As an HR professional and decision-maker, your role in choosing the right HCM solution is significant. However, it’s important to remember that this is only part of the equation. With the right HCM provider, you can pave the way for long-term success.
You need a smooth, transparent implementation process built around your team’s success to get real ROI. Before you sign the dotted line, here are five essential questions to ask any HCM provider to guarantee they’ll set you up for this long-term success.
1. What Does Your Implementation Process Look Like?
Every provider claims to have a “proven process,” but you need details. Ask for a breakdown of each step-by-step phase, including the kickoff, data collection, testing, training, and go-live date. Understand exactly who’s responsible for what. A strong HCM partner should offer:
- A clearly defined project timeline
- A dedicated implementation specialist or team
- Training for all team members
- A post-go-live success plan for continued adoption
The implementation process isn’t just about getting started—it’s about setting the tone for your partnership. A well-structured process should support key HR processes like benefits administration and talent acquisition from day one, paving the way for a successful and efficient transition.
2. How Do You Handle Implementation Timelines?
Some vendors overpromise and underdeliver. Ask about their average go-live time and how they accommodate your internal schedule. A phased implementation plan with realistic milestones allows your team to adapt, test features, and avoid overwhelming changes.
Bonus: Providers with a track record of fast, successful implementations can point to metrics like average go-live time or customer adoption rates. For example, APS clients go live in an average of 1.87 months with a 92% adoption rate.
3. How Will You Support Cross-Departmental Needs?
Implementation isn’t just HR’s job. Your provider should understand that implementation involves IT, payroll, and finance teams. Ask if they’ll help coordinate with multiple departments and build workflows that reflect your organization’s operations.
This level of collaboration keeps employees engaged, reduces errors, and makes your HCM software rollout more effective, especially when departments have different priorities or use cases.
4. What Happens After We Go Live?
The best cloud HCM vendors know implementation is just the beginning. Ask about their process for handing you off from implementation to ongoing support. Will you be assigned an account manager? Is their support team U.S.-based and responsive?
Ensure your vendor doesn’t just “flip the switch” and disappear. You need a partner who understands strategic planning, not just system setup, and is focused on helping you grow over time. Ask your HCM provider about their support model. A dedicated, responsive support team gives you confidence that you’ll have the day-to-day support you need, when you need it.
5. How Will You Help Drive Adoption?
New technology can fail without proper training and change management. Ask how the vendor works with you to improve your employee experience. Do they offer live training sessions? Will your team receive on-demand help? Change management resources?
The right provider offers more than technology—they help team members feel confident and capable, which leads to higher adoption and smoother operations across your HCM suite.
Final Thought: Don’t Settle for Vague Promises
Implementation is more than just launching software—it’s helping people succeed. That’s why change management matters as much as project goals and timelines. Your provider should guide your team through the transition using communication templates, phased rollouts, and support tools. They should also offer data-driven insights to track progress and fine-tune workflows.
An HCM solution is a significant investment. Asking the right questions about implementation now can save you countless hours and headaches later, and ensure your new platform delivers on its full potential.
Why APS?
At APS, we take implementation seriously. That’s why G2 has recognized us as “Most Implementable” year after year. With a 98% customer satisfaction rate on G2, a dedicated implementation team, and hands-on support from day one, we make transitioning to new HR and payroll software easier.
We also believe implementation doesn’t end at go-live—it’s the foundation for continuous improvement. That’s why our team helps clients monitor usage, track adoption, and optimize HR processes over time. You should expect your provider to deliver data-driven insights that help you grow, from onboarding and scheduling to compliance and benefits administration.
A user-friendly HCM solution should evolve alongside your team’s needs, support scalable strategic planning, and enhance the employee experience across every department.
Ready to explore a better HCM experience? Learn more about APS’ Implementation process.
