Modern HCM for a modern workforce
The challenge: Overcoming multiple systems and disparate processes to create cohesion and accuracy.
With over 7,000 outlets in 30 countries, like many organizations, Wendy’s HR systems were a complex patchwork of different technologies, interfaces, and data sources that created inefficiencies, additional costs, and inconsistencies. As part of their Work Done Right initiative, Wendy’s brought in KPMG’s US firm to help reset the overall project and to assist in re-imagining, developing, and launching a new cloud-based HCM platform.
“Myself, the CIO, and the CFO were very active and hands on as executive sponsors,” said Coley O’Brien, Chief People Officer, The Wendy’s Company. “We knew it was critical for us to work together to align, make decisions and get the team going."
Wendy’s was committed to upgrading its legacy HR systems by investing in Oracle’s cloud-based HCM platform for 14,000 employees at its corporate offices and 400+ company-owned restaurants. After a competitive review process, Wendy’s chose KPMG in the US to design, build, and deploy the new system based on KPMG professionals deep experience with Oracle systems, including many successful HCM deployments of considerable complexity.
“One of the things I really appreciated about KPMG was they were willing to offer suggestions, ideas or a contrarian point of view – all in the spirit of helping us get to a better solution or outcome.”
Coley O’Brien,
Chief People Officer,
The Wendy’s Company
The response: One team, one system, one data model
KPMG helped Wendy’s go live with their new HCM platform with tightly integrated modules designed for their needs on payroll, compensation, time and labour, benefits, performance, onboarding, and more. The modern, user-friendly interfaces include easy web and mobile access and feature “Patty,” a chatbot that responds to HR-related questions. KPMG’s US professionals also helped with the integration of Wendy’s related enterprise data management cloud services.
“KPMG’s support allowed us to go from multiple systems and a disparate data model to one data model and one system. We would not have been successful if the KPMG team did not bring their absolute best people” observed Elise Baer, Product Owner, HR Systems, The Wendy’s Company.
The outcome: Accuracy, consistency, and a winning employee experience that helps retention
Wendy’s new people-first system offers an enterprise talent management technology system that is designed to deliver real-time data decision-making tools, consistent workflows, and digital-first capabilities. Additionally, it reduces the potential for high-profile errors (for example, miscalculated wage payments or missed tax deductions) while streamlining compliance management and reporting.
Perhaps most important, the Oracle HCM system is highly adaptable and scalable, making it easier to add new features like Oracle's generative AI (natively built within the platform) to help keep businesses at the leading edge.
Meet the people behind the story
“The relationship we had with Wendy’s really was summarized in two parts. There was leadership, and governance that was truly an enabler. Then we collaborated passionately, such that we’re delivering the right approach the first time.”
Rich Isola, Principal, Advisory, KPMG in the US
Trish Hastings, Advisory Managing Director, Enterprise Solutions, KPMG in the US
Our people
