SumTotal Systems - Detailed Review
Business Tools
SumTotal Systems - Product Overview
SumTotal Systems Overview
SumTotal Systems is a comprehensive cloud-based management solution that streamlines workflow, enhances collaboration, and manages various aspects of human capital and workforce operations.
Primary Function
SumTotal Systems is primarily used for project management, human capital management (HCM), and workforce management. It centralizes project-related information, simplifies project planning, task management, and resource allocation, and provides tools for learning management, talent management, and workforce management.
Target Audience
SumTotal Systems is designed for businesses of all sizes, but it is most often used by large organizations with over 1,000 employees and revenues exceeding $1 billion. The software caters to a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and computer software.
Key Features
Project Management
- Streamlined project planning and task management
- Efficient resource allocation
- Advanced reporting and analytics tools to gain insights into project performance and productivity
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for organizing and prioritizing tasks
- Integrated messaging features for team communication
Human Capital Management (HCM)
- Includes modules for talent acquisition, learning management, talent management, and workforce management
- Supports onboarding, career planning, performance management, succession planning, and compensation
- Integrates with large content libraries, such as Skillsoft, and supports standards like xAPI and CMI5
Workforce Management
- Integrated time and attendance tracking with multiple timesheet options
- Scheduling by employee, job, or role, ensuring the best person is assigned to tasks
- Absence management for tracking time away from work, including sick and vacation days
- Mobile time entry and scheduling for increased productivity and convenience
Integrations
- SumTotal Systems integrates with various third-party applications, including OpenSesame, ServiceNow, Zoom, Twilio, Microsoft Teams, Skillsoft, and WebEx
Conclusion
Overall, SumTotal Systems is a versatile tool that helps organizations manage their workforce and projects more effectively, ensuring productivity, compliance, and employee engagement.
SumTotal Systems - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of SumTotal Systems
The user interface of SumTotal Systems, particularly in its learning management and talent development solutions, is crafted to be user-friendly, intuitive, and highly customizable.
Ease of Use
SumTotal Systems is known for its easy-to-deploy and easy-to-use platform. The SumTotal Growth Edition, for example, can be set up within hours, allowing users to access online training quickly. This rapid deployment ensures that employees can start using the system without a steep learning curve, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
Customization
The user interface of SumTotal Systems can be extensively customized to align with the organization’s brand and learning initiatives. This customization goes beyond just branding with company colors, fonts, and logos; it involves creating a user interface that reflects the organization’s visual identity, language, and tone of voice. Custom widgets can be used to include various forms of content, such as courses, live events, and learning paths, ensuring that the learning experience is engaging and relevant to the learners.
User Experience
The overall user experience is enhanced by the flexibility and modern design of the platform. SumTotal Systems provides a fully flexible user experience, allowing learners to easily capture, create, manage, and share knowledge. The system is designed to meet the learners’ needs, ensuring high engagement and satisfaction. For instance, the platform offers dynamic reporting, end-to-end support, and access to comprehensive eLearning libraries, which help in building new skills and managing compliance risk.
Intuitive Interface
The interface is intuitive, with features such as drag-and-drop task management, visual representations of project progress, and integrated messaging. This makes it easy for users to organize and prioritize tasks, communicate with team members, and monitor project progress effectively.
Consistency and Branding
To ensure a cohesive experience, the user interface can be customized to maintain consistency with the organization’s corporate website. This includes consistent fonts, colors, and messaging, which helps learners make a strong connection between the learning content and the organization.
Conclusion
In summary, SumTotal Systems offers a user interface that is easy to use, highly customizable, and focused on delivering a positive user experience. This makes it an effective tool for organizations looking to enhance their learning and talent development initiatives.
SumTotal Systems - Key Features and Functionality
SumTotal Systems Overview
SumTotal Systems offers a comprehensive suite of HR and talent management solutions that are enriched with various features and functionalities, including several AI-driven components. Here are the main features and how they work:
Learning Management System (LMS)
SumTotal’s LMS is a central component of its talent development solutions. It allows organizations to manage and deliver learning content throughout the employee lifecycle. This system includes features such as:
- Course Management: Administrators can assign courses to categories, manage certification templates, and ensure compliance with certification expiration notifications and due date reminders.
