can also meet higher demand and increase its competitive advantage because the system frees staff to focus on other business activities, offers flexibility, and promotes data security (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). Secondly, it is worth admitting how EZ-ATS can improve the hiring process. MTC expects to witness better outcomes in the spheres of collaboration, communication, workflow, and relationships. These steps are achieved because EZ-ATS helps coordinate actions, communicate with applications and hiring managers, automate hiring, and establish good connections with numerous stakeholders (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). There is no doubt that these features can significantly improve the hiring process.
Thirdly, EZ-ATS is an appropriate solution because it promises to meet specific requirements that have been articulated by various stakeholders. In particular, the system should store information in a central database, screen candidates’ resumes, schedule interviews, be easy, avoid breaching applicants’ data, and offer many other opportunities. It is excellent that the brochure indicates that EZ-ATS can cope with these tasks, which leads to an efficient hiring process (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). All this information demonstrates that the system under analysis is appropriate for MTC because it allows the latter to achieve its strategic goals, improve the hiring process, and satisfy various requirements.
Implementation Areas
Even though EZ-ATS is an effective and promising system, it may not result in the expected benefits if implemented inappropriately. That is why MTC should do its best to ensure that it takes all the required steps to make use of the system. The following paragraphs will present an Implementation Plan that can be considered a guide for the organization to introduce the solution successfully.
Vendor Agreement
MTC should sign the User Agreement and provide appropriate payment for the service. Once this is done, the vendor’ Account Manager contacts the organization and helps start using the system (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). EZ-ATS is attractive because its price depends on the actual number of users. For 60 system users, the organization will have to pay $100 per month (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). Furthermore, MTC can use a 30-day free trial to see how the system works and whether it is appropriate.
Hardware and Telecommunications
EZ-ATS is a SaaS system, which denotes that no specific hardware is needed. However, employees can access the solution using their PCs, laptops, and mobile devices (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). As for telecommunications, stable access to the Internet (outsider service) and a good Wi-Fi network (local connectivity) are needed to ensure that the system can be adequately used. These are all hardware and telecommunication considerations, which denotes that no additional technologies are necessary to ensure that employees can access EZ-ATS.
Configuration
Specific steps should be taken to configure the system to make it satisfy MTC’s needs. The vendor offers numerous configuration opportunities that include linking the corporate email and social media, setting the company name and logo, adjusting customer reports, and uploading job requisitions (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). The Account Manager can help the organization become familiar with the system and cope with the tasks above.
Testing
Testing is a significant element in the entire implementation process. MTC can conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to determine whether the system functions correctly. For that purpose, the business should select a team of professionals who would cooperate with the system under circumstances that are similar to real-life conditions (Gordon et al., 2022). According to Section III, the system is expected to cope with calendar scheduling. Thus, it is necessary to input data about various interviews and see whether EZ-ATS can successfully schedule them to ensure that all applications are included.
Employee Preparation and Support
The MTC’s Chief Executive Officer should develop a corporate strategy. Leadership should be promoted to establish trust among employees and motivate them to perform effectively (University of Maryland Global Campus, n.d.c). The Director of Human Resources should deal with change management to prepare employees. This professional should explain why the change is needed to help employees overcome their resistance (University of Maryland Global Campus, n.d.a). The Chief Information Officer is responsible for organizing specific training sessions. Thus, the manager should ensure that employees have seen EZ-ATS website videos and read training materials. Finally, the same professional is expected to provide user support. The task is to provide employees with support materials to ensure that these individuals can successfully implement EZ-ATS.
Data Migration
MTC should determine how to migrate applications in the process into the system. According to the University of Maryland Global Campus (n.d.b), data migration can be a challenging and costly task. For MTC, a suitable solution is to input the data manually into the system. Even though this approach will be time-consuming, it will allow the organization to save financial resources because no external assistance or additional software will be needed.
Maintenance
It is excellent that EZ-ATS is subject to regular and automatic updates to ensure that the system operates efficiently. This option is included in licensing fees, which denotes that MTC will not need to pay additional money to upgrade the system (UMGC Hiring Solutions, n.d.). Finally, the vendor guarantees that the system updates at the stipulated time, and MTC does not need to take specific actions to achieve this outcome.
Conclusion
The report has demonstrated that EZ-Applicant Tracking Software is a suitable system for Maryland Technology Consultants. This solution can provide the organization with many advantages that can improve and automate its hiring process. In particular, this software helps the business make employee search and hiring easier and faster. Furthermore, EZ-Applicant Tracking Software is cost-effective and cloud-based, which denotes that it can help Maryland Technology Consultants meet its strategic goals.
References
Gordon, S., Crager, J., Howry, C., Barsdorf, A. I., Cohen, J., Crescioni, M., Dahya, B., Delong, P., Knaus, C., Reasner, D. A., Vallow, S., Zarzar, K., & Eremenco, S. (2022). Best practice recommendations: User acceptance testing for systems designed to collect clinical outcome assessment data electronically.Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science, 56(3), 442-453. Web.
UMGC Hiring Solutions. (n.d.). EZ-ATS [PDF document].
University of Maryland Global Campus. (n.d.a). Change management. Web.
University of Maryland Global Campus. (n.d.b). Implementing a SaaS solution. Web.
University of Maryland Global Campus. (n.d.c). Leadership. Web.