Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are an effective way to post positions, organize candidates and streamline the hiring process. For many HR professionals, ATSs are typically their first experience with new talent management solutions. In my experience, once the value of the ATS has been recognized, there is a spark of consideration for new features, benefits and values that opens up the potential for investing in additional talent management solutions. The question then becomes “where does the ATS end and other talent management solutions begin?”

Identifying where your ATS ends in the spectrum of overall talent management solutions really depends on its specific features available. While some stand alone ATSs provide onboarding and API integration into HRIS systems, many other simply manage candidates up to the point they are hired. In these situations, I like to use my “ruler” analogy. For example, lets assume that an ATS is part of an over grand talent management solution/system for a company. If we took all of the functionality and aligned it with a ruler, I believe an ATS is the first inch (it would be different if we did it for value, but that is another post).

So if you have an ATS that leads you up to the point of hiring a candidate, where do you continue to manage candidate into the transition of an employee? You might want to consider reviewing Bamboo HR’s HRIS as the continuation.

BambooHR.com is a web-based HRIS solution for small to medium-sized businesses which integrates multiple HR functions under a single roof. They are a great alternative for companies cannot afford larger solutions and who are drowning in the headache of spreadsheets. With 100% customer retention, Bamboo HR is demonstrating a real market need for this type of solution. It’s clear that companies of all shapes and sizes place a high value on saving money, eliminating mundane administrivia, and increasing efficiency.

"We're thrilled that our affordable and flexible HRIS is a great value-add for companies already using an ATS”, stated Ben Peterson, CEO of Bamboo HR. "The ease-of-use creates a natural fit between BambooHR.com and the ATS, which keeps customers happy. Everybody wins."

I’ve had an opportunity to use Bamboo HR for several months now and its functional simplicity increases usability while streamlining navigation with great performance. What works out really nice is how Bamboo HR uses information directly from your ATS. While the solution can be implemented with just about any ATS, I believe you will see several ATS partnerships develop.

Best of luck!!!
Jake Stupak
www.TheATSGuy.com
www.TheATSGuide.com