- Content Syncing: SumTotal integrates with other platforms like Udemy Business and Skillsoft to sync courses and content automatically, ensuring learners have access to the latest materials.
AI Features
SumTotal incorporates several AI features to enhance learning and talent development:
- Adaptive Learning: This feature adjusts the learning content based on the learner’s performance and preferences, providing a more personalized learning experience.
- Intelligent Recommendations: AI-driven recommendations suggest relevant learning content to employees based on their roles, skills, and learning history.
- Predictive Analysis: This feature uses data to predict learning outcomes and identify areas where employees may need additional support or training.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP is used in chatbots and other interactive tools to improve user engagement and provide support.
Performance and Compensation Management
SumTotal links performance management, compensation, and succession planning processes to learning management and workforce management data. This integration enables:
- Real-Time Performance Metrics: HR teams can monitor employee performance in real-time, which helps in making informed decisions about compensation and succession planning.
- Centralized Tracking: Managers and executives can view team and organizational insights to support skill development across the business.
Workforce Management
SumTotal’s Workforce Management solution provides a complete view of the workforce, helping organizations manage risk and reduce costs. Key features include:
- Total Process Automation: Automates workforce management processes to optimize top and bottom-line growth while maintaining compliance.
- Mobile Accessibility: The solution is accessible across all mobile and tablet operating systems, allowing employees to manage their work efficiently from any device.
Analytics and Data Accessibility
SumTotal offers advanced analytics and data accessibility tools:
- Workforce Analytics: Provides insights into team metrics and workforce data, linking performance management, compensation, and succession planning processes.
- xAPI Tracking: Integrations with platforms like Skillsoft enable near real-time tracking of learning completions, assessment scores, and time invested by learners.
Compliance Management
SumTotal includes features to manage compliance effectively:
- Certification Expiration Management: Automatically notifies users of certification expirations and due dates, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Soft/Hard Stop Due Dates: Sets due dates for compliance training, ensuring that employees complete required training on time.
Authentication and Security
SumTotal ensures secure access through various authentication methods:
- SAML 2.0 SSO: Provides secure single sign-on access, automating user management and offering a seamless user experience.
- Active Directory/LDAP Integration: Allows for integration with existing directory services for user authentication.
Professional Services
SumTotal offers professional services to help organizations implement and optimize their HR solutions:
- Consultants: Experienced consultants provide frequent touch points and recurring services to ensure long-term business outcomes and keep pace with changing business objectives.
These features collectively help organizations streamline their HR processes, enhance employee engagement, and drive talent development through innovative and personalized learning solutions.
SumTotal Systems - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating SumTotal Systems in AI-Driven Business Tools
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of SumTotal Systems in the AI-driven business tools category involves examining several key aspects of their products and services.
Performance
SumTotal Systems, a global leader in talent acquisition, onboarding, learning management, and talent management, demonstrates strong performance in several areas:
Talent Development and Skills Gap Analysis
The SumTotal Skills Blueprint, powered by Lightcast, provides market-informed job and skills data. This helps organizations streamline talent development solutions, including internal mobility and career development, by offering real-time, market-validated skill taxonomy. This enhances the ability to conduct faster gap analysis and more focused development efforts.
Interview Scheduling and Recruitment
SumTotal’s recruiting solution, powered by AI, streamlines interview scheduling by integrating everyone’s schedules and available meeting rooms. It ensures a consistent and compliant interview process through standardized templates and questions, which is crucial for fair hiring practices. This AI-driven approach speeds up the hiring process and improves the experience for recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates.
Performance Management
SumTotal’s Talent Development suite includes Performance and Goals Management, Continuous Feedback, Succession Planning, 360 Feedback, and Compensation Management. These tools capture real-time feedback linked to specific goals and competencies, making performance discussions more meaningful and motivating. This comprehensive approach helps in identifying skills gaps and building necessary capabilities to optimize performance.
