Journey 6 · Looking back to 2017

Why the system of record still matters

Connected work depends on maintained facts and clear ownership. Define which system owns each record before agreeing the interface or decision that relies on it.

Retrospective · Written 8 October 2026

The foundation behind the interface

In February 2017, we argued that new engagement tools did not remove the need for a dependable HR system of record. Attractive screens and convenient applications help people work, but they still depend on facts about the people and responsibilities involved.

Changes reach beyond HR

When someone joins, changes position or leaves, other processes may need attention. Training requirements may change. A request may need a different approver. An access review may become necessary. HR supplies important context for these actions, while operations, finance and technology teams remain responsible for their own decisions and controls.

Connect with a defined purpose

Our 2016 writing on interoperability explored the value of systems exchanging and using information. The practical lesson is to define the records, permissions and handoffs involved. An integration must be assessed against the systems it connects. A broad platform idea does not establish that every external application already has a supported connector.

Keep ownership clear

The wider system works better when people know which source owns a fact, who may change it and how a change reaches the next process. This is why our journey keeps returning to the HR foundation. Records become more useful when they support decisions, and decisions become more dependable when they use maintained records. The connection needs deliberate implementation and testing.

Historical reference: Earlier StarGarden article (historical source). The date identifies the earlier writing, not the publication date of this retrospective.