HRchitect:The Leader in HCM Systems Strategic ConsultingWho We Are:HRchitect is the premier consulting firm specializing in Human Capital Management (HCM) technology. With a vendor-agnostic approach, we offer expert guidance across all major HCM platforms, ensuring organizations make the right technology choices and maximize their HR investments. Since 1997, we have successfully completed thousands of HCM projects worldwide across industries of all sizes.Our Expertise:We provide end-to-end HR technology consulting services, including:✔ Strategic Planning – Aligning HCM technology with future business goals✔ Evaluation & Selection – Helping organizations choose the right HR solutions✔ Change Management – Driving user adoption and successful rollouts✔ Implementation & Project Management – Ensuring seamless go-lives✔ Client-Side Implementation Assistance – Acting as your internal advocate✔ Concierge Managed Support Services – Providing expert ongoing support.Our consultants have hands-on experience with a wide range of HCM systems, including:🔹Core HR & Payroll🔹Talent Acquisition & Management🔹Learning Management🔹Workforce Management🔹Time & Attendance🔹Benefits / AdministrationCertified Implementation Partner & HCM Experts:HRchitect has worked with all major HCM systems, including: ADP, Dayforce (Ceridian), IBM Kenexa, iCIMS, JobVite, Oracle, SAP, SuccessFactors, Taleo, UKG, WorkForce Software, and more. We are a certified UKG Implementation Partner with 100+ successful deployments of:✔ UKG Pro™✔ UKG Pro WFM™✔ UKG Ready™Why HRchitect?🔹 Industry Experts: Unmatched experience in HCM implementations & optimizations🔹 Vendor-Agnostic Approach: No commissions, ensuring unbiased recommendations🔹 Award-Winning Team: Recognized as a leader in HR technology consultingOur Awards & Recognition:🏆Raven Intelligence – Voice of the Customer Award for Multi-Platform HCM🏆UKG (5x winner) Partner of the Year🏆UKG’s 2020 Pinnacle Partner Award🏆GPTW/Fortune Best Workplaces in Texas 2024🏆Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation 2024🏆Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in AmericaAdditional Resources: 📖 We wrote the book on HCM Technology! HRchitect’s Guide to HCM Technology: What You Should Know Before Your Next HCM Technology Purchase. Order your copy today on Amazon.
Industry Verticals Served:Energy & Natural Resources, Financial & Professional Services (Banking/Insurance), Consumer Industries (Agribusiness / Consumer Products / Fashion/ Life Sciences / Retail), Discrete Industries (Aerospace / High Tech / Automotive), Government, Healthcare, Higher Education, Hospitality, K-12, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media, Non-profit, Services Industries (Airlines / Communications / Engineering / Sports / Sports / Entertainment / Travel), Public Services, Technology
Countries Covered:NOAM
Number of HCM Certified Consultants (combined):150
# of Certified UKG Consultants:100
UKG Partner Since (Year):2013
UKG Awards / Designation:2023 UKG Partner of the Year (5x winner)
338 Reviews for HRchitect
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG WFM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: Workforce Management (Time & Labor Management) Software: UKG Pro Workforce Management Products Implemented: n/a Company Size: 0 – 1,000 Employees / Industry: Computers (Hardware, Desktop Software) Regions in Scope: North America,Europe, Middle East & Africa Reviewer Role: Project Leader
Consultant Recognized: Anita Hope Project(s) in Scope: Optimization / Ongoing support services
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: Right on schedule! Cost vs. Expectations: Exactly what we budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work precisely
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Anita is an absolute pleasure to work with! Not only does she quickly resolve issues, but she also takes the time to teach along the way, making every interaction a learning experience. Her responsiveness and friendly approach make collaborating with her a joy. Quite simply, UKG WFM wouldn’t be running as smoothly as it is without her expertise and support
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG WFM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: HR/Human Capital Management Software: UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) Products Implemented: No other systems being implemented currently Company Size: 0 – 1,000 Employees / Industry: Business / Professional Services Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Team Member
Consultant Recognized: Richard Valera Project(s) in Scope: Addition of a new company and the transfer of a previous company to a new one
Systems Expertise 4 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: 1.75x the time we expected Cost vs. Expectations: 2x cost budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work precisely
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
Team changed a lot
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
We have not had a good experience with our software (UKG). We have not received accurate or timely communication and projects are scattered with working with multiple different people. Through this project, we were passed around to different groups and ended up having some major misses due to this. Although, the overall project was not well handled we did enjoy working with our consultant (HRchitect). They were always quick to respond and willing to help throughout the process. My only feedback would be more of a connection with UKG and HRchitect so that there is less confusion on the overall process.