Accuracy
The accuracy of SumTotal Systems is supported by several features:
Market-Informed Data
The Skills Blueprint relies on market-level analytics from Lightcast, providing accurate and up-to-date data on jobs and skills. This ensures that talent development efforts are based on real market demands, enhancing the accuracy of skills gap analysis and development plans.
Standardized Processes
The use of interview templates and standardized sets of questions in the recruiting solution ensures consistency and compliance in the hiring process. This reduces the risk of bias and ensures that all critical skills and competencies are reviewed accurately.
Real-Time Feedback
SumTotal’s performance management tools capture real-time feedback, which helps in making accurate assessments of employee performance. This feedback is linked to specific goals and competencies, ensuring that performance discussions are accurate and relevant.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While SumTotal Systems offers advanced AI-driven solutions, there are some areas to consider:
Data Quality and Privacy
Ensuring sufficient data scope and quality is crucial for the effectiveness of AI tools. Organizations must balance data privacy and security with the need for rich, fresh data to gain better insights. SumTotal emphasizes the importance of respecting data privacy and security concerns while ensuring employees have ownership over their data.
Bias in AI Algorithms
AI tools can reflect the biases of their programmers. SumTotal and its users need to be aware of this and take measures to counteract AI bias, such as using equity-focused approaches and modeling studies to design for equity.
Interpretability and Generalizability
Like many AI systems, SumTotal’s tools may face challenges related to the interpretability and generalizability of AI algorithms. Ensuring that these algorithms are transparent and can be applied across different contexts is essential for their long-term effectiveness.
In summary, SumTotal Systems demonstrates strong performance and accuracy in talent development, recruitment, and performance management through its AI-driven solutions. However, it is important to address potential limitations such as data quality, bias in AI algorithms, and the interpretability and generalizability of these algorithms to ensure optimal outcomes.
SumTotal Systems - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure of SumTotal Systems
The pricing structure of SumTotal Systems is not explicitly outlined in a simple tiered format, as the pricing is highly customized to meet the specific needs and size of each organization.Custom Pricing
SumTotal Systems does not offer a one-size-fits-all pricing plan. Instead, the cost is determined based on the unique requirements of your company. You need to contact SumTotal Systems to get a custom pricing quote that aligns with your organization’s needs and size.No Standard Tiers
There are no predefined tiers or plans listed, such as basic, premium, or enterprise levels. The pricing is configured in partnership with the client to address their specific learning and talent management needs.Free Trial
While there is no free version of the software, SumTotal Systems does offer a free trial. This allows potential users to test the features and functionality before committing to a purchase.Licensing Models
SumTotal Systems can be acquired through different licensing models, including one-time purchased licenses and subscription-based models. However, the specifics of these models, including any differences in features or costs, are not detailed publicly and would need to be discussed directly with SumTotal Systems.Conclusion
In summary, to get accurate pricing and to understand the features included in your customized plan, you would need to contact SumTotal Systems directly for a quote. SumTotal Systems - Integration and Compatibility
Integration Capabilities
External Learning Content Providers
SumTotal integrates with several external learning content providers to enhance its functionality. For instance, the integration with Udemy Business allows companies to sync courses, track course progress and completions in real-time, and provide strategic centralization of upskilling initiatives. This integration also ensures dynamic content syncing, updating Udemy Business courses on an automated daily schedule, and provides actionable insights for managers and executives.Skillsoft Integration
Another notable integration is with Skillsoft, which enables near real-time xAPI tracking for all Skillsoft learning paths and content within SumTotal. This integration automates content management, allowing administrators to select and push content to SumTotal, and tracks all learning completions, assessment scores, and time invested by learners.Compatibility with Browsers and Devices
Supported Browsers
SumTotal is compatible with a range of web browsers, including Microsoft Edge (Chromium), Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari. However, it does not support Internet Explorer or Edge in Compatibility Mode. The recommended browser versions include Edge (Chromium 88.x), Firefox 88.x, Chrome 90.x, and Safari 13.x and 14.x.Device Compatibility
