From fax machines to Artificial Intelligence: Reflections on the HR tech journey

Sometimes walking down history lane can be sweet and help you catch a breath on how things have evolved. Over the past few years, drastic developments have happened in every field, and it’s true in the HR tech world too. The HR tech universe has transformed from using papers and fax machines to chatbots, AI, and more.??

So, as we kickstart this new quarter and step into this beautiful month of July, here is a quick recap on how HR technology has evolved over the years. Whether you are a baby boomer or a Gen Z, there is something in stock for each of you in this edition of Skillology.

So, why don’t we get started??

Papers to fax machines: HR tech before the 1990s??

Long before automation and employee databases came into the picture before the 1980s, organizations relied on handling HR processes manually. For instance, in talent acquisition, recruiters advertised jobs in newspapers, and applicants would send in hard-copy applications. Moving on to sending confidential documents and files (including offer letters), HR professionals relied on postal services until fax machines gained prominence in the 1980s.??

Things started to change in the 1970s when the first Application Tracking System (ATS) was developed. Although it was helpful, HR professionals still had to handle job applications manually in one way or another, as resume parsing and other processes weren’t available. Along with ATS, another striking development in HR tech was the development of the first Human Resource Management System, PeopleSoft, in 1987.?

World Wide Web to Learning Management Systems: Developments in the 1990s??

Yes, the World Wide Web (WWW) launch was a game-changer in the HR universe. It brought in elements of globalization and digitalization, further aiding with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for HR professionals. When we look at talent acquisition, in 1994, Monster launched its first recruitment website. This was a blessing for recruiters in reaching out to a broader talent pool. Additionally, the developments in the Intranet assisted HR professionals in handling their activities.??

Alongside the developments in talent acquisition, the 1990s saw changes in learning and development (L&D). One of the notable contributions is the launch of learning management systems and their increased adoption. Although these systems weren’t as sophisticated as the ones we have now, they brought a transformation into managing L&D activities.??

Internet, Intranet, People Analytics, and more: The changes at the beginning of the new millennium?

Even before we stepped into the new millennium, the number of Internet users worldwide touched 400 million. And as we moved forward, this number further rose, and several new advancements came in. Along with the Internet, the Intranet gained prominence in the 2000s. The Intranet helped HR professionals and organizations manage internal communications efficiently.??

Besides, in the 2000s, there was an increase in the adoption of employee self-service HR technologies and people analytics systems. By the way, it was during this time, in 2003, LinkedIn was founded, becoming the first professional social media platform.??

Live chats, HR portals, and enhanced management of HR functionalities: HR tech advancements in the 2010s??

Technology brought in robust changes in every HR functionality in the 2010s. From streamlining recruitment processes to improving employee experience, HR tech played a critical role in each of these layers. Organizations started to rely on holistic solutions and make data-driven decisions in hiring, developing, and managing talent.

Some of the critical developments include cloud-based HR solutions, HR portals for broadcasting information, live chats, chatbots, etc. They helped enhance employee/candidate experience, increase the ROI of different HR activities, automate and improve L&D activities, focus on data insights, etc.??

Artificial Intelligence, Gen AI, and more: 2020s, the days we are in, and beyond??

There is nothing more to say about the changes brought to the world of HR technology by the pandemic. As we stepped into this new decade, HR tech underwent a drastic digital transformation, especially with AI, automation, remote communication tools, talent management tools, etc.

The drop of OpenAI’s generative AI tool, ChatGPT, and several other gen AI tools have further transformed HR functions. As we move forward, AI-powered HR tools like skills intelligence will take a front-row seat in helping organizations take a skills-first approach and perform activities like skills gap analysis, mapping, benchmarking, etc.??

So, as an HR professional, why not keep up with the tech advancements and be a part of the change???

That’s all we have in stock for today. Let’s know in the comment box how HR tech has transformed your journey as an HR professional.??

Until next time!?