PeopleSoft Inc. bolstered its long-held supremacy in human resources automation software with the acquisition of SkillsVillage Inc. last week. The addition of SkillsVillages functionality of locating and hiring services and contingent staff gives PeopleSoft and its namesake ERP (enterprise resource planning) software suite a fairly complete system for sourcing, administering and managing enterprise human resources services.
By propelling PeopleSoft, of Pleasanton, Calif., into the services procurement business, the $32 million acquisition gives PeopleSoft an even bigger lead over competitors SAP AG and Oracle Corp. in the HR space, according to a report from Boston-based AMR Research Inc. ERP vendors lately have neglected HR and focused instead on developing applications for procuring products and supplies, the report said.
SkillsVillage Applications include Skills Fulfillment, which enables HR managers to route and approve requisitions; Supply Management, which helps procurement managers profile and source talent; and Performance Measurement, which lets managers analyze supplier performance.
A fourth SkillsVillage application, Resource Management, enables monitoring of contract services.
SkillsVillage, of Sunnyvale, Calif., also offers professional services. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the month.