In terms of device compatibility, SumTotal supports various mobile and tablet devices. The SumTotal Suite is accessible via the SumTotal App on iOS (13.x and 14.x), iPadOS (13.x and 14.x), and Android (9.x, 10.x, and 11.x) devices. It also supports Windows 10.x devices, including laptops and Microsoft Surface Pro devices. Tablets must have a resolution of at least 1024×768 and are supported only in landscape mode.Hardware and Client Requirements
There are no specific hardware requirements for running the SumTotal Suite, as long as the client’s machine can run one of the compatible browsers. However, the operating systems and browsers have their own minimum hardware requirements. For example, Java is required for certain processes in Learning Management and Talent Management, such as playing Skillsoft courses and saving performance forms for offline viewing.Third-Party Requirements
SumTotal has been tested with various third-party tools and software, including assistive technologies and browsers. It supports the latest updates for client-side system requirements but excludes major updates involving significant technology changes. For Learning Management, additional third-party client software may be needed for attending live sessions or accessing specific features like ToolBook Neuron courses. In summary, SumTotal Systems offers extensive integration capabilities with external learning content providers and ensures broad compatibility across various browsers, devices, and platforms, making it a versatile and user-friendly solution for HR and talent management. SumTotal Systems - Customer Support and Resources
SumTotal Systems Support Overview
SumTotal Systems offers a comprehensive range of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize their business tools, particularly in the AI-driven product category.Support Channels
For support, users can utilize the SumTotal Connect online portal to submit support incidents. This portal is the primary method for reporting any issues or seeking assistance.Telephone Support
SumTotal provides telephone support across various geographic regions, including the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and specific countries like the UK, Japan, Australia, Singapore, and India. Each region has designated phone numbers and support hours.General Inquiries
For general inquiries or comments that are not related to support incidents, users can interact with the CEBO chatbot located on the SumTotal Connect platform. Non-customers can send their requests to the email address contactsupport@sumtotalsystems.com.Additional Resources
Integration Support
SumTotal offers detailed support for integrations, such as the integration with Udemy Business. This integration includes features like course syncing, real-time reporting on course progress and completions, and secure single sign-on (SSO) access. These integrations are designed to streamline learning and skill development processes.Skills Blueprint
SumTotal has introduced Skills Blueprint, a market-informed recommendation engine developed in partnership with Lightcast. This tool provides market-level analytics on jobs and skills, helping organizations streamline talent development solutions and make informed decisions about internal mobility and career development.AI-Powered Tools
SumTotal’s solutions, such as those for interview scheduling, are powered by AI to standardize and streamline processes. For example, AI-driven interview templates ensure consistency and compliance in the hiring process.Learning Management System (LMS) Resources
SumTotal’s LMS offers resources like the SumTotal Intelligent Assistant (SIA), which delivers contextual learning at the precise moment of need. This includes access to videos, courses, books, and audiobooks, making learning seamless and efficient. By leveraging these support channels and additional resources, users can maximize the benefits of SumTotal’s AI-driven business tools and ensure a smooth and effective user experience. SumTotal Systems - Pros and Cons
When Considering SumTotal Systems
When considering SumTotal Systems as a business tool, particularly in the area of talent management and learning, there are several key advantages and disadvantages to be aware of.
Advantages
Comprehensive Solution
SumTotal offers a wide range of modules, including Recruiting, Onboarding, Learning Management, Performance, Succession, and Compensation, all integrated into a single platform. This allows organizations to manage the entire employee lifecycle efficiently.
Learning Management
The Learning Management System (LMS) ensures that the workforce is compliant and has the necessary skills to meet market demands. It features microlearning capabilities through the SumTotal Intelligent Assistant (SIA), providing learning resources at the precise moment of need.
Flexibility and Scalability
SumTotal is flexible and scalable, making it suitable for small and mid-size businesses as well as larger enterprises. The Growth Edition for small and medium businesses can be set up quickly, enabling rapid access to online training.
Candidate Experience
The Recruiting module delivers a powerful candidate experience, making it easy for candidates to search or be matched with positions that fit their desired role and skillset.
Performance and Feedback
The system includes tools for regular performance feedback and employee evaluations, helping employers manage employee performance effectively.
