HR Software Solution Guide: Why Hire a Consultant?

Navigating the maze of HR software options can leave anyone scratching their head, wondering how to go from “we need a system” to “this actually works.” Picking a new Human Capital Management (HCM) or HR Information System (HRIS) is no small task.

The good news is you don’t have to go it alone.

At Digital Directions, we know how challenging HR tech procurement can get. That’s why this blog breaks it down, showing how a consultant can transform a daunting process into a win for your business. Dive in to see why expert guidance can be a total game-changer.

Why HR Software Procurement is a Big Deal: Your Team’s Counting on It

Choosing an HR system isn’t just a routine decision—it shapes how a business operates for the next decade or more. The impact is profound.

Select the right software, and the rewards are significant: seamless integration with existing tools, satisfied employees, and compliance concerns put to rest. However, the opposite can—and often does—occur, leading to costly missteps.

With decades of experience in the HR space, the Digital Directions team has encountered countless cautionary tales. Companies have been dazzled by promises of cutting-edge features, only to discover the software fails to meet core needs, includes unnecessary extras that inflate costs, or doesn’t integrate with other systems—despite assurances from persuasive salespeople. The result? Wasted time, money, and patience.

From a technology perspective, this is arguably the most critical decision any people leader can make for their people and organisation—a responsibility that carries considerable weight. The HR software industry is growing rapidly, with over 200 vendors vying for attention, each touting their latest offerings with polished sales tactics. It’s no surprise, then, that Gartner’s 2024 report found 60% of HR managers expressing uncertainty about navigating emerging technologies.

HR leaders face a challenging landscape: tight deadlines, expanding workforce demands, compliance pressures, and outdated systems. An experienced consultant can cut through the clutter, guiding organisations to technology that aligns with their specific needs and goals.

Vendors Are Selling HR Software—Consultants Aren’t

When discussing your next HR tech purchase with vendors, it’s crucial to keep in mind what you’re investing in—HR software is a growth vehicle for your organisation. To extend this analogy, software offerings range from top-of-the-line Ferraris to the more economical and practical Toyota Camrys.

Note that there are also less reliable options—akin to clunkers—but a key advantage of engaging a consultant is access to a pre-vetted selection of best-in-class software vendors with outstanding reputations.

Every vendor believes their software will benefit your business, and many offer exceptional, high-quality products—that’s why they pitch with such passion. However, just as a Ferrari is impressive but not suited to everyone, and a Camry’s reliability won’t help if you need a 4×4, the right choice depends on your organisation’s unique requirements.

Engaging with a vendor without first consulting an HR tech specialist can lead to several pitfalls:

• Core needs aren’t addressed despite sales pitch promise
• Redundant, overlapping functionality leading to unnecessary overspend
• Complex integration challenges with inadequate tech support
• Stalled upgrade process and failures require you to redo the whole process
• Overspending on software which deliver poor ROI

As consultants, Digital Directions takes a deep dive into your organisation, uncovering your core needs and we identify what is required to drive growth and achieve business objectives. Our tailored approach saves time, reduces the hassle of vendor negotiations, and mitigates the risks of critical software decisions. By leveraging extensive HR tech expertise and a trusted partner network, Digital Directions ensures you find the perfect growth vehicle—software that performs flawlessly from the moment you start it up.

Evidence Supports Hiring a HRIS Consultant

Hiring a tech consultant typically yields:

• Higher project success rates and faster implementation (3-6 months vs. 6-12+ months). [1]
• Cost savings of 20-35% reduce overall costs by upwards of AUD $60,000 like our recent client.
• 50-60% confidence boost in decision-making [2]

Not hiring one risks:

• Lower confidence, increasing the likelihood of costly do-overs. [2]
• 66% budget overruns, with potential 20-30% overspend on software. [3] [4]
• 53-33% experienced schedule overruns [3][4]

How Digital Directions Simplifies HR Software Procurement with Our Proven 5 Step Process

Our consultants are here to streamline the process, save you time, and ensure you land the perfect HR software—Here’s how we do it, step by step:

Step 1: Discovery & Needs Assessment

We kick things off by getting to know your business inside and out to understand your business goals, pain points, and HR tech requirements. Identify key stakeholders and align on priorities. Assess current systems, integrations, and future scalability needs. Develop Ideal Vendor Profile (IVP)

Step 2: Market Scan & Shortlisting

Leverage our expertise to filter the overwhelming number of HR tech options. Identify solutions that align with your needs, budget, and long-term strategy. Provide an unbiased shortlist of the best-fit vendors.

