Your Employee Onboarding Data Template

Universal process mining template
Your Employee Onboarding Data Template

Your Employee Onboarding Data Template

Universal process mining template

This is our generic process mining data template for Employee Onboarding. Use our system-specific templates for more specific guidance.

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  • Essential data fields and process activities for effective onboarding analysis.
  • A flexible foundation, designed to be adapted to your unique system and process variations.
  • Optimized for comprehensive process discovery, conformance checking, and performance monitoring.
New to event logs? Learn how to create a process mining event log.

Employee Onboarding Attributes

These are the recommended data fields to include in your event log, enabling a comprehensive analysis of your employee onboarding process.
5 Required 8 Recommended 3 Optional
Name Description
Activity Name
ActivityName
The name of the specific task, milestone, or event that occurred in the onboarding process.
Description

This attribute describes a single step or event within the larger onboarding process. Examples include 'Offer Accepted', 'Background Check Completed', or 'IT Provisioning Requested'. A clear and consistent naming convention for activities is crucial for building an accurate and understandable process map.

In analysis, the Activity Name is used to visualize the process flow, identify bottlenecks between specific steps, and measure the frequency of each activity. It forms the backbone of the process map and allows analysts to understand what is happening at each stage of the onboarding journey. Analyzing the sequence and frequency of activities helps uncover process deviations and inefficiencies.

Why it matters

It defines the individual steps of the process, enabling the creation of a process map and the analysis of workflow, bottlenecks, and deviations.

Where to get

Sourced from event logs, task management modules, or audit trails within HR, IT, and onboarding systems.

Examples
Offer AcceptedBackground Check InitiatedEquipment OrderedOnboarding Completed
Event Time
EventTime
The precise date and time when an onboarding activity occurred or was completed.
Description

Event Time is the timestamp that records the exact moment an activity happened. This timestamp is critical for ordering events chronologically and for calculating durations between different steps in the process. It should represent the completion time of an activity or the occurrence time of an instantaneous event.

This attribute is the foundation for all time-based analysis in process mining. It is used to calculate key performance indicators such as cycle times, wait times, and processing times. By analyzing the timestamps, one can identify bottlenecks, measure process performance against service level agreements, and understand the temporal distribution of activities.

Why it matters

This timestamp is essential for ordering events, calculating all time-related metrics like cycle time and wait time, and discovering process bottlenecks.

Where to get

Found in system logs or transaction records associated with each onboarding task or milestone, often labeled as a completion date or creation date.

Examples
2023-10-26T10:00:00Z2024-01-15T14:35:10Z2023-11-01T09:00:00Z
Onboarding Case ID
OnboardingCaseId
The unique identifier that groups all onboarding activities for a single new employee.
Description

The Onboarding Case ID serves as the primary key for tracking the entire onboarding journey of one new hire from start to finish. Each distinct onboarding process, from the initial offer acceptance to the completion of all required tasks, is assigned a unique identifier. This ID links together all related events, tasks, and milestones.

In process mining, this attribute is fundamental for case correlation. It allows the software to reconstruct the end-to-end process flow for each new hire, connecting disparate events like 'Background Check Initiated' and 'Equipment Delivered' into a single, coherent timeline. Analyzing processes at the case level is impossible without a reliable case identifier.

Why it matters

This is the essential key for connecting all related events for a single new hire's onboarding journey, making end-to-end process analysis possible.

Where to get

Typically generated by the primary HR or onboarding management system when a new hiring process is initiated for an employee.

Examples
ONB-2024-00123789456123CASE-NH-9987
Last Data Update
LastDataUpdate
The timestamp indicating when the data for this event was last refreshed or extracted from the source system.
Description

This attribute provides a timestamp that marks the last time the data was synchronized from the source system. It is a metadata field that is essential for understanding the freshness and recency of the data being analyzed. This is different from the Event Time, which records when the business activity actually occurred.

The Last Data Update timestamp is important for data governance and for ensuring that analyses are based on current information. It helps dashboard users understand if they are looking at real-time data or a snapshot from a specific point in time. It is also critical for debugging data pipelines and verifying that data extraction processes are running as scheduled.

Why it matters

It indicates the freshness of the data, which is essential for data governance and ensuring that process analysis reflects the most current state of operations.

