Choosing Between Automatic and Manual Teams in Develop
Updated
by
Amy Thomas
Why Start with Automatic Teams?
Develop is designed to make team management as seamless and efficient as possible, reducing admin overhead while ensuring teams stay accurate and up to date. The best practice is to use automatic teams whenever possible and only create a small number of manual teams when absolutely necessary.
✅ Automatic teams stay up to date automatically based on HRIS, CSV imports, Okta sync, or identity provider sync.
✅ Reduces manual admin work—when employees move teams, Develop updates automatically.
✅ Ensures data accuracy—HRIS or identity provider sync provides a single source of truth.
✅ Scales effortlessly—teams are created and maintained without extra effort.
When to Use Automatic vs. Manual Teams
Scenario | Best Approach | Reason |
Employees are structured in clear departments, business units, or functional teams | Automatic Teams (HRIS, CSV, Okta sync) | Ensures accuracy and reduces admin workload. Teams automatically update when employees move roles. |
Managers oversee multiple direct reports across different teams but want to focus on logically grouped teams | Automatic Teams | The best solution is to have team structure correctly set up in the HRIS, which syncs to Develop. |
Cross-functional or project teams that do not exist in the HRIS (e.g., task forces, committees, special initiatives) | Manual Teams | These teams do not follow a traditional reporting structure and may require a manual setup. |
Temporary project teams that span multiple departments | Manual Teams (with end dates) | Ideal for time-limited collaboration teams that will eventually be dissolved. |
A company has multiple HRIS systems across regions or business units | Hybrid Approach (Automatic where possible, Manual for gaps) | If a single HRIS can’t capture all employees, a mix of auto and manual teams may be necessary. |
A leadership team needs visibility across multiple departments, but reports differently than standard teams | Manual Teams (for special leadership or strategy teams) | Ensures visibility while keeping core teams aligned to automatic structures. |
A company does not have an HRIS or identity provider for syncing | CSV Import to Create Automatic Teams | Enables automation while allowing flexibility in manual team management. |
How Develop Helps You Set Up Teams Efficiently
📌 Step 1: Use Automatic Teams First
- If your company syncs with HRIS, Okta, or identity providers, teams will be auto-generated and require no manual management.
- If using CSV import, we will help format and upload your data to create automatic teams.
📌 Step 2: Add a Small Number of High-Value Manual Teams
- If you need cross-functional or project-based teams, we can add a limited number of manual teams.
- These teams should be the exception, not the rule, to minimize admin workload.
📌 Step 3: Scale with Confidence
- When employees move between teams, automatic teams update instantly—no admin work needed!
- If your company grows, Develop scales with you, ensuring teams remain accurate over time.
What If My HRIS or Data Isn’t Fully Ready?
If your HR data is incomplete, spread across multiple systems, or not yet integrated, we recommend:
1️⃣ Managing users directly through a .csv upload (we can help) and just update users every quarter or so (or before each TEAMscan).
2️⃣ Using automatic teams based on what data is available (even if partial).
3️⃣ Manually managing only a few essential teams until the data structure improves.
4️⃣ Working with our team to consolidate and improve your HR data for better automation.
We will assist you in setting up the best approach to ensure minimal admin work and maximum accuracy.
Final Recommendation
🚀 Start with automatic teams to reduce admin work and ensure accuracy.
🔹 Only create manual teams for high-value exceptions like cross-functional teams, project groups, or leadership visibility.
📩 Need help setting up your teams? Our team is here to assist! Reach out to your Customer Success Manager, and we’ll ensure you’re set up for success.
