Small, medium and large businesses across virtually every sector are realising the potential of cloud computing within their HR functions.
This is according to HR software start-up Piilo Software’s CEO Phil Lötter.
“Since the official launch of Piilo in May, our database has grown to more than 25 000 users from South Africa, Botswana and Namibia and we even have prospects in countries such as the Egypt, Nigeria, USA, India and New Zealand. We have engaged resellers across 10 African countries with very positive response.”
“What is really interesting is that due to the inherent simplicity of new technologies and the flexible pricing models we are able to offer, there isn’t really a specific industry or company size making use of our software but it rather spans across a wide variety of sectors.
“The reason for this is quite simple – all companies have people that they need to manage effectively and retain – and they can do this through technology. With rapid improvement of IT infrastructure across Africa, new technologies are making automation more affordable.
“Another interesting point is that the buyers of new technologies have shifted from being the traditional IT manager to business management. The visibility of cloud computing and the financial benefits are making this a discussion topic for executive and operational management as it is these individuals who are making the decisions about the technology they want to utilise across their businesses.
“We have seen that 46% of the buyers are executive management and only 7% of the purchases are made by IT management.”
An analysis of Piilo customers based on number of employees shows the following:
* 26% with less than 50 employees;
* 22% with between 50-100 employees;
* 20% with between 100-500 employees;
* 18% with between 500-1000 employees; and
* 14% with more than 1 000 employees.
From an industry point of view, Piilo cuts across most industries with the major ones being services, government, transportation, finance and insurance, utilities, communications, construction, retail and wholesale, Internet and software, and mining and health care.
The top three HR software needs these companies have are performance management, career and skills development and employee data management.
As can be seen from the above, cloud computing is levelling the playing field in terms of HR technology, which has traditionally only been accessible to big corporates. Through competitive and flexible pricing models and the ease of installation and use, all business can ensure that they have the very best in people management practices in place.