Where to get

This timestamp is typically generated and recorded by the data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) tool or data pipeline during the data ingestion process.

Examples
2024-05-21T02:00:00Z2024-05-20T02:00:00Z2024-05-19T02:00:00Z
Source System
SourceSystem
Indicates the system of record from which the onboarding data for a specific event was extracted.
Description

This attribute identifies the originating information system for each event in the dataset, such as an HRIS, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), or an IT Service Management (ITSM) tool. Since onboarding processes often span multiple systems, tracking the source is vital for data validation and for understanding cross-system interactions.

In a process mining analysis, knowing the source system helps in diagnosing data quality issues and understanding handoffs between different platforms. For instance, analyzing the time delay between an activity in the HR system and a corresponding activity in the IT system can reveal integration problems or manual data transfer delays. It provides context for why certain process steps behave the way they do.

Why it matters

It identifies the origin of each event, which is crucial for troubleshooting data quality and analyzing process handoffs between different corporate systems.

Where to get

This information is typically added during the data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) process, or it may exist as a standard field in a centralized data warehouse.

Examples
HCM_SystemITSM_PlatformApplicantTrackingSystem
Department
Department
The department or business unit the new employee is joining.
Description

This attribute specifies the organizational unit, such as 'Sales', 'Engineering', or 'Finance', to which the new hire belongs. It provides crucial business context for each onboarding case.

In process mining analysis, the department is a key dimension for filtering and comparison. Analysts can use it to segment onboarding processes to understand how performance varies across the organization. For example, you can compare the average onboarding cycle time for the Engineering department versus the Marketing department to identify best practices or areas needing support. It also helps in understanding resource allocation and identifying department-specific bottlenecks in the onboarding journey.

Why it matters

It allows for the comparison of onboarding efficiency, process variations, and new hire experiences across different business units, highlighting opportunities for standardization.

Where to get

Typically sourced from the new hire's employee profile or job requisition data in the HR system.

Examples
EngineeringSalesHuman ResourcesFinance
Employee ID
EmployeeId
A unique identifier assigned to each employee within the organization's HR system.
Description

The Employee ID is the unique code assigned to a new hire upon their official entry into the company's human resources information system (HRIS). This identifier is distinct from the Onboarding Case ID and serves as the primary key for the employee's permanent record.

While the Onboarding Case ID tracks the process, the Employee ID links the onboarding activities to a specific individual. This allows for long-term analysis, such as correlating onboarding experiences with future employee performance, engagement, or retention. It is also used to enrich the onboarding data with other employee attributes like tenure or role changes from the main HR system.

Why it matters

It connects the onboarding process to the permanent employee record, enabling long-term analysis of how onboarding impacts employee retention and performance.

Where to get

Sourced from the core Human Resources Information System (HRIS) or employee master data file once the new hire's profile is created.

Examples
102345EMP98765USR-A567B
Employee Start Date
EmployeeStartDate
The new employee's official first day of work.
Description

This attribute is the official date on which the new hire begins their employment. It is a critical milestone in the onboarding process and serves as a key reference point for many performance metrics.

The Employee Start Date is used to separate the pre-start and post-start phases of onboarding. It is essential for calculating KPIs like 'First Day Readiness Rate' and 'Pre-Employment Cycle Time'. By comparing the timestamps of activities like 'Equipment Delivered' to the start date, companies can measure how effectively they prepare for a new hire's arrival. This date acts as a crucial deadline for all pre-boarding activities.

Why it matters

It is a critical date that separates pre-boarding from post-boarding activities and is essential for measuring 'First Day Readiness' and other key KPIs.

Where to get

This is a fundamental date field stored in the employee's contract or profile within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

Examples
2024-06-012024-07-152023-12-04
Event End Time
EventEndTime
The completion timestamp of an activity, used for tasks that have a measurable duration.
Description

The Event End Time marks the moment a durational activity is completed. While many onboarding events are instantaneous, some tasks like 'Background Check' or 'Mandatory Training' have a distinct start and end. This attribute captures the end point of such tasks.

In process mining, having both a start and end time allows for precise calculation of activity processing time. This is different from wait time, which is the duration between activities. Analyzing processing time helps identify which specific tasks are taking the longest to complete, rather than just identifying long delays between steps. It is crucial for creating accurate resource utilization models and for detailed bottleneck analysis within specific tasks.

