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 a diagnostic is performed, 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 of repetitive data errors, or 4) requires significant proxy (data substitution).

Aspen produces 3 specific services that uses these methods, listed under our AUDITS page. All are designed to be admissible into eligible courts evidence. Each is reviewed and co-authored by our Auditor General who has academic credentials and expertise that can certify the findings. The findings are submitted without bias, collusion, or 3rd party influence. The 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.

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 an unbiased auditor, members of the team may attend these events for education and awareness purposes, but the Auditor General does not attend. 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
Aspen no longer attends such events to maintain fidelity to its auditing processes.

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. These sessions are aligned to investigating the use of the vendor’s services for a client, or to evaluate if the vendor wants to execute Aspen’s services for themselves. 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 back to its clients that it uses to produce audits. 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).

Referrals from HR Technology Software or Outsourcing Services
We do have Clients that are HR Technology or Outsourcing Services providers. They are authorized to disclose we are their Auditor of Record. These Clients are not authorized to “resell” our auditing services, akin to Sarbanes-Oxley regulations. However, these Clients may refer their own customers to Aspen for direct engagement, and Aspen will take those requests immediately. Aspen will present the same pricing model to all prospective Clients regardless of this referral, as there is no discounting available to maintain parity of the auditing services.