Session
Buying the Software Is Not Buying the Outcome - I
The hidden organisational work behind successful People Analytics technology
PAWorld26 San Francisco · 23–24 September 2026 · San Francisco
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– · Workforce Strategy
About this session
Drawing on RedThread Research's current People Analytics technology work, Stacia Garr will explain why the traditional build-versus-buy question is becoming less useful. Agentic coding expands what teams can attempt internally, product categories are converging and the support around implementation and responsible use is changing. The harder buyer question is whether the organisation has the data, engineering, operating ownership, governance and continuing investment needed to make a choice work. Stacia will show the conditions that should change the decision and the responsibilities buyers should price before they commit.
Learning outcomes
- See why the old build-versus-buy choice is no longer sufficient.
- Learn how to evaluate the operating capability required after procurement.
- Apply a buyer framework that includes cost, governance, ownership and exit.
This session will explore
- How AI is changing both vendor capability and internal build options.
- The implementation and operating responsibilities hidden behind a purchase.
- The true investment across data, integration, governance, skills and maintenance.
- A practical framework for deciding when to build, buy, configure, integrate or walk away.
Context
An independent research briefing with moderated challenge.
Speakers and contributors
Stacia GarrPresenterCo-founder and Principal AnalystRedThread Research