SuccessDay helps fast-growing Solmax with HRIT package selection
These are demanding but very exciting times for the HR function. As CHRO of Solmax, Martin Tanguay now enjoys a seat at the table where strategic decisions and orientations are taken. We do see a trend in the market where HR and IT are at the heart of business strategies as now seen, and rightly so, as generators of value and competitive advantage in the tightest labor market ever and the great post-pandemic challenges ahead.
Solmax is about to make a choice for a new HRIT system, which should provide the organization with optimal support to achieve its ambitions now and in the future. The Dutch company SuccessDay helped the North American organization with the package selection. “They understand technology and look at things differently. I like that.”
HR is a generator of competitive advantage
We are currently living in an interesting, challenging time for the HR community, argues Solmax’s CHRO. That started with the corona pandemic. “An event you couldn’t prepare for. No one had ever experienced anything like it.” As soon as the lockdowns were announced, Martin’s phone was red hot. The CEO, his HR colleagues and employees from all over the world wanted to hear from him, “What now? On the one hand, business continuity had to be guaranteed, as customers expected products to be in stock as usual. On the other hand, as a CHRO, he had to guard the safety of his people. “I slept badly the first month. I laid around a bit worrying,” he looks back.
At the same time, Solmax grew tremendously just before, but also during the pandemic after several acquisitions (see box). Martin: “We have offices all over the world, and after the corona outbreak they all had to deal with different situations, different laws and regulations, and they all took their own measures. As CHRO, I had to bring order to the chaos, and that was quite a challenge.”
Another challenge is the rapidly increasing staff shortage. “After the pandemic, the labor market has become much tighter. The situation in Canada and the US is perhaps even more serious than in Europe and Asia-Pacific. We feel the war for talent here very much. I estimate that it has become at least ten times more complicated to attract talent and recruitment costs are skyrocketing.”
A true business partner
He thinks this is not only because of the rapidly changing market conditions, but also because HR knows how to sell itself better and is better able to demonstrate its added value. “I am fortunate to work for an organization that is led by someone who understands the importance of technology and people to the future of our business. Our CEO – certainly not an average CEO – truly values the input and contribution of his CIO and CHRO given a lot of our challenges and opportunities revolve around technology and people.”
I am now at the boardroom table because we need people to adapt the organization to this new reality
Adaptation and innovation, serving the customer as best as possible, being the best employer, working on long-term customer relationships… it can no longer be done without IT, according to the Solmax-CHRO. “I am now at the boardroom table because we need people to adapt the organization to this new reality. People are the most important asset of organizations. The realization is beginning to dawn that HR is more than a supporting and facilitating organization. HR is a generator of competitive advantage, so it is right that we influence the vision and strategy of organizations.”
Bringing HR into the 21st century
So Solmax has grown rapidly in recent years. It now employs more than 2,200 staff in 10 countries. The IT landscape has been a hodgepodge because of all the acquisitions. For example, Solmax was suddenly stuck with 5 different ERP platforms. The CIO is working hard on a strategy that should lead to more standardization and integration. That also applies to the systems used by the various HR departments. When Martin came on board, an HR management system was not yet in use anywhere and almost everything was done in Excel. Martin: “All reports were still made manually, but with our current size that really wasn’t possible anymore. We had to bring ourselves into the 21st century.”
In North America, Ultimate Kronos Group’s HRIT solution, UKG Ready, was chosen in 2020. The rollout took 10 months and was ready in May 2021. “At the time, that was a game changer for us. But in the meantime, the system no longer met our needs and requirements, because we’ve grown so incredibly fast and want to integrate and streamline things further.” Through channels Martin came into contact with Bas Eggelaar of SuccessDay, who knew the CEO of the acquired TenCate. It clicked right away and they decided to join forces to supervise the selection process of an HRIT system that would be rolled out worldwide. A platform that would meet Solmax’s needs and requirements now, but also in the future. “We haven’t grown up yet and don’t want to select a platform that won’t be adequate in three years. We’re going for a good, future-proof solution.”
Martin Tanguay, Chief Human Resources Officer Solmax
Two options
Business Development Manager Ruben Stavast came on board on behalf of SuccessDay and was tasked with exploring two options. The first option was to go to the market and select the best option for Solmax. The second option was to investigate what the current supplier could do for Solmax. Ruben: “The main suppliers all deliver an excellent product. Solmax had already committed to a 3-year deal with UKG, which we could possibly upgrade to the most advanced solution (UKG Pro). UKG was certainly open to this and was willing to make an interesting offer.”
Under Ruben’s leadership, Solmax entered into discussions with UKG. A small team was assembled from Solmax (two HR directors, an HR specialist Compensation and an HR specialist Talent) that made a comprehensive analysis of what it was up against in the current system. All wishes and needs were mapped out over the past few months and then use cases, demos and workshops were used to see if UKG Pro could meet them.
I think it’s important to approach people with a different view of things. That sometimes creates friction, which often produces the best results.
Friction produces best results
“We are currently in the completion phase. We will soon make a decision: will we go for UKG Pro or not? Everyone in the team has to feel comfortable with it. There are still a few things to be validated”, says Martin. He is pleased that SuccessDay is advising and supporting them in the package selection process. “They know what is available on the market and understand the technology. Because of SuccessDay, we now know in advance exactly what the system can and cannot do for us. In addition, it’s nice that they have a different cultural background. If I had hired a Canadian consultant, they would probably have thought the same way we do. I think it’s important to approach people with a different view of things. That sometimes creates friction, which often produces the best results.”
After a ‘go’, Solmax will start preparations at the end of this summer and the kick-off is then scheduled for early 2023. A big bang approach is unlikely to be the way to go. Martin: “We are considering two options: either rolling out a few modules worldwide, followed later by the rest, or a full rollout in one region, followed by the others.” Martin also sees an important role for SuccessDay in the preparatory phase and the implementation of the system. “It’s nice to have an independent party with a lot of expertise standing next to you. They can help us manage the project, ask difficult questions at the right time and help with change management issues.”
Solmax hopes to soon have a robust database of information about all of its people that meet all privacy and compliance laws. “It’s time for HR to really embrace technology. We need to become much more data-driven. Don’t make assumptions, because then you’ve been seen.”
About Solmax
Solmax has now existed for almost five decades. Its acquisitions of GSE and TenCate Geosynthetics have made it the world’s largest manufacturer of geosynthetics. Originally a North American company, it has more than 2,200 employees and plants in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Solmax’ geosynthetics are used in critical applications by the biggest names in mining, petroleum, waste management, construction, agriculture and irrigation, civil engineering, hydraulic and environmental works, infrastructure and transportation. Solmax’ vision is to advance the geosynthetics industry by creating products that are more reliable, stronger, resistant to contaminants, and accessible everywhere.
