The Capacity Project adopts a two-prong approach to implementing software solutions for managing human resources information:
The approach for each country is based on a thorough HRIS assessment conducted before we begin work. The assessment provides a complete picture of how HR information is currently collected, managed and reported, the tools and processes that are already in place for managing HR data, and the gaps that need to be addressed to meet the most pressing needs of that country.
Rarely has the Capacity Project gone into a country and found no HRIS in place. Even a system consisting of paper forms can represent a functioning HRIS. The Project improves and expands existing systems rather than replacing what is already working for the country. Where there is a paper-based system, an electronic register can be implemented. Where an electronic register is already in place, a simple database can be built. Where there is a simple database, that database can be progressively strengthened or expanded.
The goal of this iterative strengthening methodology is to ensure that every country or organizational program can benefit from the Project's HRIS strengthening process regardless of resources. Data collectors and managers, technical support staff and decision makers can receive training at each stage, become comfortable wiht the new system and then take the next step when they are ready. Proceeding in iterative steps thus lessens the impact of too much change too quickly, while ensuring that each 'step' progresses toward the goal of a mature and complete solution.
The Capacity Project iHRIS (integrated Human Resource Information System) suite comprises three core software solutions to the most critical health workforce planning and management issues:
Working together in a country setting, these three systems provide a powerful feedback loop for analyzing, planning and managing workforce resources and needs. Since all three solutions use the same core programming, database architecture, and supporting hardware and software systems, once one is fully deployed, the other two can be added at a significantly lower cost. Each of the three systems may also be deployed independently or integrated with software products already in place to provide a customized, contextual solution for the country, filling in any gaps that existing systems may have left.
Distributed as Open Source code under the General Public License (GPL), all three products can be downloaded, used and modified with no licensing fee. We can distribute our software at minimal cost and users can continue to improve their systems without paying onerous licensing or upgrade fees. We envision that by employing Open Source technologies, a global support community will emerge to voluntarily support the software, answer questions, provide fixes and even develop new modules.