Stand-alone solutions and complete packages are two approaches that are used as software solutions in companies to fulfill complex requirements and to solve and simplify processes and tasks in the company. Particularly in skills management, specialized stand-alone solutions are often purchased in addition or less extensive areas of complete solutions are used.
Table of content:
- Stand-alone solutions
- Complete packages
- Isolated solutions vs. complete packages in skill management
- What suits my company?
- Summary
Stand-alone solutions
Stand-alone solutions are specialized software modules that are developed for a specific task, such as talent management systems, learning management systems or skill management systems. They are typically more cost-effective and faster to implement than complete packages. Stand-alone solutions can also be easily customized to meet individual needs and often offer higher performance for their specific application areas.
Complete packages
Total packages, on the other hand, provide a complete software solution that covers all aspects of an application. They are often more expensive than stand-alone solutions but provide a complete, integrated solution that is easy to implement and manage. They also typically offer better scalability and are easier to adapt to changing business needs.
Isolated solutions vs. complete packages in skill management
In skills management, both standalone solutions and total packages can be used to help organizations manage and develop the skills of their workforce. The choice between stand-alone solutions and complete packages depends on the specific requirements of the company.
Isolated solutions in skills management may specialize in specific functions such as skills tracking, skills assessment, or skills development. Stand-alone solutions can often be implemented quickly and easily and often offer higher performance in their specific application area. They can also be more cost-effective than complete packages, especially if only certain functions are needed.
Often, skills management processes for capturing and managing employee skills are not covered by total package solutions. When they do, they often only cover parts of it, such as a common list of employee skills, and are less focused on engaging employees. Here is an exciting article from McKinsey regarding the success and involvement of employees in the company.
Total skill management packages, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive solution that covers all aspects of employee development and management. These packages can include multiple functions such as performance management, training management, and employee development. Complete packages are usually more complex to implement and usually require an extensive change management process that needs to be planned and managed. They offer high scalability but are often more expensive than stand-alone solutions.
What suits my company?
The choice between stand-alone solutions and total skill management packages depends on several factors, such as the specific requirements of the company, the available budget, the size and type of the company, the business goals and processes, and the needs of the employees. Here are some questions to consider to find an appropriate skills management solution for your company:
- How many employees does your company have?
- What types of skills and competencies do your employees need to perform their jobs effectively?
- How often do your employees’ skills and competencies need to be updated?
- How important is it for your company to track and measure your employees’ skills and competencies?
- How important is it to you that your employees continually improve their skills and competencies?
- How much time and resources are you willing to invest to implement and maintain a skills management solution?
Based on the answers to these questions, you can decide which type of skills management solution is the best fit for your organization.
Summarizing…
The choice between stand-alone solutions and complete packages depends on the individual needs of the business. For small, specialized requirements, a standalone solution may be the best choice. However, for larger, complex requirements, a total package may provide a more effective and long-term solution. It’s important to choose a skills management solution that aligns with business goals and processes and meets the needs of employees.
If you have already had some exposure to skilltree and are unsure if this solution fits your business, feel free to contact us and we will clarify with you how skilltree can cover your desired processes.
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