Key Interval Research: The Ideal Vendor Relationship

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Key Interval Research: The Ideal Vendor Relationship

Topics: HRExaminer, John Sumser, by John Sumser

photo background with text overlay saying The Ideal Vendor Relationship

We were totally surprised by the fact that nearly 80% of practitioners are satisfied with the software they use in their work.

William Tincup and I formed the analyst firm Key Interval to do a new kind of market research. The HRTech Industry Analyst universe is composed of companies that compare and contrast the feature sets of services and software on the HRTech Landscape. It’s important work that focuses on the differences between software and solutions. The goal is to clarify what is for sale by whom.

In general, SaaS (the idea that software is a subscription delivered in real time) makes functionality differences between vendors something of a moot point. With switching abilities well facilitated, customers can get a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t in real time. It is our view that the difference between vendors has more to do with service ethics and the overall relationship.

That’s why we did our first formal research on the topic of “The Ideal Vendor Relationship“. Very recently, we released our first 60 plus page report on the topic of standard practices in Vendor relationships.

We discovered some amazing things. (For details, listen to HR Examiner Radio Show Episode 86).

We were totally surprised by the fact that nearly 80% of practitioners are satisfied with the software they use in their work. Only 20 ish percent think that even some of their tools are crummy. Even more, we discovered that practitioners like their relationships with HRTech vendors.

image of pie chart from KeyInterval Research report on Ideal Vendor Relationship

When John Zappe from ERE read the report, he noted a series of myth busting discoveries like those two.

There are a range of possible ways to conduct a relationship with a vendor. How you decide to go forward is a decision rooted in complexity and criticality. It’s possible to have a very excellent and effective relationship with a tech vendor that is essentially passive. The report offers case studies at the opposite end of the spectrum: the vendor and practitioner blur the lines and optimize the software development process.

We even included a case study in which someone screwed it up.

The report offers a different point of view designed to make practitioners more effective by illuminating what’s possible. It’s a whole new approach to industry analysis focused on the needs of practitioners.

About the author

John Sumser

John Sumser is a principal analyst for HRExaminer, an independent analyst firm covering HR Technology and the intersection of people, tech, and work. John’s mix of experience over the course of his career gives him a broad and unique perspective on the industry. Like anyone trying to process a lot of information, he is two or three steps ahead in some areas and still learning about others. Sumser’s work includes deep research into the nooks and crannies of HR Technology to identify and explain rapidly evolving trends. Built on a foundation of engineering, design, and philosophy, John’s seeks to understand and advise clients on where their technology works best, for whom, and in what context. Each year, John examines the insides of hundreds of companies, their products, and ecosystems. He delivers vendor analysis by building the framework from which to deliver the critique. He is constantly connecting and making visible the front end of change. He can help you see the path of evolution and the risks on the journey. The HRExaminer is Sumser’s vehicle for understanding and explaining the inner workings of the industry. With three weekly podcasts, and written commentary, he covers emerging ideas, the state of the industry, and the executives who operate it.

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