The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) has released its latest review of software platforms being integrated into rewards and recognition programs.

The Incentive & Events Industry Software Report: 2020 is based on IRF’s detailed interviews with 41 incentive program design consultants, reward providers, technology vendors, industry experts and buyers of incentive and events software.

The report provides an overview of how technology is being selected, customized and integrated into programs, As a result, it gives incentive professionals a better understanding of the incentive and events software landscape and the right tools and provider types for their businesses.

Key insights include:

• As incentive programs become more sophisticated, customers demand software that is easier to use, more feature-rich and flexible, capable of full integration and robust in its ability to produce analytical insights and personalization.
• Solutions are delivered almost exclusively vis Software as a Service (SaaS), and most pricing is on the SaaS per-user subscription model, resulting in lower systems fees and the ability to invest more in rewards.
• Clients prioritize ease of use and often demand extensive customization capabilities which in a SaaS-dominated environment, providers must make their tools more flexible and configurable.
• Program owners want solutions that fully integrate with other HR tools as well as CRM and intranet platforms using API and single sign-on capabilities.
• Sophisticated data capture, analysis and insights are in high demand. Technology-first providers may evolve into analytics-first firms, especially as AI and predictive analytics are more widely used to offer deeper, more actionable and individualized insights.
• Responsive web design that enables mobile user interfaces, including dashboard access, points redemption, and reports have become a standard capability.

To view or download a copy of the report visit https://theirf.org/research/the-irfs-incentive-events-industry-software-report-2020/2715/.

The release of the report was supported by IRF Research Advocacy Partner, Brightspot. Brightspot helps Fortune 1000 companies drive performance improvement and sales engagement through sales and channel incentive programs, group incentive travel, and full-service meeting management.