Bond Adapt FAQ's for the Adapt 'User'
Here is a selection of frequently asked questions which should answer the main questions you find in discussions about Adapt online - outside of our website.
If you have a specific question to ask, or would like to discuss the FAQs, please contact us on 01903 707070 or email james.payne@bond.co.uk
Is Bond Adapt right for me?
1. We need a new system to manage our database and support our business, but we are not sure where to start as there seem to be so many recruitment systems on the market. Could you suggest a few pointers?
Anyone looking to purchase a system needs to ensure that it meets their needs exactly, so identify these first.
Many of the software systems now on offer can be partly tailored, but our flagship Bond Adapt software is still the only software on the market that can be 100% configured. Adapt can be tailored to mirror the user's existing way of working, so the users don't have to fit their way of working around the system. Some systems may initially appear ideal, but they cannot be extensively changed or developed as a client's needs change or the business grows.
If you would like further commitment free, practical advice on how to kick start the process of finding a new recruitment system, then please contact James Payne, Business Development Manager on 01903 707070 or send an email to james.payne@bond.co.uk
2. How much does Bond Adapt cost to purchase?
Because of the configurable and modular nature of Adapt, it is difficult to give a price without knowing a little more regarding the scope of an opportunity - clients can choose from a range of hosting environments.
Whatever size of business you are, Adapt can support your needs.
For an obligation-free consultation with one of our Adapt specialists, please call us on 01903 707070, or email us at sales@bond.co.uk
3. What sized company do you need to be to run Bond Adapt recruitment software?
Bond Adapt has traditionally been the recruitment software product of choice for medium to large scale enterprises, due to its virtually limitless scalability and delivery platform.
However, as we have naturally picked up a lot of business from groups of consultants leaving the large agencies to set up small businesses of their own, we have developed a ‘shrink wrapped’ version of Bond Adapt for the small business user. This ‘version’ offers all the functionality of the enterprise versions as a hosted or in-house solution, at an affordable price.
4. Is Bond Adapt too complicated and too expensive for small agencies?
No, see above.
5. If I am a one user only set up, is Bond Adapt right for me?
Absolutely!
As mentioned above, we have packaged together a Bond Adapt solution for the small user market - which is very competitive on price. This ‘shrink wrapped’ version allows an SME sized company to take advantage of all the USPs of the large scale enterprise version of Bond Adapt.
6. Bond Adapt is fully web-enabled with comprehensive e-commerce capabilities. It is targeted at the following areas of the industry:
• Temp/back office system
• High Street
• Specialist
• HR/Managed services
• Executive search and selection
• Headhunting
• Careers/Connexions
• Increasingly, it is being used to power online job sites
7. What if I am exclusively an Executive Search/ Search & Selection agency – is Adapt right for me?
Bond Vantage is a release of Adapt which is dedicated to the executive search agency market. www.bondvantage.com
For further details about Bond Vantage, please contact James Payne, Head of Business Development, on 01903 707070 or email james.payne@bond.co.uk
8. Why choose Bond Adapt over a bespoke system?
Bond invests around 15% of its revenue, every year, in research and development of its technology platform and standard systems.
Bond Adapt comes ‘out of the box’ ready built with all the functionality required to run a successful recruitment business, whether temp, perm, contract or Executive Search- with the added bonus of being able to configure in your own requirements.
The configuration capabilities mean you can tailor your system in a way which will distinguish you from your competitors without the cost and risk of building a system from scratch.
9. Why are some systems on the market cheaper than Bond Adapt – or even free?
In a nutshell – you get what you pay for!
Bond invests significantly more into R & D and our support infrastructure than other providers. The platform you invest in with Adapt is capable of scaling from one user to thousands of users, which ultimately protects your investment. We are not matched on these capabilities by any other provider.
Choosing a cheaper provider would almost certainly mean moving to a more sophisticated solution eventually, and any initial investment could be offset by the cost and upheaval of having to change systems at a time when your business is growing rapidly
Lastly, in the current economic climate be aware of organisations heavily discounting their products - as it may indicate they are experiencing financial difficulties.
10. I have read that in 2008/09 Bonds Group spend on R&D was £4.633m (14.5% of Revenue) – but who does Bond listen to when looking for the rationale for developing the software?
Bond’s extensive Account Management team are always looking for feedback and new ideas to develop our systems, from existing clients.
We do our very best to adopt a holistic approach in terms of feature feedback. Obviously our client base is the main source of information, (we listen to clients across the breadth of our portfolio, ranging from the small user right up to the enterprise player), but we also take feedback from internal sources as well as the more generalist IT and recruitment sectors.
Bond also has a User Group, which is run by our clients. This User Group meet regularly to discuss issues and ideas with our product development team.
11. How can I see a Demo of the Bond Adapt Recruitment Software system?
To arrange an online demo of Bond Adapt, please call us on 01903 707070, send us an email to sales@bond.co.uk , or go to our ‘Request a demo’ page on our website: www.bondadapt.com
Bond Adapt – The Technology
12. What database does Bond Adapt run off – and why?
The Bond Adapt technology has been designed to be independent of a particular platform or database. Most businesses select either SQL or Oracle as a database platform, and Windows or Linux as an operating system.
