Introduction

relokate HR, a startup based in Germany, embarked on a mission to revolutionize the international talent relocation process to Germany. This complex process, often entangled in bureaucratic hurdles, can deter talent and complicate business operations. By developing a web platform that offers clear visibility and tools to navigate the relocation process smoothly, Relokate HR aimed to bridge the gap between German companies and skilled professionals worldwide.

Challenge

When we came on board as relokate HR's technology partners, the company was facing several challenges. The platform had been in development for over a year, with little progress to show for it. The problem statement was quite simple, but the product vision and business goals were getting lost in the process of building the product. There was minimal real bottom-line impact, and no plan in place to ensure the platform would meet the needs of relokate HR's customers.

Process

When we began working with Relokate HR, the project was in a state of disarray. Development work was stalled, and the goals for the platform were unclear. Here's how we addressed the situation:

• Enterprise Solutions: These are comprehensive platforms designed for large-scale operations and typically offer a full suite of services, including customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and risk management. Companies like NICE Actimize and Oracle Financial Services are notable players in this category.

  
  

• Mid-Market Solutions: These solutions are targeted at medium-sized businesses that need efficient KYC capabilities but with less complexity than those required by large enterprises. These platforms offer a good balance of functionality and ease of use, with less customization than enterprise solutions but more than basic tools. Examples include Clear View KYC and ComplyAdvantage.

  
  

• Basic Tools: Aimed at smaller businesses or startups, these tools provide fundamental KYC checks and are designed for ease of use with minimal setup. They lack the depth and breadth of features found in more comprehensive systems but are also less expensive and easier to implement. Players in this segment include IdentityMind and Trulioo.

  
  

• Bespoke Solutions: Often adopted by organizations with unique requirements, these solutions involve tailored processes that typically require significant internal effort. They are often not as scalable or efficient as automated systems but can be customized to specific operational needs.

Solution

We adopted a two-pronged approach to realign Relokate HR with its business objectives:

Phase 1: Codebase Handover and Platform Launch

Our initial focus involved negotiating a favorable exit with previous vendors, enabling a clear transition of the codebase. After auditing the existing code, we established a streamlined development roadmap with achievable milestones, enhancing the development pipelines. By prioritizing key features, reducing technical debt, and improving testing protocols, we successfully shipped the product within a month. This phase emphasized practical exposure, pushing the platform into customer hands quickly to refine based on real user feedback.

Phase 2: Operational Optimization

Our objective was to give relokate HR a competitive advantage by turning them into a leaner, more agile operator. After analyzing their workflows, we implemented automations and integrations that overhauled their operations, including:

• Developing an automated candidate portal for efficient and accurate document collection.

• Automated status updates for all parties on the relocation case progress.

• Reminders, follow-ups, and contextual help tailored to specific relocation cases.

To reduce dependency on vendors and empower them to customize their workflows, we focused on simplifying the system with low-code solutions like Airtable and provided extensive training for staff within a week. These strategic automations cut operational process times by 30%, enhancing visibility and communication between relocating individuals and companies.

Impact

Our partnership with Relokate HR yielded transformative results:

• Time-to-market: Reduced from over a year to just one month.

• Operational efficiency: Achieved a 30% reduction in manual process time.

• User adoption: Increased by 20% within three months post-launch.

Lessons Learned

From our journey with Relokate HR, we adopted several key lessons from our competitors:

1. Start with a clear vision: Understand your target customers’ needs before development to guide your efforts and ensure you deliver real value.

   
   

2. Get your product in front of customers early: Engage with your customers during development to gather feedback and validate assumptions.

   
   

3. Choose the right technology stack: Select a technology platform that fits your immediate needs and supports long-term goals, avoiding long, complicated development cycles.

   
   

4. Prioritize ruthlessly: Focus on core functionality that drives customer value, getting your product to market swiftly.

   
   

5. Align technology with business goals: Make technology choices that are driven by business objectives, reallocating resources to operations, sales, or other revenue drivers as needed.

Conclusion

Our work with Relokate HR exemplifies the critical role of a technology partner who integrates deeply with the client’s business landscape. This project was not just about building a platform; it was about enabling a business to thrive through strategic technological enhancements.

As Relokate HR continues to expand in the global talent market, we remain committed to fostering their success with a comprehensive, business-savvy approach to technology partnership.