Technology

The Workstream application service architecture supports the integration of existing Workstream and third-party applications into a manager's or employee's personalized workforce portal view. Workstream TalentCenter applications leverage a common security and authentication framework and can integrate with multiple ERP and other systems of record.

Workstream's application service architecture is integrated, yet modular, to address a full range of application functionality, security and scalability requirements. It comprises five logical layers – Security, Applications, Content, Platform Services and Enterprise Data Access - which are described below.

Security Layer

At the highest level, Workstream's Security Layer functions as the entry point to the underlying Workstream workforce management applications. The Security Layer comprises a single sign-on (SSO) capability that determines the role of the individual who is accessing the application(s) and which rights they have once they enter the Workstream application environment. As part of this process, the SSO performs all the required security, authentication and authorization required to ensure that only valid users access the applications. The security framework utilizes Sun Microsystems™ Access Manager and Directory Services technology for SSO, which enables robust access and authentication processing capable of federated integration with customer security systems using industry standard protocols. In a federated model end users authenticate once against their corporate security system and access the Workstream TalentCenter using a standard web browser and Internet connection.

Application Layer

The applications and services that drive Workstream's TalentCenter cover the entire employee lifecycle, allowing managers to handle the very basic to the most complex tasks associated with workforce management. These applications include Workstream Recruitment, Workstream Benefits, Workstream Performance, Workstream Compensation and Workstream Development. In addition to Workstream's core Workforce Management offerings, organizations can also integrate third-party and internally developed applications into the Workstream TalentCenter as well.

Content

The Workstream TalentCenter blends applications and relevant related content to create a complete and positive user experience. This is accomplished by using a next generation Knowledge Management system, the Workstream Communicator to manage and deliver personalized content and information to the employees and managers just when they need it.

• Workstream delivers over 5,000 pages of HR and benefits related content out of the box to help customers get up and running quickly.
• The Workstream Communicator also can utilize a variety of existing HR content in all different formats including Microsoft Word™, Adobe Acrobat™ and HTML to name a few.
• Workstream is also able to manage multi-lingual content within the Workstream TalentCenter including support for multi-byte character sets.

Workstream also provides a variety of performance-based content that can be used across the Workstream TalentCenter suite. The Workstream Competency Dictionary is the premier competency dictionary on the market today.

• Contains more than 9,000 functional and behavioral competencies
• Delivers more than 400 job descriptions and covering most organizations functional areas.
• Pre-packaged integration to over 10,000 SkillSoft™ courses to help customers execute on their enterprise learning strategies.

Platform Services

Workstream Communicator
The Workstream Communicator is a next generation Knowledge Management system that manages and delivers personalized content and information to employees and managers just when they need it. The Workstream Communicator is easy to use and provides an intuitive authoring environment that enables HR professionals to manage and deploy content without requiring expensive IT resources.

• Workstream delivers over 5,000 pages of benefits related content out of the box to help customers get up and running quickly.
• The Workstream Communicator also can utilize a variety of existing HR content in all different formats including Microsoft Word™, Adobe Acrobat™ and HTML to name a few.
• The powerful import capability allows customers very quickly repurpose existing content like Summary Plan Descriptions and deliver them back out to employees and shared services agents as personalized websites or tailored frequently asked question (FAQ) content.
• Workstream is also able to manage multi-lingual content within the Workstream TalentCenter including support for multi-byte character sets.

Workstream Competencies

Workstream Competency Dictionary - Workstream has worked with leading firms to develop the Workstream Competency Dictionary. The Workstream TalentCenter suite of solutions leverages this competency content including Workstream Performance and Workstream Development. The Workstream Competency Dictionary is the premier competency dictionary on the market today.

• Contains more than 9,000 functional competencies.
• Contains more than 60 behavioral competencies
• Delivers more than 400 job descriptions and covering most organizations functional areas.
• Contains links to more than 10,000 learning and development courses.
• Content is updated regularly to keep it current.
• Pre-packaged integration into major ERP systems including Oracle-PeopleSoft and others
• Can be deployed as a stand-alone competency solution as well.

Workstream Competency Manager– The Workstream Competency Manager helps give organizations the power to manage and customize Workstream’s own human capital content, and create your own. The solution saves companies time and money by allowing you to become editors rather than creators of competencies, roles and jobs. With Workstream Competency Manager, you can:

• Create and Edit Competency Definitions – Competencies can be added to the dictionary, or you can change existing competency definitions to meet your exact needs. Full competency definitions appear in pop-up windows.
• Create Competency Profiles – Within each job or position, you can identify human capital content required for performance management, development and succession planning.
• Manage Interview Questions – Manage and edit interview questions, including the 10 interview questions included for each of the 60 behavioral competencies. This ensures that your selection process focuses on the competencies and behaviors that best predict your top performance.
• Manage Learning Content and Links to Competencies – Learning activities including courses, e-Learning, and books can be linked to competencies to offer learning at the current proficiency level of the employee.
• Manage Other Human Capital Content – Comprehensive Job Profiles can include other employee attributes such as key job responsibilities, goals, certifications and licenses, education, and other requirements such as willingness to travel or work location – important for human capital practices such as hiring and performance management.

Enterprise Data Access

Workstream's TalentCenter Architecture integrates with the leading, commercial enterprise software products, including Oracle-PeopleSoft and SAP. This allows direct employee access to information and services deep inside of their system of record. It integrates equally well with corporate databases, legacy hosts and remote third-party service providers. Workstream utilizes XML to exchange information between the applications and data contained within persistent storage.

Data Protection

To ensure the highest levels of security for any employee or manager using Workstream applications, a comprehensive, redundant security approach targets and protects all Workstream applications and individual employee and company data. In doing so, Workstream systems are protected from compromise and both physical and electronic attacks.

Workstream servers are maintained in a secure physical environment that ensures 24/7 client access. Workstream's data center facility offers the widest range of physical security features, including state-of-the-art smoke detection and fire suppression systems, motion sensors, 24/7 secured access and security breach alarms. Access to the facility is granted only to pre-approved members of the Workstream team, and is granted only after presenting positive picture identification to on-site security. Identity and access authority is validated using on-site computer systems.