It also would have been helpful for both the software vendor and our consultant to be able to provide assistance when we asked questions outside of the community article.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG WFM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: Workforce Management (Time & Labor Management) Software: UKG Pro Workforce Management Products Implemented: UKG Pro Workforce Management Company Size: 1 – 5k Employees / Industry: Healthcare / Medical Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Team Member
Consultant Recognized: Michael White & Chad Brunet Project(s) in Scope: Initial deployment (Phase 1),Optimization / Ongoing support services
Systems Expertise 4 out of 5 Implementation Process 4 out of 5 Responsiveness 4 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 4 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 4 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: Right on schedule! Cost vs. Expectations: Exactly what we budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work well, but our needs changed during implementation
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Partner was overall helpful and timely in their responses. Software company had issues with their timeliness responding to case tickets.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG WFM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: Workforce Management (Time & Labor Management) Software: UKG Pro Workforce Management Products Implemented: HCM (HR Core),Talent Management (Learning, Performance, Succession Planning, Social Collaboration),Recruiting / Onboarding,Benefits,Payroll,AMS (Application Management Services),PPS (Post Production Support) Company Size: 1 – 5k Employees / Industry: Healthcare / Medical Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Team Member
Consultant Recognized: Michael White Project(s) in Scope: Initial deployment (Phase 1),Optimization / Ongoing support services
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: Right on schedule! Cost vs. Expectations: Exactly what we budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work precisely
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Involve more training and direction in how to navigate the system – sometimes went too fast for general end users.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG Workforce Management Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: Workforce Management (Time & Labor Management) Software: UKG Dimensions Products Implemented: scheduling, timekeeping, leave and attendance tracking Company Size: 1 – 5k Employees / Industry: Healthcare / Medical Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Leader
Consultant Recognized: Michael White Project(s) in Scope: Initial deployment (Phase 1)
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: Right on schedule! Cost vs. Expectations: Exactly what we budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work precisely
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Experience was great, make sure you know the impact of modules on each other (scheduling and timekeeping). Involve the right people with knowledge of workflow as well as scheduling and pay rules.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG HR/HCM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: HR/Human Capital Management Software: UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) Products Implemented: Recruiting / Onboarding, Benefits, Payroll Company Size: 0 – 1,000 Employees / Industry: Manufacturing Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Team Member
Consultant Recognized: Beth Kowalke Project(s) in Scope: Initial deployment (Phase 1),Optimization / Ongoing support services,Training
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: 4x+ time expected Cost vs. Expectations: 2x cost budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner did not identify issues that came up during implementation and we had some change orders
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
Slight change in team
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Have a project plan and all members involved with their areas of the project.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG WFM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: Workforce Management (Time & Labor Management) Software: UKG Dimensions Products Implemented: HCM (HR Core) Company Size: 0 – 1,000 Employees / Industry: Other Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Leader
Consultant Recognized: Megan Clark Project(s) in Scope: Fixing the Disaster
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: Right on schedule! Cost vs. Expectations: Exactly what we budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work precisely
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Megan was amazing!! She helped me understand what I was doing wrong and what kept creating the issues that we were having. She really worked with me to make sure I understood everything.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG HR/HCM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: HR/Human Capital Management Software: UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) Products Implemented: Payroll Company Size: 0 – 1,000 Employees / Industry: Other Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Leader
Consultant Recognized: Sia Pouzeyali Project(s) in Scope: Optimization / Ongoing support services
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: Right on schedule! Cost vs. Expectations: Exactly what we budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work precisely
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Sia is one of the best at figuring out our core issues with UKG. We are super happy with him and the progress we are making.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG WFM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: ERP Software: UKG WFM Products Implemented: HCM (HR Core),Talent Management (Learning, Performance, Succession Planning, Social Collaboration),Recruiting / Onboarding,Benefits,Payroll,Employee Case Management,Financials Company Size: 1 – 5k Employees / Industry: Healthcare / Medical Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Project Team Member
Consultant Recognized: Michael White Project(s) in Scope: Initial deployment (Phase 1),Add-on deployment (Phase 2, and not in the original SOW),Optimization / Ongoing support services,Training
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 5 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 5 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 5 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: Right on schedule! Cost vs. Expectations: Exactly what we budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work precisely
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
Michael did an incredible job and was the best partner I think our organization could have asked for. One lesson learned was that sometimes a product may appear to function as you need it to. Keep testing the product, keep asking what if questions, and keep trying to break the system so that all the kinks are out prior to your go live.
