The construction industry has often been accused of lagging behind in its Human Resources practices. Perhaps because a large proportion of the workforce was subcontracted, HR didn’t seem to be a business priority. Where IT was used at all for HR, it was based on generic systems supplied by specialist personnel software suppliers. If anything this tended to isolate the HR function even further from the core of the business.

Well times seem to be changing. Two of the UK’s largest and most successful house builders are now committed to the use and development of the COINS Human Resources (HR) module.

In May 2007 Persimmon plc made the decision to implement the COINS HR module. This follows on from the successful 2006 implementation of the module at Barratt Developments.

Whilst one of the key drivers of their decisions was the need for a solution that integrated seamlessly with COINS Payroll, both have recognised that an HR solution which integrates with their business software brings other distinct benefits.

Basic personnel processes – holidays, sick leave, maternity benefit - can easily be standardised. Managing people however is driven by the unique needs of the business and the industry sector it is in – assessment, training, qualification, regulation.

Suzanne Chandler, Regional HR and Training Manager for Kings Oak, part of the Barratt Group comments, ‘Implementation of COINS Human Resources was a challenge because of the relative newness of the module in comparison to other parts of COINS, but the business was convinced of the benefits that would be delivered by an integrated solution. We have worked closely with the COINS development team to ensure that the product will do what we need it to and the partnership has operated very effectively. We are now operating live with the COINS HR module and continue to work with COINS to develop further enhancements and reporting solutions. The benefits of the implementation are already being enjoyed, by HR staff and other employees alike, throughout the Barratt Group.’

Persimmon’s IT Director, Rob Holden, and his team worked closely with Group HR Director Richard Latham to develop a statement of requirements prior to evaluating the COINS software. Rob says, ‘We were not unhappy with our existing HR software but the need for a solution that worked seamlessly with the COINS payroll was an overriding consideration. We were pleased, if not surprised, to identify that the COINS product, out of the box, is a very close match to our requirements. I have stated before that the COINS software fits our business like a glove and I am confident that the HR module will add further to an already very strong product portfolio.’

Two other fast-growing and profitable house builders, McInerney and Weston Group have also already made the decision to implement COINS HR.