Released on: April 3, 2008, 11:22 pm

Press Release Author: SoftBrands

Industry: Human Resources

Press Release Summary: Knowledge heads share their perspectives in a crystal-gazing
panel discussion

Press Release Body: SoftBrands, SoftBrands, Inc. (AMEX: SBN), a global supplier of
enterprise application software in association with Society for Human Resource
Management (SHRM), the world's largest professional association devoted to human
resource management, today hosted the 'Next generation HR Leadership' panel
discussion. The forum provided a platform for HR professionals to gain perspectives
as the industry veterans engaged in effective knowledge sharing and focused debate
on the future of HR leadership.



The panelist comprised Binu Mathews- Vice President and General Manager, SoftBrands
India, C. Mahalingam- Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Symphony
Services Corporation, Giridhar Boray- Country Manager, Kodiak Network Solutions,
Murali Santhanam- Vice President, Walchand Talent First, SHRM India, Assessments and
Consulting, Pranesh Anthapur- Chief operating officer, Yahoo Software Development
India, Renee Conklin- Vice President Human Resources, SoftBrands Inc., and Shamin T-
Director Human Resources, Zinnov, The discussion was moderated by Pari Natarajan,
Chief Operating Officer, Zinnov.



The panelist observed that it has become critical for HR to partner with operations
and engage themselves in strategic roles. According to SHRM HR should spend 80% of
their time with CEOs and line managers understanding the business and creating HR
strategies that enable business to achieve its objectives.



As companies evolve, they run the risk of growing around the skills of the people
they have instead of the skills they need to be successful in their businesses. The
panel focused on how leveraging implicit knowledge through efficient skill mapping
would help address this emerging issue. "Employees have clarity of what's expected
of them as we define the degree of knowledge needed for each role. Using a
competency-based performance management system, we can create a detailed coaching
plan to prepare employees for the changing needs of the business", said Renee
Conklin- Vice President- Human Resources, SoftBrands Inc. "This process is built on
honesty and consistency - it will make the company stronger, healthier and ready for
the next phase of growth. There's tremendous opportunity for employees to grow
professionally through this process."



Another highlight of the panel discussion was on emerging markets driving global HR
trends. Binu Mathews- Vice President and General Manager, SoftBrands India, opined,
"Globalization along with emerging markets are contributing significantly to the
best practices for next generation HR leadership. It is inevitable that HR not only
understands the strategic operational goals but also knows how to do business in a
global environment across varied cultures."



About SoftBrands: SoftBrands, Inc. is a leader in providing software solutions for
businesses in the manufacturing and hospitality industries worldwide. The company
has established a global infrastructure for distribution, development and support of
enterprise software, and has approximately 5,000 customers in more than 100
countries actively using its manufacturing and hospitality products. SoftBrands,
which has approximately 775 employees, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., with
branch offices in Europe, India, Asia, Australia and Africa. For further
information, please visit www.softbrands.com



About SHRM: The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest
professional association devoted to human resource management. Our mission is to
serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive
resources, and to advance the profession by promoting HR's essential, strategic
role. Founded in 1948, SHRM represents more than 225,000 individual members in over
125 countries, and has a network of more than 575 affiliated chapters in the United
States, as well as offices in China and India. For further information, please visit
www.shrm.org



Web Site: http://www.softbrands.com

Contact Details: Sayantika Chakraborty
Associate-Marketing & Communication
****************************************************
SoftBrands India Pvt. Ltd.
3rd Floor, Prestige Copper Arch
# 83, Infantry Road
Bangalore - 560 001
India
Phone : +91 80 4046 0607
Fax: + 91 80 4046 0666