Ipsos is a global company that focuses on people, markets, brands and society. They deliver information and analysis that helps people work easier and faster while making smarter decisions. They guide clients in 89 countries through the key pillars of security, simplicity, speed and substance in order to better their company and the way they operate.

International firms like Ipsos utilize Cloud technology to modernize systems, cut costs and analyze data to gain insights into more cost-effective ways to run their businesses. Ipsos wanted to eliminate multi-data entry and apply a full Cloud-based integration model to reap the benefits for years to come by improving HR process efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Ipsos went live with Core HR for 88 countries in 2017. They decided on a “big bang” approach to cover all employees. In 2018, Ipsos rolled out an integration of a local Payroll system to go with their new HCM Cloud. They hope to add additional features in 2019, including Time & Absences, Expenses, Learning, and Recruitment. They hope to provide HR and employees with a complete, integrated solution by 2020.

Challenges

Every project has its challenges, and an HCM Cloud implementation is no different. Ipsos has faced several challenges throughout their implementation, especially since they are such a large, global company.

• Different target systems: Due to the number of target systems, Ipsos had to continuously look at the different mapping structures and data models. The mapping had to be revised along with the design of the interface.
• Data upload capabilities: A lot of local system vendors for the Payroll interface that Ipsos talked with missed the opportunity or lacked the ability to upload data. In some situations, upload capabilities were very limited. Ipsos had to carefully work with vendors to ensure that they had the import capabilities that Ipsos needed to make sure an end-to-end Payroll integration was possible.
• A lot of technical difficulties: Ipsos faced a lot of technical difficulties, which is almost inevitable with a project of this size. Since they had to deal with so many global IT teams, they had to work strategically to overcome these issues.

Solutions

To counteract these challenges, Ipsos had to identify solutions that could help overcome their obstacles.

• Have a standardized way of working: People become aligned with what they were doing. It took time, but it created a smoother way of working.
• Have a more flexible approach: Each of the different countries that Ipsos works with required small adaptations. Since they had to keep a flexible approach, it helped to have a standardized way of working to keep adaptations under control.
• Planning: It was important for Ipsos to have a clear rollout plan. They had clear templates and methodology to guide them through the implementation process.

Benefits of HCM Cloud at Ipsos

There have been several benefits that have come as a result of Ipsos’ HCM Cloud implementation. There are three in particular that helped build brand value within HCM at Ipsos.

• One self-service platform for all Ipsos employees
• One single and global employee master data set
• Data accuracy in the global system

These benefits have helped modernize and streamline the systems at Ipsos, which helps everyone work in a more organized and efficient manner.

Key Factors for Success

Ipsos has identified five factors that have influenced the path and success of their HCM Cloud implementation.

1. A proven track record: Ipsos has a proven track record of completing successful implementations. They had previously launched a Financials system deployed globally in 88 countries.
2. Leadership: Successful implementations depend on successful leadership. You have to work from the top, down. Strong leadership helps guide employees through oncoming change.
3. Support from Oracle: Oracle consulting from the beginning of the project has helped guide Ipsos through the HCM Cloud implementation process.
4. The Oracle community of other customers: In addition to Oracle consulting, the Oracle community that is filled with other customers going through similar processes was a big help to Ipsos. Learning from other customers’ successes and failures can result in helpful tips and tricks.
5. Failing to prepare à Prepare to fail: It’s okay to fail sometimes. It’s how you learn. In order to do better in the future, you must learn from your mistakes and prepare better in the future to avoid repeating them.

To learn more about how Ipsos’ process during this HCM Cloud implementation, check out the full presentation here.