If you would like some guidance on technology selection, please contact our team help focus your requirements on 01903 707070, or send an email to sales@bond.co.uk .
13. Is Adapt web based?
Yes!
We believe that a browser based application is the simplest and most efficient way to deliver an application to a user’s desktop. This also ensures that Adapt is ideally suited for the era of “cloud computing” - as there is no installed software on the individual desktop.
14. What platform/Technology is used to run Bond Adapt?
This is answered in more detail in the ‘Technical FAQs’ section. However, in a nutshell Bond Adapt runs primarily within a Java/J2EE or .Net environment on SQL or Oracle.
15. What system set up would be best suited to my business needs – Hosted (ASP) or non-Hosted (SaaS)?
Both are valid options. The answer to this really depends on your business needs.
To discuss this further, please contact one of our Adapt specialists on 01903 707070, or send us an email to sales@bond.co.uk
16. Can the database be linked to a client's website?
Yes, each Adapt system has the ability to be linked to a customer's website. This is particularly important for clients specialising in online recruitment.
17. Is Bond Adapt easy to set up?
Yes!
Bond Adapt is available ‘out of the box’ ready to use, or can be delivered using a configured software build approach to match your exact business processes.
To find out more about our implementation options, please contact one of our Adapt specialists on 01903 707070, or send an email to sales@bond.co.uk
18. What makes Bond Adapt different to every other piece of recruitment software?
Bond Adapt recruitment software has become the unrivalled market leader due to its virtually limitless scalability and delivery platform. In essence, Bond Adapt’s unique features include:
o Platform and Database Independence
o Open Integration Platform
o Multi-lingual & multi-currency, including non-Western characters
o Productivity-enhancing partner tools & external integrations
o Web Native
o Fully Configurable Workflow Engine
o Fully Configurable Interface
The nature of this configurability offers the benefits of a well-established packaged solution coupled with the ability to tailor the solution to exactly match existing working methods.
As the business grows and reacts to change, Adapt evolves as required: by using the ‘Adapt configuration toolkit’, any suitably privileged user can modify both the appearance and functionality of the system.
Furthermore, all such changes are made entirely within the configuration layer such that no source code changes are required, ensuring full compatibility with all future upgrades released by Bond.
The client has total control over the system, which can safely be considered as a long-term investment.
For more detail about the key differentiators of Bond Adapt, contact one of our Bond Adapt specialists on 01903 707070, or by email at sales@bond.co.uk
19. How configurable is Bond Adapt? What does the term ‘configurable’ actually me to me, the recruiter?
Bond Adapt’s main USP is its configurability - i.e. it can be tailored to suit a recruitment business’s individual needs by replicating any, and all required, workflows, interfaces, searching, reporting or compliance.
The Bond Adapt system is designed so it can be tailored by Bond, or by the client, to meet their individual requirements using the ‘Adapt configuration toolkit’. The application is configured without source code changes, making configuration quick and cost effective. As your business grows and reacts to change, Adapt evolves as required.
The unique flexibility of Adapt provides the recruitment company with a long term investment - as the system can be tailored not only as part of the initial implementation but also on an ongoing basis as and when a company grows, diversifies or needs to react to market change.
To find out how Bond Adapt can benefit your recruitment company, please contact one of our Adapt specialists for an obligation free consultation on 01903 707070, or by email on sales@bond.co.uk
20. Is there a limit to the size of the Bond Adapt database?
Adapt can process virtually unlimited amounts of data. We do recommend the use of approved back-up methods. These incorporate operational, hardware and software devices such as the use of an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and Raid technology.
21. Can you interlink branches?
Yes!
Bond's ability to complete global implementations successfully across multiple sites has been a significant factor in establishing Bond as the market leader in recruitment software.
22. Do you have to be IT savvy to use Bond Adapt?
Not at all!
Bond recognises the high turnover of staff in the recruitment industry, therefore the Adapt system has been designed to be highly intuitive, minimising the need for individual start-up training.
Similarly, our hosted ASP solution ensures that all of the hassle of running an in-house IT solution is taken care of by our specialist in-house team - leaving you free to run your business and concentrate on what you do best!
23. Can registration link straight to the database?
Yes, registration does link directly to the database automating the time-consuming processes previously used. CVs can be scanned in or sent via the consultant's website or email. This eliminates the need for any inputting by the consultant because details are automatically incorporated on the Adapt system.
24. How good is the CV parsing in Bond Adapt?
Generally speaking, most Adapt clients now rollout with Daxtra or Burning Glass as the parsing engines used to extract data from CVs.
Both Daxtra {http://www.daxtra.com} and Burning Glass { http://www.burning-glass.com/aboutus.html} are leaders in their field, with near-to-human accuracy in CV parsing capabilities. Both providers are responsible for developing some of the world’s most advanced solutions for extracting, analysing, reading and understanding data from CVs. However, we can also work with the provider of your choice.
25. Can I run Bond Adapt on my current IT infrastructure set up?
To ensure that your current IT infrastructure can support Adapt, we will need to evaluate the IT facilities which you have in place currently.
