Point of view matters in building great software
In building EmployPlan, we had a point of view that there was a significant gap in the approach that most resource management systems have been taking. Traditional resource management systems, which rely heavily on job titles, certifications, and availability, are designed primarily to meet the task work of resource managers - identifying which resources are available and at the right cost and job code for the project needs. This approach helps manage the cost and staffing needs to some degree, but it completely misses the requirements of the project leader - does this resource have the experience and skills to do this specific job well? These systems overlook the crucial factor of real-world experience, leading to project delays, cost overruns, and compromised outcomes and, well, panic in your project delivery teams.
EmployPlan takes a different approach, focusing not just on certifications but on demonstrated skills and delivery experience. This shift in perspective marks the end of “fake it until you make it” approaches where people exaggerate their skills based solely on certifications or theoretical knowledge. By moving beyond titles and tests to track hands-on experience, EmployPlan helps businesses avoid costly project mishaps and ensures that the right expertise is deployed every time.
Picture this scenario: a resource is assigned to your project, certified in a particular technology, and confidently claims expertise. But once they’re on the job, it becomes clear that their experience is minimal at best—they've "faked it until they made it" based on passing tests, not real-world application. Now, instead of focusing on project delivery, they’re trying to get up to speed, costing you valuable time and pushing your budget into the red.
This kind of situation is all too common with traditional resource management systems that focus on certifications alone. The person may have passed a test, but without practical experience, they struggle to deliver. As a result, the project team is left to deal with delays, recover from the skills gap, and manage the fallout of underperformance—all of which erode margins and damage client relationships.
EmployPlan eliminates this risk by emphasizing not only what skills a person has learned but how much experience they have actually applying those skills. This focus on demonstrated expertise stops the reliance on “fake it until you make it” hires and ensures that every resource has the hands-on capability to deliver.
How EmployPlan Bridges the Gap with Key Features
EmployPlan addresses these challenges with a range of features designed to ensure that resources are assigned based on **real experience**, not just certifications or titles. This results in more effective project staffing, reduced risks, and improved profitability. Here are some of the key features that make this possible:
1. Tracking every project at a skill and hours of delivery level
EmployPlan doesn’t just track certifications—it tracks how much time a person has actually spent working with specific skills in real-world settings. For example, a developer might be certified in JavaScript, but EmployPlan will also show whether they have logged significant hours working with frameworks like React or AngularJS on actual projects. This level of tracking ensures that resources are not only available but also fully equipped to succeed in their roles.
By focusing on demonstrated experience, EmployPlan helps businesses eliminate the risks associated with resources who overstate their abilities based on tests alone. Instead of finding out too late that a resource is struggling to apply their knowledge, project managers can confidently assign experts who have proven they can deliver.
2. Precise Skill and Experience Descriptions in Project Creation
EmployPlan allows project managers to define roles based on specific skills and experience, not just generic job titles. Rather than assigning a broad title like “Front-End Developer,” project creators can specify the exact technologies, frameworks, and experience levels needed for success. This precision ensures that the right person with the right expertise is placed on the job from day one.
For instance, instead of relying on a JavaScript certification alone, the system can specify "3+ years of experience with AngularJS" for a particular role. This level of detail dramatically reduces the likelihood of project delays due to a mismatch in skill sets, making sure that resources have real-world expertise in the exact tools needed.
3. Automatic Resource Matching
EmployPlan’s automated matching system goes a step further by using these precise skill requirements to automatically find the best resources for each project. This ensures that resources are not just qualified on paper, but also experienced in delivering with the required skills. By removing the manual guesswork, EmployPlan helps teams avoid costly mismatches and ensures the right talent is allocated efficiently.
For example, when a project requires a full-stack developer with Node.js and MongoDB experience, EmployPlan instantly matches resources who have not only been certified but have a track record of working with these technologies in real project environments. This reduces onboarding time, improves project efficiency, and ensures that resources aren’t learning on the job at the project’s expense.
4. On-the-Spot Training and Mentoring
In cases where resources need to close small skill gaps, EmployPlan offers the ability to assign **instant training** or connect employees with **mentors**. This proactive approach ensures that resources continue to grow their expertise while still delivering on their current projects. If a team member needs more experience with a tool like Kubernetes, for instance, they can quickly access relevant training modules or connect with an experienced mentor, minimizing the learning curve without derailing the project.
This level of support helps ensure that “fake it until you make it” scenarios—where resources are unprepared for the demands of the role—are avoided, and any skill gaps are addressed swiftly and effectively.
Operating at the Level of Demonstrated Skills: A New Business Perspective
By focusing on demonstrated skills and real-world experience, EmployPlan enables businesses to operate from a more informed and strategic perspective. Here’s how this approach improves delivery success, reduces risks, enhances margin management, and provides actionable insights for workforce planning:
- Improved Delivery Success
Assigning resources based on proven experience helps project teams avoid inefficiencies and risks from unqualified personnel. Teams with real-world expertise deliver more efficiently, need less oversight, and handle challenges better, leading to successful outcomes and satisfied clients. - Reduced Project Risks - By ensuring only experienced resources are assigned, EmployPlan reduces project delays, rework, and cost overruns, allowing managers to confidently staff projects with proven capabilities.
- Enhanced Margin Management- Aligning resources with their skills and experience speeds up project completion and improves quality, protecting margins by reducing overruns and delays. EmployPlan’s training and mentoring optimize talent, minimizing the need for costly external hires.
- Identifying Bench Skill Gaps for Development and Hiring - EmployPlan’s experience tracking reveals workforce skill gaps, enabling strategic planning for development and hiring. For instance, if there's a shortage in Kubernetes expertise, businesses can train current employees or hire new talent. This proactive approach helps avoid last-minute staffing issues.
Ending "Fake It Until You Make It" with EmployPlan
The days of relying on certifications and titles as stand-ins for real-world expertise are over. EmployPlan redefines resource management by focusing on demonstrated skills and delivery experience, ensuring that resources are not only available but are fully equipped to deliver. This shift in perspective—away from “fake it until you make it” approaches—protects project timelines, reduces risks, and helps businesses manage margins more effectively.
By providing detailed skill tracking, precise project role descriptions, automatic matching, and on-the-spot training, EmployPlan gives both HR and delivery teams the tools they need to assign the right people to the right roles, every time. This approach not only ensures better project outcomes but also helps organizations plan for future growth by identifying skill gaps and fostering employee development.
With EmployPlan, businesses can finally move beyond just role and multiple-choice tested skills and into a model where real-world experience drives success.