Disadvantages
User Interface
One of the significant drawbacks is the user interface, which some users find not very user-friendly. It requires more clicks than necessary to complete simple tasks, and the admin system can be cumbersome to use.
Reporting Issues
Users have reported that the reporting features are complicated, which can make it difficult to generate and customize reports.
Redundant Features
Some users have noted that there are buttons and features that do not serve any purpose, which can clutter the interface and confuse users.
Deployment Options
While SumTotal offers both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options, the choice may depend on the organization’s specific needs and preferences, which could be a consideration rather than a straightforward advantage.
Conclusion
In summary, SumTotal Systems provides a comprehensive and integrated solution for talent management and learning, but it may require some adjustment due to its user interface and reporting challenges.
SumTotal Systems - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing SumTotal Systems with Competitors
When comparing SumTotal Systems with its competitors in the HR and talent management sector, several key aspects and unique features come to the forefront.Unique Features of SumTotal Systems
SumTotal Systems stands out for its comprehensive and integrated approach to talent management. Here are some of its distinctive features:- Integrated Modules: SumTotal offers a single platform that combines recruiting, onboarding, learning management, performance management, succession planning, and compensation modules. This integration allows for seamless data flow and a holistic view of employee development.
- Contextual and Pervasive HR Solutions: SumTotal’s HR software links performance management, compensation, and succession planning to learning management systems (LMS) and workforce management data, providing real-time metrics and analytics to improve employee performance.
- Dynamic Content Syncing and Reporting: Through its integration with platforms like Udemy Business, SumTotal ensures that learners have access to the latest content and that course progress and completions are tracked in near real-time.
Competitors and Alternatives
Juno Journey
Juno Journey is a competitor that specializes in employee development within the learning and development (L&D) sector. It offers a suite of tools focused on employee growth and development, but it may not have the same level of integration across various HR functions as SumTotal.eloomi
eloomi combines a Learning Management System (LMS) and a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) to focus on learning and development. While it offers a strong LMS, it might not match SumTotal’s breadth of integrated HR modules.Darwinbox
Darwinbox specializes in human capital management and offers cloud-based HR solutions that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning. It provides a wide range of HR functions but may have a different focus compared to SumTotal’s emphasis on learning and development integrated with other HR processes.Cornerstone
Cornerstone is another significant competitor that offers a comprehensive talent management suite, including learning, performance, and succession planning. However, its approach and integration capabilities may differ from SumTotal’s, particularly in how it syncs with external learning platforms like Udemy Business.Saba Software
Saba Software provides talent management solutions with a strong focus on learning and performance management. While it offers many of the same functionalities as SumTotal, its integration with external content providers and real-time analytics might not be as extensive.Key Differences and Considerations
- Integration and Centralization: SumTotal’s ability to integrate various HR functions and sync with external learning platforms like Udemy Business sets it apart. This centralization can streamline processes and provide a more cohesive view of employee development.
- Real-Time Analytics: SumTotal’s real-time reporting and analytics capabilities, especially in tracking course progress and completions, are a significant advantage. This feature helps in making timely and informed decisions about employee development.
- Scalability and Flexibility: While competitors like Darwinbox and Cornerstone offer scalable solutions, SumTotal’s flexibility in configuring solutions to match unique business needs is a notable strength.
SumTotal Systems - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about SumTotal Systems, along with detailed responses to each:
What is SumTotal Systems and what services does it offer?
SumTotal Systems is a global leader in talent acquisition, onboarding, learning management, and talent management solutions. It provides a unified, comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) solution that spans the entire employee lifecycle. The platform includes four main HR Suites: Talent Acquisition, Learning Management, Talent Management, and Workforce Management, all integrated on a common platform.
What industries does SumTotal Systems serve?
SumTotal Systems serves a wide range of industries, including airlines, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology. It supports highly regulated and complex enterprise organizations as well as small and medium-sized businesses.
What is the SumTotal Learning Management System (LMS)?
The SumTotal Learning Management System ensures that your workforce is compliant and has the necessary skills to meet market demands. It offers a modern, engaging, and consistent learning experience, with features like content agnosticism, detailed analytics, and reporting. The system can track learning from various providers and deliver it seamlessly across different devices, including mobile and tablet OS.