Step 3: Vendor Engagement & Evaluation

Develop structured RFPs (if needed) or facilitate direct vendor comparisons. Manage vendor interactions, ensuring you stay in control of the process. Guide demo evaluations, helping you see past sales pitches to assess real capabilities.

Step 4: Due Diligence & Commercial Negotiation

Conduct deep-dive reviews on pricing, contracts, and implementation scope. Uncover hidden costs, lock-in risks, and service-level commitments. Negotiate on your behalf to secure the best deal and favourable terms.

Step 5: Decision Support & Roadmap Planning

Provide data-driven insights and risk analysis to support your final decision. Develop an implementation roadmap to ensure a smooth transition. Align internal teams to maximise adoption and long-term success.

Why Pick Digital Directions?

When it comes to HR software, plenty of consultancies can help you pick a system—but Digital Directions goes further. We’re not just about finding the right tool; we’re a one-stop shop that handles tool procurement, system implementations, and system integrations, all under one roof. That’s our unique edge, and it’s a game-changer for Aussie businesses. Here’s why it matters and how our experienced experts make it work.

What sets us apart is our end-to-end approach. With Digital Directions, you’re not left juggling multiple vendors or piecing together a disjointed process. Our seasoned procurement specialists—experts who’ve seen every trick in the vendor playbook—nail down the perfect software match for your needs. Then, our implementation gurus, who’ve rolled out HR systems across industries, step in to ensure a smooth launch with minimal disruption. Finally, our integration pros, armed with deep technical know-how, tie it all together, making sure your new HR tech plays nice with your existing setup.

The benefits? For starters, you save time and dodge headaches. Instead of coordinating separate teams or crossing your fingers that the software sticks, you get a seamless experience from start to finish. Our cross-domain expertise means fewer missteps—whether it’s negotiating a killer deal, training your team like champs, or troubleshooting tricky integrations, we’ve got the know-how to get it right. Plus, with veterans in each field guiding the way, you’re tapping into years of real-world experience, not just theory.

Choosing Digital Directions means partnering with a crew that’s as invested in your success as you are. We’re not here to hand you a software box and wave goodbye—we stick around to make sure it works, fits, and powers your business forward. That’s the Digital Directions difference.

Learn about our approach to Tool Procurement

Read about the success we achieve with Our Clients

Signs It’s Time to Chat with an HR Tech Consultant

Not sure if you need help with your HR software search? Here are a few telltale signs it’s time to call in the experts at Digital Directions:

• Your Team’s Drowning in Manual Work: If your HR crew is bogged down with spreadsheets and repetitive tasks, a better system could free them up.
• Software Options Feel Overwhelming: Too many vendors, too little clarity? That’s a cue you need someone to cut through the noise.
• Growth Is Outpacing Your Tools: If your business is scaling fast and your current setup can’t keep up, it’s time for an upgrade.
• You’re Wasting Time on Bad Fits: Spending hours on demos only to realise the software’s a dud? A consultant can spot the mismatches early.
• Unfamiliar with New Software Trends: Your curious to explore the latest trends for HR software in 2025.

If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait—Digital Directions can help you find the right HR tech without the headache.

Let’s Nail Your HR Tech—Together

HR tech doesn’t have to be a slog. Digital Directions turns it into a win—streamlining hiring, payroll, and tools your team will love. They’ve done it for countless Aussie businesses, and you’re next. Ready to ditch the hassle?

Grab a free, no-pressure chat with our friendly founder Jack Hewitt today—because your time’s too valuable to waste.

More About the Founder: 

Jack Hewitt, founder of Digital Directions, brings over a decade of expertise specialising in selling, implementing, and managing HR systems. His experience includes six impactful years with Brisbane-based tech unicorn, Go1, where he became an expert in aligning HR technology with strategic business goals. Jack’s commitment to empowering businesses has established Digital Directions as a trusted partner for mid-enterprise organisations seeking effective HR solutions. Relationship-driven and people-first, Jack excels in building lasting partnerships and delivering user-focused solutions that support organisational success.