Aspen is unique in the analyst and audit space as combine data and business analysis, documented scientific methods, and are granted full transparency and access to client data. The combination of 1) science bound methods, 2) our documented 10 plus years in the HR analysis space, and 3) science and math based academic credentials means that our audits and analyses can be admitted into courts of law as evidence, and Aspen can be called for fact testimony.

This is an unusually high standard for the HR space. As such, we are please to provide clarity and transparency in how we work, how we are compensated, and our relationships within the HR technology and supplier ecosystem.

When we perform an audit or analysis, a scientific method of investigation for that specific topic is designed and outlined. That method is executed with parity and fairness to the subjects analyzed. If the analysis is capability oriented (e.g. Aspen is analyzing a HR technology or outsourcing supplier for data security and compliance), we use the same methods to analyze that subject as we would another subject for another client.

Once discovery and initial investigation is done, primary inputs are gathered for descriptive analytics to validate that the data provided by the subject is 1) worthy of analysis and 2) has not been altered, 3) has evidence repetitive data errors, or 4) requires significant proxy (data substitution).

Aspen produces 3 specific services that uses these methods. All are designed to be admissible into eligible courts evidence. Each is reviewed and co-authored by our Managing Director or another analyst who is has academic credentials and expertise that can certify the findings. The findings of Aspen Analytics that are commissioned are submitted without bias, collusion, or 3rd party influence. We are aware that our work can be submitted as part of an evidence procedure, so Aspen maintains a very strict code of parity and transparency to avoid any falsification, perjury offense, or fraud.

• Analyses. Investigations of an employer’s HR or recruiting processes as detailed in the specific service. Analyses are commissioned by an employer directly. Analyses are not available to service / technology providers in the HR space. These are listed in Solutions.
• Audits. Produced by Aspen are investigations of a supplier’s performance that is or was in a services contract with said employer. Audits are commissioned by an employer directly, or a service / technology provider can retain Aspen as an independent auditor. This is a bespoke service.
• Supplier Research. Investigations of the data analytics, data storage, cyber and infrastructure security, encryption, AI, and IT capabilities of employer agents (service or technology providers) are conducted by Aspen. Reports are released without drafting or approval by the Supplier to Aspen’s client base and other interested parties, with certified copies sent to the Supplier.

User Conferences, produced by an outsourcing or technology supplier
Aspen does not speak at or attend these conferences in person or virtually. We perform analysis work on the value, features and grade the impact of such systems, as such we are not permitted to attend or participate as it may create bias in our evaluations or worse be interpreted as advocating the brand or validating the integrity of the system’s data, security, compliance, or performance. Examples would include Hiring Success by SmartRecruiters, Oracle OpenWorld, and IBM Think.

Industry Conferences, produced by a media company
Aspen has a long-standing history of attending and also speaking at HR / Recruitment conferences. In order to maintain its status as a unbiased auditor, analysts from Aspen may attend these events for education and awareness purposes only. Aspen no longer speaks at these events to avoid any public perception of its client base or their internal activities.

HR Technology and HR Service Provider Meetings in association with a live event
If we attend a conference and are NOT on the speaking agenda, we typically have scheduled meetings with technology providers as part of our regular auditing activities. Aspen will stay off the conference venue, hold private meetings, and in all cases sign NDAs with the vendors prior to meetings.

Vendor Demonstration Attendance and Presentation
Aspen frequently attends demonstrations with providers on their technology. We ask a few questions and listen more than we talk. Attendees are sales personnel from the vendor and Aspen analysts. Senior technical, development, or executive personnel from the vendor may attend but it is not required. Aspen does NOT charge the vendor a fee for Aspen to attend these sessions, and Aspen does not compensate the vendor to participate.

Demonstrating a Third Party’s Product or Service
Aspen will demonstrate software products it uses to produce solutions, its various analyses, and its research programs. Examples would include R Studio, Excel, Tableau, Visier, and Power BI. However, Aspen does not demonstrate the HR technology software or outsourcing services of other providers (e.g., Aspen will not perform a demonstration to a client of an applicant tracking system that they have not already purchased).

Subcontracting with HR Technology Software or Outsourcing Services as part of Data Analysis
We selectively refer certain technology solutions or outsourcing services (Provider) as part of the improvement path for our private sector Clients. These Clients have signed a Master Services Agreement with Aspen Analytics. To expedite the technology or service with said Provider, Aspen pass through that Provider’s expenses under Aspen’s Master Agreement. Aspen adds 18% of the billed Provider rate to cover operating costs.