How does SumTotal support employee development and upskilling?
SumTotal has launched a product called Skills Blueprint in partnership with Lightcast, which provides market-informed job and skill data. This tool helps organizations identify skill gaps, enhance internal skills data, and support upskilling, reskilling, and talent development efforts. It also facilitates internal mobility and career development by breaking down traditional career paths and enabling employees to access various opportunities within the organization.
Can SumTotal be used for extended enterprise learning?
Yes, SumTotal offers Extended Enterprise capabilities that allow organizations to provide training to customers, partners, and vendors. This feature delivers a secure, private environment for these external learners to access courses, product training, virtual classrooms, and certifications, which can also serve as a potential new revenue source.
How does SumTotal integrate with other content providers?
SumTotal is content agnostic and partners with leading content providers, including Skillsoft, to deliver content seamlessly. It supports content aggregation using the latest standards such as xAPI and CMI5, ensuring that users have access to a wide range of learning resources.
What is the SumTotal Mobile App and how does it enhance learning?
The SumTotal Mobile App provides a personalized learning experience available on any device. It allows employees to access courses and content in the flow of work, both online and offline, increasing their engagement and productivity. The app also supports microlearning through the SumTotal Intelligent Assistant (SIA), which delivers contextual learning at the precise moment of need.
Is SumTotal suitable for small and medium-sized businesses?
Yes, SumTotal offers a solution called the Growth Edition, which is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. This edition is scalable, easy to implement, and can be set up within hours, enabling users to access online training quickly. It supports features like instructor-led training, webinar training, and additional learning resources.
What recognition has SumTotal received in the industry?
SumTotal has been recognized as a Strategic Leader in the Fosway 9-Grid™ for Learning Systems 2022. This recognition highlights SumTotal’s focus on customer success and its robust learning-centric talent development platform.
How does SumTotal support compliance and regulatory requirements?
SumTotal’s Learning Management system is designed to meet complex compliance and learning requirements. It delivers validated solutions to ensure that organizations meet their compliance objectives, particularly in highly regulated industries. The system provides detailed analytics and reporting to support these needs.
SumTotal Systems - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of SumTotal Systems
SumTotal Systems is a comprehensive learning and talent development solution that caters to the needs of complex, highly-regulated organizations. Here’s a detailed assessment of who would benefit most from using it and an overall recommendation.
Key Benefits and Features
SumTotal offers a unified suite that covers the entire employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, learning management, and talent management. This platform is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to build a culture of learning, which is crucial for growth, success, and business sustainability.
Target Audience
SumTotal is most suitable for large and medium-sized organizations, especially those in highly regulated industries such as technology, airlines, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. A significant majority (58%) of SumTotal’s customers have over 1,000 employees, indicating its suitability for large enterprises.
Industry Focus
The platform is widely used in industries like Information Technology and Services (12%), Computer Software (7%), Hospital & Health Care (5%), and Financial Services (5%). This specialization makes it an excellent choice for organizations within these sectors that need to manage complex learning and talent development processes.
Geographic Presence
Given that 73% of SumTotal’s customers are based in the United States, it is particularly well-suited for organizations with a strong presence in this region.
User Experience and Support
SumTotal provides a highly configurable learning and talent development solution, which is praised for its post-sale support and partnership. The platform helps automate HR processes, leading to greater productivity and better employee engagement. Additionally, the SumTotal Customer Circle program allows customers to network with peers, engage with industry analysts, and access exclusive events, further enhancing the user experience.
Recommendation
If you are part of a large or medium-sized organization in a highly regulated industry, SumTotal Systems is an excellent choice. Its comprehensive suite of learning and talent management tools can significantly improve your organization’s ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent. The platform’s strong focus on compliance, digital transformation, and career planning makes it particularly valuable for industries with stringent regulatory requirements.
In summary, SumTotal Systems is a powerful tool for organizations seeking to streamline their learning and talent development processes, especially those in complex and regulated sectors. Its extensive features, strong customer support, and industry-specific solutions make it a highly recommended choice for those looking to enhance their HR and learning management capabilities.