Why it matters

It enables the precise calculation of how long specific activities take to complete (processing time), which is key for resource analysis and identifying inefficient tasks.

Where to get

Typically found in task management or workflow systems where an activity has distinct states, such as 'In Progress' and 'Completed'.

Examples
2023-10-28T17:00:00Z2024-01-20T11:45:00Z2023-11-05T16:20:00Z
Event Performer
EventPerformer
The user, role, or system that executed the onboarding activity.
Description

This attribute identifies who or what performed a given activity. The performer could be a specific user like the hiring manager, a role like 'IT Support', or an automated system or bot. This information is key to understanding resource involvement and handoffs in the process.

Analyzing the Event Performer helps to create a social network or organizational map showing interactions and workloads. It can pinpoint which departments or individuals are bottlenecks and highlight opportunities for automation by identifying repetitive, manual tasks. Understanding who does what is fundamental to resource optimization and improving cross-functional collaboration.

Why it matters

It reveals who performs each task, enabling analysis of workload distribution, handoff efficiency, and opportunities for automation.

Where to get

Found in the audit trail or event log data of the source system, often recorded as 'User ID', 'Changed By', or 'System Agent'.

Examples
Jane DoeIT Provisioning ServiceHR Coordinatorsystem_user
Hiring Manager
HiringManager
The name or ID of the manager to whom the new employee reports.
Description

The Hiring Manager attribute identifies the direct supervisor of the new hire. This is the person primarily responsible for the new employee's integration, training, and initial performance.

In process mining, analyzing activities by Hiring Manager can highlight variations in managerial engagement and effectiveness during onboarding. It can help identify managers who are highly efficient at completing their onboarding tasks versus those who may need additional support or training. This information is key to improving manager accountability and the overall consistency of the new hire experience, which is heavily influenced by the direct manager.

Why it matters

It helps assess the performance and consistency of managers in executing their onboarding responsibilities, directly impacting new hire experience and time to productivity.

Where to get

Sourced from the job requisition data or the employee's reporting structure defined in the HR system.

Examples
Jane DoeRobert JonesMGR-4567
Job Title
JobTitle
The specific role or position of the new hire.
Description

The Job Title attribute defines the official title of the position the new hire is filling, such as 'Software Engineer', 'Account Manager', or 'HR Generalist'. This information adds a layer of granularity to the analysis of the onboarding process.

Analyzing the process by Job Title or job level can reveal important patterns. For instance, the onboarding process for executive roles might be significantly different and longer than for entry-level positions. This attribute allows for the creation of tailored process views for different employee cohorts, ensuring that comparisons are made between similar roles and helping to design role-specific onboarding paths.

Why it matters

Enables analysis of how the onboarding process differs for various roles, helping to identify needs for role-specific process optimization and customization.

Where to get

Sourced from the job requisition or the employee's position details in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

Examples
Senior Software EngineerMarketing CoordinatorFinancial Analyst
Location
Location
The primary work location, office, or region of the new hire.
Description

This attribute specifies the geographical or physical location where the new hire will be based. This could be a city, country, specific office building, or a designation like 'Remote'.

Location is a critical dimension for analysis, as onboarding processes can vary significantly based on geography due to different legal requirements, office logistics, or regional management practices. By filtering or comparing processes by location, organizations can identify regional inconsistencies, ensure compliance with local regulations, and standardize the onboarding experience where appropriate. It is particularly important for global companies aiming to balance local needs with corporate standards.

Why it matters

It allows for analysis of geographical variations in the onboarding process, which is crucial for ensuring compliance and standardizing the experience in a global organization.

Where to get

This information is usually stored in the employee's profile within the HR system and is often determined by the job requisition.

Examples
New York, USALondon, UKRemoteSingapore Office
Employment Type
EmploymentType
The classification of the new hire's employment, such as full-time, part-time, or contractor.
Description

This attribute categorizes the new hire's employment arrangement with the company. Common values include 'Full-Time', 'Part-Time', 'Contractor', or 'Intern'. The type of employment often dictates the complexity and requirements of the onboarding process.

Analyzing the process by Employment Type is essential for understanding process variations. For example, the onboarding for a contractor may be significantly shorter and involve different legal and IT steps compared to a full-time employee. Segmenting the analysis by this attribute ensures that performance metrics are evaluated fairly and helps organizations optimize distinct onboarding paths for different types of workers.

