Process automation - beyond the ATS - become an expert

The ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is often blamed for poor processing of candidates but in reality this is missing the point.

I have implemented/worked with many different systems and they vary accordingly; as does the attitude and quality of the post sales support.  But that aside, with technology becoming highly configurable by the User, it is up to the User to become an expert rather than assume/rely on the ATS Vendor.  For example, I use Salesforce and whilst I do actually get great support from SF it is as much down to me to know how to use the system as it is for them to 'teach me'.

The ATS Vendor has done their job by selling you capability and it is now down to the User to work out how they can deliver.  The Vendor is neither rewarded nor penalised for failure (they know some clients will change at some point so this is budgeted for somewhere!) whereas HR are measured on their success of whatever this is.  There will of course be new systems built on the basis of 'we can do a better job...' but in my view that is missing the point. 

So, you can build a great factory (hence the image) but if you don't get your incoming quality and subsequent processes right then the factory will be of no help; regardless of how good it is.  This may sound like a great excuse for the Vendors but Google offer little if any support so people have no option but to become at least proficient.  And in this economy who wants to be blaming someone else for failure?!