As a certified partner of Cornerstone OnDemand, you’ve likely heard your clients ask more than once: “How can we change how Cornerstone looks and works?”, and you understand that the key to long-term client success often lies in the details.
While platforms like Cornerstone OnDemand provide a robust foundation, the true value emerges when these solutions are tailored to fit the unique needs of each organization.
But here’s the thing – complex customizations shouldn’t be a burden you have to shoulder alone.
At Octily, we’ve mastered the art of customization over the past 8 years, backed by more than 22 years of deep expertise in the HR space.
This article dives into how you, as a Cornerstone partner, can leverage our experience to not only meet but exceed client expectations – and, in the process, unlock new revenue opportunities.
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 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, 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
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 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.
Why Partnering with Octily Makes Sense
Ready to Transform Your Cornerstone Experience?
Reach out to us at octily@octily.com, book a meeting, or add what you need to your customization wishlist. Let’s make the impossible, possible!
Let’s work together to create a Cornerstone OnDemand experience that truly engages and empowers your workforce!
