Why an HRIS Director/Manager needs a good contractor

As an HRIS Director/Manager your ability to take the data in your HR systems and transform it into information for making business decisions about human capital makes you a valuable resource and business partner. Spending your time in system configuration does not.
This is where leveraging contractors come in. First I want to define what I mean by a contractor. A contractor is a resource who can complete the task; perform the work. They are not showing you how to do the work, or suggesting better ways to get your work done. They know the system you are asking them to perform work in and know it very well.

You do need to understand your data, and fundamentally the processes around your data so that you can clearly create specifications for your contractors. Then turn the work over to them.
Just provide them with access to your environment, and they work from wherever they are located. No travel, no need to procure a desk, phone,or PC. Just work.

Do not confuse this with a more traditional consulting engagement, where a person, or persons are hired to be part of a larger project team. The contracting engagement is a specific activity, usually shorter in duration that is very well defined.

Finding a good contractor and building a relationship with one is relatively easy these days. With Internet sites like Dice.com; LinkedIn and even leveraging your Facebook contacts, you can find a resource that will work within your budget.

Many HRIS Directors/Managers spend far too much of their time being the project resource. Become a more valued resource to your organization and learn to leverage contractors.