Customer King Looks To Workers Siebel Tackling "ERM' Software helps workers share data via portal site, provides training online.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)

Byline: J. BONASIA

For companies to get the most from their workers, workers need to get the most from their companies.

That's the thinking behind a push by Siebel Systems Inc. to broaden human-resource software. Siebel's promoting a concept called employee relationship management, or ERM.

ERM software aims to boost productivity by making it easier for workers to tap into corporate networks. Customer service improves because employees can answer questions without having to consult a database specialist. That keeps workers more satisfied with their jobs, say Siebel officials.

"ERM is a way to expand the information flow with the employee base," said Richard Gorman, a senior vice president at Siebel. "This allows the sales and product divisions, or the finance and HR teams, to talk to each other."

Human-resource software isn't new. Such programs -- sometimes called business-to-employee or human capital management software -- have been around for years. But Siebel's ERM handles more than just payroll, benefits and attendance. It allows for more data sharing and online training.

"Siebel didn't invent this concept, but they did lend visibility to it and advance it beyond the core HR context," said Paul Hamerman, an analyst at Giga Information Group.