Raven Certified
3231 Reviews
UKG HR/HCM Project by HRchitect
5/ 5
ERP Area: HR/Human Capital Management Software: UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) Products Implemented: HCM (HR Core),Talent Management (Learning, Performance, Succession Planning, Social Collaboration),Recruiting / Onboarding,Benefits,Payroll,Employee Case Management Company Size: 1 – 5k Employees / Industry: Entertainment / Recreation Regions in Scope: North America Reviewer Role: Decision Maker
Consultant Recognized: Ryan Gillen Project(s) in Scope: Initial deployment (Phase 1)
Systems Expertise 5 out of 5 Implementation Process 4 out of 5 Responsiveness 5 out of 5 Quality of Consultants 4 out of 5 Flexibility / Adaptability 4 out of 5
SPEED & COST Speed vs. Expectations: 1.25x the time we expected Cost vs. Expectations: 1.25x cost budgeted
SCOPING ACCURACY: How well did your implementation partner scope the work and understand your needs during the pre-sales process?
Partner scoped and quoted the work well, but our needs changed during implementation
Was the implementation team who actually performed the work the same team that was proposed?
No change
What “Lessons Learned” would you provide to others implementing with this partner / software? What else would you tell us about your project experience?
It’s always a challenge to merge the system and processes currently in place with the capabilities of the new system. The consultants have done a good job of trying to merge these two for our project and explain some of the best practices other organizations use.
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In the continually-evolving world of work technology and software consulting, one question remains constant: What distinguishes a top consultant? Erica Niesse, Executive Vice President of Implementation at HRchitect, shares her insights into the characteristics that define successful HR consultants. Interwoven with HRchitect’s core principles, Erica provides a practical roadmap for companies entering their HR software implementation journey.
Understanding HRchitect
HRchitect is a prominent consulting firm specializing in Human Capital Management (HCM). Their expertise in guiding businesses through the entire HR technology lifecycle has helped thousands of customers of all sizes and industries, strategize, select, implement and support their HCM systems over the past two decades.
More than half of their consulting team comes from a Human Resources practitioner background, allowing them to pair real-world knowledge with consulting expertise.
Erica, with an 11-year tenure at HRchitect, plays a pivotal role in leading the firm’s implementation practices and concierge managed support services. Erica, sharing her perspective on the company’s ethos, believes that HRchitect transcends conventional consulting; they are industry insiders who possess a deep understanding of the complexities of HR technology.
“At HRchitect, we’re not just consultants; we’re HR practitioners who have expertise with HR technology.”
Importance of Leadership and Work-Life Balance
Erica’s professional journey provides valuable insights into the qualities of an organization that matter. When discussing her move to HRchitect, she emphasized leadership and the company’s robust organizational culture, which places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, as the primary factors influencing her decision to become part of the team. In a field where consulting frequently involves exhaustive travel and burnout, HRchitect has always distinguished itself by offering remote work options – a rarity over a decade ago, showcasing the company’s forward-thinking approach.
“When I joined HRchitect, it was the emphasis on leadership and an environment that celebrated work-life balance which truly resonated with me.”
Global Footprint with UKG
Since 2006, HRchitect has firmly established itself as a premier resource for all things related to UKG.
