Sofgen Case Study
SOFGEN needed a new HR system that would streamline processes and provide powerful functionality for disparate users across the globe. Cascade rose to the challenge and using a consultative and flexible approach developed a system that brought immediate and ongoing benefits to SOFGEN.
Who is SOFGEN?
SOFGEN is a niche consultancy specialising in Private, Commercial and Retail Banking. The group was founded in Geneva in 1999 and now operates globally with main offices in Geneva, Chennai, Singapore, London and New York. The company has expanded from 120 employees in 2007 to over 300 today and operates with a 12 strong global HR Team.
What did SOFGEN need?
To support its continuing worldwide expansion SOFGEN had an urgent need to streamline its HR processes. Day-to-day administration tasks were being completed manually taking up valuable time. SOFGEN had a number of additional requirements specific to its own business model such as the need to match consultants to client requirements and the ability to see allocation of resources across a number of countries instantaneously.
Why SOFGEN chose Cascade?
SOFGEN was looking for a future-proofed software solution that could satisfy challenging criteria. The company needed a software partner who could offer a structured approach so as to meet aggressive timescales in addition to challenging training needs.
SOFGEN Global HR Director Pritul Khagram explains, 
“Cascade took the time to understand our complex requirements. The company’s consultants gave helpful advice and we were impressed with the level of customer service we received, which greatly surpassed that of the competition.”
Cascade’s solution
Cascade undertook a very thorough analysis of our needs discussing in detail all aspects of the functionality required. This analysis underpinned the solution design and was vital to the accurate configuration of the system. In addition to the solid foundation provided by Cascade’s consultants a flexible approach was taken in response to SOFGEN’s rapidly expanding business.
The Cascade modules implemented include:
• Core HR— The platform which provides SOFGEN with Cascade’s base HR functionality.
• System Designer – allows SOFGEN to choose exactly how data is to be recorded.
• Workflow – ensures that all users employ correct workflows in order to streamline HR processes and maximise efficiency
• Self Service – gives SOFGEN staff the ability to update their own records, and request holidays and authorised absences. This functionality is ideal for staff on the move in different geographies and in different time zones worldwide.
• Recruitment – helps SOFGEN manage its recruitment process by reducing administration whilst helping to identify the very best candidate for each role.
The Benefits
Following the integration of the new Cascade system, SOFGEN is finding that tasks that previously took hours can now be completed in minutes. Pritul Khagram who worked closely with the Cascade team to project manage this assignment from the outset says, “Thanks to the new system, many of the tasks we previously undertook which involved manual updating of records held on multiple spreadsheets can now be done via the system automatically by just a couple of clicks of the mouse”. He continued, “As a result our key HR staff are now saving approximately one day per week each. That equates to around 3,000 hours – or up to £40,000 – saved each year, meaning the software will have paid for itself in less than 16 months.”
Other areas of the system are providing further benefits. “While our HR function is based in the UK we in fact have consultants working on projects all over the world. Because the software utilises .NET technology and can therefore be accessed via Internet Explorer we have been able to roll it out with ease to users across the globe” says Pritul.
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