Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software is an indispensable tool for sourcing, recruiting and hiring top talent. ATS automates the recruitment decision-making process, providing superior evaluation speed and in-depth data-driven insights. However, the cost of ATS varies significantly, depending on the scale, feature set and pricing model.
So, how do you incorporate this new software into your budget and reduce costs? In this article, we will address your concerns and provide a balanced overview to help you make the best decision for your business.
Read more: What is an Applicant Tracking System? Why is this system important for businesses?
Factors influencing ATS deployment costs
Deploying an Applicant Tracking System is a significant investment for any business, and costs can vary considerably depending on several factors. SHiring will help you understand the key factors influencing ATS deployment costs, enabling you to make informed decisions about investing in a system that meets your business needs and budget.
Business scale
Business scale is a crucial factor determining the needs and complexity of an ATS system. Larger enterprises typically have a higher volume of candidates and more complex recruitment needs, requiring a robust ATS with advanced features, leading to higher costs. Conversely, small businesses and startups with fewer job opportunities may opt for a simpler ATS solution to save costs.
Planned features for deployment
Businesses need to identify essential features for their ATS system, such as candidate tracking, resume screening, online interviews, etc. Advanced features like integration with other HR software, performance management, background checks, etc., will increase deployment costs.
Vendor selection
The ATS market features various vendors, each offering different pricing tiers and feature packages. Businesses need to compare and carefully evaluate vendors to find the solution that best fits their needs and budget.
Additional considerations for costs
In addition to the basic ATS solution costs, businesses should consider the following additional expenses:
- Additional features: Some vendors may offer specific features as paid add-ons, such as onboarding or background checks, performance management, tracking and surveys.
- Deployment and maintenance: Deployment and maintenance costs may vary by vendor, including dedicated deployment services, installation, software customization, data migration and integration with other software.
- Customer support: The level of customer support (knowledge base, email, live chat, phone) may vary between subscription plans, with higher prices providing more professional and priority support.
By carefully considering the above factors, businesses can choose the ATS solution that best suits their needs and budget, while optimizing implementation costs.
Estimate ATS costs based on available pricing options
Each ATS software will adjust its pricing based on individual sales policies. Choosing the appropriate pricing tier will help businesses balance their budget for ATS deployment. Here are some of the most common pricing methods:
- Fixed rate: A fixed cost for ATS deployment regardless of the number of users, ideal for large enterprises.
- Pay Per User: Fees based on the number of administrative users, suitable for smaller companies.
- Pay per vacancy: Charges based on active job postings, ideal for businesses with low hiring volume.
- Pay per module: Fees when ATS is part of a larger platform, such as CRM or integrated tools.
Method to choose ATS solution with the best price for businesses
Because an applicant tracking system is such an important factor in achieving recruiting success, you don’t want to compromise quality just to save costs. Instead, consider the following cost-saving strategies that don’t impact performance:
- Use a cloud solution instead of an on-premise deployment – Software deployed on-premises requires expensive licensing, infrastructure, maintenance, management, and hardware upgrade costs. The cloud solution shifts these backend requests to the provider, reducing overall costs for the ATS.
- Prioritize necessary features over extra features – Focus on essential features without fancy but unnecessary features. You can always use the remaining budget to invest in excess features.
- Demo – Request demos from suppliers, ask questions and negotiate favorable terms before signing a contract.Don’t hesitate to ask the supplier for information related to their software.
- Integrate recruitment tools – ATS can be just one part of a recruitment technology system. Find ways to integrate tools that can help save costs.
Read more: SHiring – Efficient recruitment solution integrating AI and ATS
Optimize deployment costs with SHiring’s ATS solution
The benefits of ATS make it nearly essential for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises. Automation features, sourcing capabilities, flexible integration, scalability, and pricing options make it an attractive solution for hiring top talent.
Although investing in an applicant tracking system entails significant costs, it provides a competitive advantage, attracts top talent, and yields substantial profits. By choosing a cloud-based ATS solution and focusing on essential features, investment costs can be optimized more reasonably, aligning with your business’s recruitment strategy.
Developing an Applicant Tracking System is challenging and complex. If you’re considering this option, it’s crucial to understand all cost-related aspects. However, if the initial investment seems overwhelming, solutions like SHiring’s ATS may be a wise choice. This decision should be based on understanding your specific needs, assessing related costs and adjusting them to align with your business’s strategic goals.
SHiring is an applicant tracking system platform that streamlines your recruitment process. With notable features like automated recruitment workflows, flexible integration with other systems, and superior scalability, SHiring offers convenience and effectiveness for recruiters. Don’t settle for subpar ATS just because it’s free. Check out SHiring’s ATS, your recruiter’s new best friend. SHiring provides comprehensive recruitment software in a user-friendly package without breaking the bank. Contact us today to deploy SHiring into your talent management strategy.
