Best of Breed Project

1
Best of Breed Project

• Two goals
• Compare a wide variety of HRIS products
• Collect and share this information in a database
• Each individual will collect information on
  several products
• Each group will prepare a report on the best of
  breed within a product category

2
Where to get information?

• Start with the HRIS product directories
• in your course pack
• on the web
• Contact vendors via phone or email
• Get all the info they will send
• Get demo versions if possible
• Each student should be able to do at least 5

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The HRIS Product Database
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This database was created as an LIR828 term
project

• The HRIS Product Database was created by Aggie
  Tran, Kim Johansen and Akio Tsuchida
• It is a good example of what you could accomplish
  as an LIR828 term project
• But dont expect to do a web interface unless you
  already know how -- it can be a lot of work!

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Product information form
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Definitions of fields

• Some are self-explanatory (e.g., product name)
• Product Function an overall description of what
  the product does (NOT an evaluation of how well
  it does it)
• Starting Price a description (not necessarily a
  number) that says what the least cost version of
  the product would be

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More fields

• Demo available? Is demo software available from
  the vendor (Yes or no)
• Intranet enabled? Does the product have a WWW
  interface? (Yes or no)
• Employee size Is there a size range that is
  most appropriate for this product?
• Note that for many products, this is irrelevant,
  because they do not store employee records

8
Editorial/research fields

• Student Editor enter your name here (so you get
  credit for your work)
• Date of editing when did you enter the data?
• Research source(s) List all of the sources you
  used product brochures, corporate web site,
  product reviews, etc.

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Entering product functions

• Product functions will be used to search and
  select records from the database
• Choose functions from the combo box
• If you need to add a function, go to table
  maintenance
• Describe how the product performs each function
  that you enter. The default is contact vendor
  for details

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Client/server platforms are tricky
Client OS Platform e.g., Win95, Mac OS
Server OS Platform e.g., WinNT, Unix, AS/400
network
Database e.g., Oracle, Sybase...
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Entering Platforms

• A stand-alone program only needs the Client
  OS filled in
• A client-server database (like HR/Vantage) needs
• Client OS (OS for the client software?)
• Server OS (OS for the server software?)
• Database (what databases can be used to store the
  data for this application?)

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Data Entry Strategy

• See if the vendor is there.
• If not, enter the vendor first
• See if the rest of the look-up terms are there
• Operating systems
• Databases
• Product functions
• If not, you will need to enter them

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Accurate Descriptions are Vital!

• This information will be published on the WWW
• Need to differentiate rumor and opinion from
  actual product function/performance
• When in doubt, you can enter contact vendor for
  details

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Tabs at bottom for Product Functions and Platforms
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Vendor information is entered on a separate form
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Lookup tables have separate forms
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Product Functions
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Operating Systems and Databases
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Reports have a separate menu
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Full Product List
Note this information is not complete!
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Vendor List
Note this information is not accurate!
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Database Structure