Where next for the ATS?

Every time I hear from someone that they are about to implement an ATS it's like hearing from someone who's about to have their first baby.  On one hand you congratulate them and assuming you are already a parent, you 'pity' them not knowing what it is REALLY like!

As any parent knows, kids are great but if only we could find the off button now and then.  And if we could have our time again, who knows if we would make the same choices. (Of course we would)  Anyway, having an ATS is not much different.

• Rarely do as you ask.
• It controls you, not you it.
• Cost a fortune, constantly.
• Always need something new.
• The latest toys are always needed to make them work.

So, if you could have your time again where would you start?  What if you were an ATS developer - where would you start?  How about taking a leaf out of Stephen Covey's book and 'begin with the end in mind' i.e. the reports.  So often the biggest gripe I hear about an ATS is the poor reporting capability and the constant response being "We now offer integration with Cognos etc".

Next time anyone thinks about changing their ATS they may want to have a long hard think about what they are changing to and what it is they really need.