Neuroscientific HR software for HR departments
As part of an order from the large company MD Elektronik GmbH, a customized application was developed to check the qualifications of applicants. The application uses a digital test procedure to determine whether applicants are suitable for a position in the store floor area. With this solution, the entire qualification check could be automated, scaled and made comparable across all locations.
MD Elektronik GmbH
Services
Solution consulting, implementation, maintenance, hosting, support
Industry
Automotive sector (industry)
Size
6000 employees
Our contribution to the solution
Our solution consists of a Windows application called 'HR-App' developed for the Microsoft Surface Tablet, which makes it possible to check the qualifications of applicants by means of digital skill and knowledge tests as well as handwriting analysis. The test sequence comprises up to 11 tests, which were developed specifically for this project in collaboration with a neuroscientist. In addition to the applicant app, a web app called 'HR Monitor' was made available to employees in the HR department at MD Elektronik. This provides a comprehensive overview and evaluation of the applicants and their test results. In order to make the applications as easy as possible to use together, a QR code ticket is created for each applicant within the HR Monitor app, which the applicant can scan within the HR app to start their personal test.
Project content to be highlighted
Technologies & Partners
The choice of technologies & partners was left entirely to NorthRock software. We therefore opted for a modern and future-proof technology stack that provides a solid foundation for long-term maintenance work and future expansions. For hosting, we rely on a German provider that meets all security standards and compliance requirements. A content delivery network (CDN) is used for the international use of the application.
Web application: HR Monitor for employees
All MD Elektronik locations have access to the 'HR Monitor' web app. Employees can use the location access via their browser to either import applicants/data automatically or create them manually. Once applicants have been created, it is possible to automatically create up to 250 PDF QR tickets at the same time. These tickets are assigned to the applicants on site to provide them with their individual test procedure. Once the tests have been completed, the results are automatically assigned to the respective applicant in the dashboard. The dashboard supports multiple languages and is offered for each location. In addition, all data from the dashboard can be easily exported to other applications.
HR monitor for applicant management
Windows app: HR app for applicants
Within the HR app, which runs on a Microsoft Surface tablet, the applicant must scan their individual QR code. If the code is valid, the applicant can select their desired language from 7 available languages. The test procedure then begins with an explanation of the test content and the subsequent execution of the tests. These include language tests, eye tests, reaction speed tests, handwriting analyses and many other test modules. All performance metrics are recorded to the millisecond during the tests and evaluated algorithmically, which ensures fair comparability of applicants across locations. All completed tests are immediately displayed to the responsible employees in the HR Monitor application. For a better selection of the most suitable applicants, there is a freely selectable filter function, as well as an option to export all data in a structured CSV file.
HR app for digital recruitment test
The project flow
1. Project acceptance
The project was undertaken in cooperation with Input1st GmbH, who were responsible for designing the test procedures using their neuroscientific expertise. The implementation and all downstream tasks were carried out by NorthRock software and in consultation with the client's locations.
2. Development of the project plan
With the start of the project, initiated by a kick-off meeting, all parties involved were brought together to discuss the distribution of tasks, dependencies and schedules in detail. This enabled the project to be clearly structured across the company and ensured that everyone involved had a clear idea of the course of the project right from the start.
3. Development of the design (UI/UX) and the system architecture
Once the responsibilities had been defined, work began on developing the test procedures and the design. The design was adapted to the corporate identity of MD Elektronik. At the same time, a technical test environment was created, which was later of decisive importance for agile development and collaboration between the project participants.
4. Implementation phase
In the implementation phases, all essential questions had already been clarified. With the content, designs, requirements and technologies defined, the focus was now on precise development. To ensure that everyone involved could use the application optimally, step-by-step presentations were carried out in the test environment that had been set up. This enabled good communication between the client's teams and the project managers, which in turn led to a flawless delivery.
5. Software testing
After the final implementation, the application was subjected to an intensive series of manual tests. Particular attention was paid to testing the evaluation logic to ensure that the results reliably reflected the applicants' performance. In addition, the error-free visual and content display of the app and web app was tested on various devices and in different usage scenarios, such as in bright sunlight. These tests were carried out in the presence of the designers and editors to ensure high quality and user-friendliness.
6. Handover and release
After successful testing of the functionality, which met all the requirements of the contract, the application was handed over to the various MD Elektronik sites. After the release, a presentation was held to mark the official completion of the project.
7. Maintenance & hosting
After the successful completion, a maintenance contract was concluded, which ensures the regular closure of security gaps as well as the optimization of performance and the technological development of the application. In addition, regular backups are created and other relevant services are provided. All changes are checked in a specially set up test environment before publication and made available to those involved.
The added value of the project
Time & personnel savings
Automation
Thanks to the largely automated process, the customer benefits from considerable time and cost savings. The employees who are now relieved of this workload are meaningfully involved in the subsequent interviews with the applicants.
Precise results
with better tests
The neuroscientifically developed test sequences offer a comprehensive and reproducible test environment that ensures a fair assessment through consistent algorithmic evaluation.
Comparability
between location and time
The standardized test procedures and assessment methods now make it possible to compare test results across locations and over time. This provides an unprecedented insight into the general development of applicants.
Successful use for several years
Since its introduction, the MD Elektronik application has been used successfully at three international locations. The neuroscience-based test procedures guarantee a fair, reproducible assessment and enable comparisons of test results across locations and over time. This provides MD Elektronik with valuable insights into applicant development and optimizes the selection process. The automated process saves time and costs by freeing up employees and their resources for face-to-face interviews. NorthRock software ensures long-term, secure use through continuous maintenance and technological updates. The application supports multiple languages and can be easily integrated into other systems. Overall, it is an efficient, future-proof tool in the application process. Thus, the application achieves the desired competitive advantage, as well as a return on investment through corresponding employee and time savings.
Start screen of the HR app
NorthRock provided us with a complete HR application for the algorithmic evaluation of applicants within just a few months. The application ran flawlessly from day one.
