Primary Media Contact
Sheri Cardo - 707-762-0333 x1334, cardos@cch.com

CCHKnowledgePoint’s New Performance Management Solution Premieres High-Powered Functionality for the Small- to Mid-Sized Enterprise

Performance Impact Workplace responds to new trends in performance management with easy-to-use, easy-to-own solution

(Petaluma, Calif., August 6, 2003) — Substantial numbers of small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) would like to have the functionality of a powerful enterprise performance management system, but don’t have the resources to acquire and support one. Recognizing this market’s need for an easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain performance management system, CCHKnowledgePoint (www.knowledgepoint.com), a leading developer of human resources solutions since 1987, designed the new Performance Impact Workplace with the special requirements of SMBs in mind.

Available now, Performance Impact Workplace possesses many of the features of CCHKnowledgePoint’s flagship performance management system, Performance Impact Enterprise. The new program enables small- and mid-sized organizations to implement a consistent process for setting and tracking goals, assessing performance, facilitating manager-employee communication, and identifying and retaining top performers.

From writing performance reviews and providing employees with meaningful feedback, to aligning staff with organizational goals and presenting coaching ideas, Performance Impact Workplace contains features and functionality for helping employers be more strategic in managing their workforces. And because the program’s user interface is modeled on Microsoft Outlook, managers will find Performance Impact Workplace to be an intuitive system that is easy to navigate and learn.

"Performance Impact Workplace can provide smaller organizations and workgroups with the structure and tools they need to manage their employees to greater productivity without having to invest in expensive and complicated IT overhead," said Ian Alexander, president. "In an economy increasingly based on intellectual capital, CCHKnowledgePoint solutions support businesses of all sizes in best practices for human resources. Our clients rely on our user-friendly technology to bring out the best in their people."

Key Features of Performance Impact Workplace

Performance Impact Workplace is designed to be delivered as a unique combination of content, tools and services to provide a total performance management solution. It offers rich content that supports HR industry best practices; a variety of tools for evaluating performance, managing goals, coaching employees and staying legally compliant; and planning services that ensure a smooth and successful implementation. It also features robust reporting capabilities to provide senior management with relevant employee performance data for use in enterprise strategic planning.

Performance Impact Workplace is a Windows-based system that integrates with human resource information systems and allows for easy set up and modification. Additionally, it contains 55 behavioral-based competencies that have been tested and used in thousands of organizations. Optional industry-specific competency modules are also available for the following industries: manufacturing, health care, finance, state and local government, law enforcement and corrections, call center and customer service, information technology, and fire and emergency services.

The system is designed for small- to mid-sized organizations with up to 1,000 employees.

Trends in Performance Management

CCHKnowledgePoint is a recognized thought leader in the areas of performance management and technology for the HR marketplace. Through its research, it has identified the following six trends related to performance management for the mid-market enterprise and has designed Performance Impact Workplace in accordance with them:

Performance management is a trend in itself
Year-round performance management has caught on
Goal management is key to driving performance management
Performance management data is being used to support strategic business decisions
"Customization" is becoming a dirty word
Software by itself is not enough — it requires services to be successful

"We’ve seen a fundamental shift in the readiness of smaller organizations to address performance management through greater participation of both managers and employees," said Michael George, market analyst. "Performance Impact Workplace meets the needs of these organizations by making day-to-day performance management as easy as managing a personal calendar."

Further explanation of the above trends is available in the new CCHKnowledgePoint position paper, "Trends in Performance Management for the Mid-Market Enterprise," which can be accessed at: www.knowledgepoint.com/coinfo/piw_press/trends.pdf.

Pricing and Operating Requirements

Site license pricing for Performance Impact Workplace starts at $2,790. Additional modules and services, including training and consultation, are also available. Desktop operating system requirements: Microsoft Windows 2000 Pro, XP Pro, XP Home, or 98SE (limited support), and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher (6.0 recommended). Hardware configuration is determined by customer usage requirements.

About CCHKnowledgePoint

The CCHKnowledgePoint brand leverages CCH’s authoritative human resources content and KnowledgePoint’s innovative technology to provide integrated solutions that meet HR professionals and frontline managers’ essential needs. CCH INCORPORATED, a provider of employment law information and software, is a Wolters Kluwer company; Wolters Kluwer acquired KnowledgePoint in 2000. For more information about CCHKnowledgePoint’s performance management product line, please visit www.knowledgepoint.com or call 1-800-727-1133.

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Primary Media Contact Sheri Cardo - 707-762-0333 x1334, cardos@cch.com