Why Customization Matters
In the rapidly evolving world of HR technology, companies are increasingly turning to solutions like Cornerstone OnDemand to harness the full benefits of SaaS platforms – scalability, flexibility, and continuous innovation. But there's a persistent need that often accompanies these implementations: customization.
Clients invest in powerful platforms like Cornerstone, aiming to streamline processes, improve user experiences, and drive better outcomes across their organizations. However, they often find that even the most comprehensive solutions require fine-tuning to meet their unique needs. Whether it's adapting Cornerstone to resemble their former self-built solutions or tailoring the platform to minimize disruption, the demand for customization is constant and unyielding.
As Robert Bucher, CEO and Founder of Octily, puts it:
We've had companies – some even using platforms similar to Cornerstone – reach out to us for help with customization. They recognize that while SaaS solutions offer incredible capabilities, the need for customization never goes away. Whether it's replicating familiar workflows to ease the transition or tailoring the platform to better fit their unique processes, customization is always a critical need.
— Robert Bucher, Founder & CEO of Octily
Why customization remains essential
Customization is about more than just making a platform look good. It's about aligning the solution with the client's brand, workflows, and organizational goals to enhance user adoption, satisfaction, and overall performance. Here's why it remains a critical aspect of any Cornerstone implementation:
- Enhanced user experience: Customizing the user interface and workflows to reflect the client's brand identity and operational needs ensures a more intuitive and engaging experience.
- Familiarity and ease of transition: Many clients have legacy systems or self-built solutions that they're accustomed to. Customization allows Cornerstone to be adapted in ways that minimize the need for change management, making the transition smoother and reducing resistance from users.
- Tailored functionality: Every organization has unique processes. Customization ensures that the platform supports these specific requirements, leading to better efficiency and user satisfaction.
The financial case for customization
Let's break down the numbers to see why customization makes financial sense for both you and your clients.
Increased client retention
Imagine you have a client who spends $150,000 annually on their Cornerstone OnDemand platform. By introducing customization – whether it's through branded interfaces, personalized workflows, or tailored learning paths – you can increase client retention by 20%.
Here's what that means:
- Over five years, this translates to an additional $150,000 in revenue from just one client.
- Satisfied clients are more likely to renew contracts, leading to sustained revenue streams.
- Happy clients are more likely to expand their usage, bringing in additional business.
Higher user adoption rates
User adoption is a critical factor in the success of any HR tech implementation. Customization plays a key role in enhancing employee engagement and adoption rates. By tailoring the platform to fit the specific needs of different user groups – such as different departments, roles, or locations – you can make the platform more intuitive and easier to navigate.
The impact of higher adoption rates includes:
- Reduced training costs: When users find the platform easier to use, less time and money are spent on training.
- Lower support costs: A user-friendly, customized platform reduces the need for ongoing technical support.
- Increased productivity: Higher adoption means users are more likely to fully utilize the platform's features, leading to better productivity and outcomes.
Maximized ROI
Investing in customization can significantly boost the return on investment (ROI) for your clients. For every $1 spent on customization services, clients could see up to a 5x return in productivity gains and cost savings. This not only justifies the initial investment but also positions your services as indispensable for achieving their business goals.
Here's how you can calculate the value:
- Increased productivity: A 20% increase in productivity due to a customized platform can be equivalent to gaining 20 additional full-time employees without the need for extra hiring – a potential value of $1 million for a company with 100 employees.
- Cost savings: By reducing the need for extensive training and support, clients can save thousands of dollars annually – funds that can be reinvested into further platform enhancements or other strategic initiatives.
The Octily advantage: seamless customization for every client, anywhere
At Octily, we specialize in making customization easy, effective, and accessible. We work with a wide range of partners – whether they're boutique vendors, specialized in a unique vertical, or practices within global consulting firms. We don't care because we work with you, the people, not just your brand or label. Our 100% remote team is accustomed to working across time zones; it's part of our DNA. We've been doing this since day one.
Here's what partnering with Octily looks like:
- Flexible contracting: We can operate as a white-label subcontractor, or work directly with your clients – whichever arrangement suits your needs best. You, as the partner, drive those decisions.
- Global collaboration: With our remote team, we're equipped to collaborate with partners and clients anywhere in the world. Whether it's a small boutique firm or a large global consultancy, we adapt to your working style and timezone.
- Comprehensive customization: From brand-infused experiences to hyper-personalized workflows, we ensure that every aspect of the Cornerstone platform is tailored to the client's unique needs. This not only meets client expectations but exceeds them, driving user adoption and satisfaction.
