Tony Buffolino is on a mission to help organizations get the most value from their HR technology investments. And the need is great. Research shows that nearly one in four organizations struggle to achieve full adoption of their HR systems, illustrating a significant disconnect between technological investment and measurable business outcomes. With nearly a decade in the human capital management (HCM) and payroll technology space, Tony Buffolino brings a deep understanding of the complexities that come with implementing and maintaining HR platforms.
“I’ve done the work on both a frontline and executive level,” says Buffolino, Chief Operations Officer at Calibrate HCM. “I’ve led implementations, migrated data, trained clients, and have managed teams responsible for software rollouts across the United States.” While at Paycom, Buffolino also served as EVP of Product overseeing teams that built award winning HCM and Payroll technology, further solidifying his expertise in the space.
The dual experience in both building and implementing HR systems forms the foundation for Calibrate HCM’s philosophy: aligning people, process, and platforms to unlock maximum value from technology.
Why Alignment Matters
“People are always changing,” he says. “They switch roles, take on new responsibilities, or adapt to remote and hybrid work environments. Meanwhile, processes evolve, and platforms continue to update. Keeping all three aligned is an ongoing effort.”
The real challenge is that many organizations misdiagnose their problems. Calibrate HCM’s work centers on helping clients maintain this equilibrium, creating synergy rather than friction between their systems and the humans who use them. “Too often, companies assume the platform is broken when in reality, the issue lies in the process or the people using it,” Buffolino says.
“Knowledge gaps, training deficiencies, and poor process execution can all lead to frustration. But when people understand how to use the system effectively and processes are built around that knowledge, the technology performs as intended.”
Best Practices for Effective Implementation
Change management is the cornerstone of a successful transition, providing the framework that connects strategy to execution. To make that strategy sustainable, organizations should bring in experienced implementation partners early—an essential step to ensure new HR platforms are deployed effectively and set up for long-term success. “Your team already has a day job. Partnering with professionals who have executed thousands of implementations can save time, reduce stress, and ensure a smoother rollout.”
This approach helps organizations achieve lasting adoption. When communication, training, and process redesign all work in tandem, the “platform falls into place and starts delivering the return on investment” it was designed for. “You have to over-communicate,” he says. “People need to understand why processes are changing, not just how they’re changing.”
Navigating AI and the Future of HR Tech
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate discussions in the HR technology sector. In the HCM and payroll landscape, AI is increasingly used to automate data access, streamline configuration, and reduce manual input. But meaningful outcomes still depend on experienced professionals who understand the nuances of HR systems. For Buffolino, it’s best seen as an accelerator.
“AI is a great tool, but it’s only as strong as the person using it,” he says. “It’s not plug and play. You need to know what you’re asking it to do and set clear parameters.” At Calibrate HCM, Buffolino and his team are leveraging AI to analyze client trends and improve efficiency of their services. “Many organizations believe their challenges are unique, but in truth, there are consistent patterns across industries and company sizes,” he says. “We use AI to identify those trends and build smarter, more adaptive solutions for our clients.”
A Full-Spectrum Partner for HR Transformation
Calibrate HCM’s approach extends beyond simply helping HR functions digitize their operations and streamline workflows. “When people think about HR systems, they often picture technical integrations or data migrations,” Buffolino says. “But the scope is much broader. Our services cover everything from custom API integrations and file conversions to supporting recruiting teams, payroll operations, and compliance initiatives.”
Bridging the technical and the human sides of HR is what sets Calibrate HCM apart. As businesses continue to navigate digital transformation in the HR space, alignment of people, process, and platforms remains the defining factor of success. “When all three elements align, that’s where real efficiency and value emerge.”
Connect with Tony Buffolino on LinkedIn to learn more about Calibrate HCM.