26. Is there a link to accounting and payroll systems for generation of invoicing?
Yes. Bond Adapt integrates with all accounting and payroll systems, including some that are bespoke or outsourced. We can also offer an outsourced payroll service specifically designed for recruitment agencies.
If you are looking for information about payroll solutions and how they can integrate with your front office systems, please contact us to find out about Bond’s Specialist Payroll services and software offerings, on 01903 707070, drop us an email at sales@bond.co.uk or click on one of the following links: www.bondpayrollservices.com
Bond Adapt – The Implementation Process
27. How long does it take to implement Bond Adapt?
Implementation times depend entirely on the installation services required by the client. The three main factors which affect the time frame are: Configuration, Data migration and Training.
For an obligation free consultation, please contact our team of Adapt specialists on 01903 707070 or by email on sales@bond.co.uk
28. What about data migration?
Bond employs a specialist dedicated team of data migration experts, who are experienced in mining data out of 3rd party applications and getting it into Bond Adapt.
We can evaluate data very quickly and advise you once we know how much effort will be involved in carrying out the migration.
For more information about our data migration process, please contact us today.
29. What level of training can be expected post-installation?
Each new client is assigned a project manager who will oversee the implementation of their Adapt system. Part of their role is to assess the training needs of the client and to liaise with Bond's in-house training department to arrange the appropriate courses.
A comprehensive range of courses is available. We usually recommend that all new Adapt users attend a two-day course in Using Adapt to ensure that they make the most effective use of the software. Depending on their existing IT skills, we also offer complementary courses in Windows and Microsoft Word for Windows 97 or later, as Adapt users will need to have an understanding of these packages.
Courses can be held at Bond's dedicated Training Centre at its UK headquarters, or at a client's premises.
A range of courses are available – contact us today for more information.
30. Who carries out the training at Bond for new clients? Do they have any experience of the recruitment industry?
The Bond Adapt system trainers, at Bond, are all educated to degree level and/ or have come from agency recruitment backgrounds. All of our trainers have CIPD/Training Foundation accreditation and thorough knowledge of the Adapt system.
Being a Bond Customer
31. Is there a Bond Adapt User Group I can become a member of when I am a customer?
Yes.
When you become an Adapt customer, we will give you details on how you can actively join the Adapt User Group.
32. What sort of technical support can be expected?
Once you become a Bond Adapt client, you can expect to receive a full range of pre and post sales support services including: comprehensive project management, hardware and software support; technical helpdesk and dedicated client account managers
33. What after sales support is offered?
o Dedicated 1st and 2nd line support teams
o Dedicated Technical services team
o Dedicated Account Management team
o Dedicated Business Services team
o Plus a customer led Bond Adapt User Group.
34. Once I become a customer, why will I need to consider upgrading my Bond Adapt system? And how much will it cost?
We endeavour to keep our clients on the latest systems we release to allow them to benefit from the latest technological advancements. However, this is not required if the client is happy with the release they are currently running. We support older versions for far longer than is standard within the software industry, and always encourage clients to upgrade at a mutually convenient point rather than set deadlines.
35. Am I still supported if I don’t take an upgrade?
Yes.
36. What are the ongoing costs when I purchase Adapt?
For non-ASP/On-Demand clients the only ongoing costs are the annual software maintenance fees.
At Bond we endeavour to be transparent with our pricing structures. This means that when you sign a contract with us – you know exactly what it is going to cost you, thus avoiding any nasty surprises after you have committed to purchasing Adapt .
37. What level of customer service can I expect?
Great customer service!!
Due to the size and longevity of our organisation we have established and proven processes across all areas of our business. To confirm this, recently Bond became the first recruitment software company in the UK to be accredited with the Quality Management System Standard – ISO 9001:2008. This international standard is only granted to companies that can firstly demonstrate the consistent provision of products that meet customer and statutory requirements, and secondly, provide consistent customer satisfaction through the application of strong processes.
Additionally, the main advantage of our size is that we can offer consistent customer service regardless of the peaks and troughs of demand arising from new business, whereas many of our competitors may be able to offer you their unrivalled attention briefly but then will have to focus all their resources on the next big deal.
If you would like to hear some fantastic testimonials, we are happy to arrange for you to talk to some of our customers. We also have a sample of testimonials for you to see on our website www.bondadapt.com
You heard it here first: Testimonials and Case Studies
38. Where can I find case studies and testimonials of customers’ experiences?
Publicity around some of our most significant customer wins, plus a sample of customer testimonials, can be found on our website and in industry trade press.
If you would like to see full versions of our latest client testimonials, then please contact us today.
39. Recent significant wins and system deployments
Recent Bond Adapt deployments have included those for major global enterprise clients, customers upgrading to the latest Adapt system plus a number of successful go-lives for small recruitment agencies.
Where available, we publish press releases around significant customer wins and system ‘go-lives’ on our website and in trade media.
Don’t hesitate to contact Bond today: we’ve got plenty of industry experience to share with you - and we are here to help you on your journey of finding the right system to power your business.
Bond Adapt FAQs for the USER Aug 2012.pdf
Share this with others