UKG, having undergone recent mergers and acquisitions, has consistently pioneered advancements in HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions. As Erica pointed out, UKG’s recent expansion into global payroll through its acquisition of Immedis reinforces its formidable global presence in the HR industry.
“Our partnership with UKG is about more than technology. It’s about helping customers to drive genuine business transformations.”
UKG’s innovations align seamlessly with HRchitect’s implementation expertise, building synergies that ensure clients succeed.
Maintaining Consistency and Quality
HRchitect stands out among their peers for having the highest volume of customer reviews, consistently receiving five-star ratings and maintaining a remarkably low project team turnover rate. This level of consistency doesn’t happen by chance. According to Erica, the key to HRchitect’s success is their unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. They aim for long-term partnerships with their clients rather than short-term contracts. Their consultants, who are experts in the UKG ecosystem, bring extensive experience to the table, offering valuable guidance and effective solutions to clients.
“Our vision isn’t about wrapping up a project. It’s about weaving long-lasting relationships that thrive on trust, quality, and mutual growth.”
The Art of Hiring: HRchitect’s Approach
Hiring the right people for your organization is not just about finding individuals with the right skills, but also those who align with your company’s values and culture. Erica highlighted a noteworthy aspect of their hiring approach is that a substantial portion of their members have a background as HR practitioners. These individuals, who have firsthand experience in running UKG payroll processes from the client’s perspective, bring invaluable practical knowledge to the forefront.
These consultants can offer best practices and strategic insights derived from the dynamic nature of HR roles. In addition to their technical expertise, HRchitect places great importance on a strong cultural fit and a collaborative spirit when evaluating potential new hires.
“We don’t just hire for skill; we bring onboard individuals who’ve lived the HR journey and have faced and learned from its challenges.”
The Five Pillars of Excellence
Raven’s project evaluation framework for assessing customer experiences focuses on five key attributes: system expertise, implementation process, responsiveness, consultant quality, and flexibility & adaptability.
When it comes to responsiveness at HRchitect, effective communication is paramount to achieving success. Clients should feel heard, and regular interactions with consultants are instrumental in building trust. With an average of 10 years of expertise in HCM systems, HRchitect’s consultants ensure that clients are guided by experienced professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of the system. HRchitect’s ability to pivot and adapt is invaluable in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.
“For us, responsiveness isn’t just about answering a call. It’s about understanding, empathy, and timely guidance.”
Recognizing and Retaining Top Talent
A low project turnover rate often signals high levels of employee satisfaction, indicating that consultants are content and dedicated to their roles within the organization. At HRchitect, a culture of continuous recognition is cultivated through various means such as “shout-outs”, congratulatory emails, and rewards. This, coupled with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, fosters an environment where consultants not only excel but also thrive.
Employee retention speaks volumes about a company’s ethos. Erica reflected,
“Every ‘thank you’, every shoutout, every small token of appreciation – they’re not just gestures. They’re our commitment to going above and beyond for the people in our organization.”
Final Thoughts
For companies embarking on their HR software implementation journey, Erica’s advice is to prioritize long-term organizational strategy.
“Your HR software’s success isn’t in its implementation but in its alignment with your long-term vision and the change management your organization adopts.”
An effective change management process, coupled with comprehensive user training, lays the foundation for a successful implementation. A clear understanding of the current state is equally critical before envisioning the future.
Erica Niesse’s insights, interwoven with HRchitect’s core principles, provide an clear roadmap. HRchitect is a partner that isn’t just about consulting, but about relationships, expertise, and commitment.
“In the ever-evolving world of HR, we don’t just navigate change; we architect it.”
To find out more about HRchitect and read their 130+ reviews, visit here.
HRchitect is vendor agnostic. One of HRchitect’s founding principles was to always do what is best for our clients, and we’ve remained true to that since 1997. HRchitect doesn’t take commissions or referral fees from vendors, nor have we ever received financial backing from vendors. Why is this important? It means when we work with your organization, we have your best interests at heart, not our bottom line.
QWhere is HRchitect located?
HRchitect is a remote company with the administrative staff located in Frisco, Texas. We have consultants located in all time zones across the United States and Canada.