Why it matters

It enables segmentation of the onboarding process for different worker types, ensuring fair performance comparisons and helping to optimize distinct process paths.

Where to get

This is a core attribute found in the employee's job or position data within the main HR system.

Examples
Full-TimePart-TimeContractorIntern
New Hire Name
NewHireName
The full name of the employee being onboarded.
Description

This attribute contains the full name of the new hire. It provides a human-readable identifier for each onboarding case, making it easier for users to investigate specific instances without needing to cross-reference ID numbers.

While not typically used for aggregated process analysis, the New Hire Name is invaluable for operational monitoring and drilling down into individual cases. For example, a live dashboard tracking onboarding progress might display the names of new hires who are stuck at a particular stage, allowing HR personnel or managers to intervene directly. It adds a crucial layer of usability to process mining dashboards.

Why it matters

Provides a human-readable identifier for individual cases, making it easier for managers and HR staff to track and investigate specific onboarding journeys.

Where to get

Sourced from the new hire's profile in the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

Examples
John SmithMaria GarciaChen Wei
Onboarding Status
OnboardingStatus
The current overall status of the onboarding case.
Description

This attribute provides a high-level summary of where the onboarding case stands in its lifecycle. Typical statuses include 'In Progress', 'Completed', 'Canceled', or 'On Hold'. This is often a case-level attribute that changes as the process progresses.

Onboarding Status is particularly useful for operational monitoring and creating high-level dashboards. It allows stakeholders to quickly see the number of onboardings that are active, completed, or facing issues. In process mining, it can be used to filter for incomplete or canceled cases to perform root cause analysis and understand why some onboarding processes fail to complete successfully.

Why it matters

It provides a high-level view of case progress, enabling operational monitoring and root cause analysis of incomplete or canceled onboarding processes.

Where to get

This status is typically managed and updated in the primary onboarding or HR workflow management system.

Examples
In ProgressCompletedCanceledPending Start Date
Required Recommended Optional

Employee Onboarding Activities

This section outlines key process steps and significant milestones to capture for accurate process discovery and insightful performance analysis.
7 Recommended 10 Optional
Activity Description
Employee Profile Created
Represents the official creation of the new hire's record in the core HR system. This event formally transitions the individual from a candidate to an employee within the system of record.
Why it matters

This is a fundamental milestone that enables all other employee-related processes, such as payroll setup, benefits enrollment, and IT provisioning. It is a key indicator of HR processing efficiency.

Where to get

This is inferred from the creation date of the new employee record or person record in the core HR database.

Capture

Use the creation timestamp of the primary key or record in the main employee master data table.

Event type inferred
Employee Start Date Occurred
This activity represents the new hire's official first day of employment. This is a calculated event based on a key date field rather than a transactional user action.
Why it matters

This is a pivotal milestone that separates pre-boarding activities from post-start activities. It serves as a baseline for measuring time-to-productivity and post-hire engagement.

Where to get

Derived from the 'Start Date' or 'Hire Date' attribute associated with the employee's profile in the core HR system.

Capture

Generate an event based on the employee's start date field. The timestamp can be set to the beginning of the work day.

Event type calculated
IT Provisioning Requested
This activity marks the formal request sent to the IT department to create necessary accounts, system access, and email for the new hire. It is the starting point for all technical onboarding.
Why it matters

Timely IT provisioning is crucial for a new hire's productivity from day one. Measuring the time from this request to completion helps identify major bottlenecks affecting first-day readiness.

Where to get

Captured when a predefined 'IT Provisioning' task is created or assigned, often through an automated workflow triggered by the employee profile creation.

Capture

Use the creation timestamp of the IT provisioning task, ticket, or service request.

Event type explicit
Mandatory Training Completed
Marks the successful completion of all required training courses by the new employee. This signifies that the employee has met their initial compliance and learning requirements.
Why it matters

This is a key milestone for ensuring the new hire is compliant and equipped for their role. It is a critical measure of new hire readiness and the effectiveness of the training program.

Where to get

Recorded when the status of the final assigned training course is updated to 'Completed' in the learning management system.

Capture

Identify the completion timestamp of the last required course in the employee's initial learning plan.

Event type explicit
Offer Accepted
Marks the official start of the pre-employment phase. This event is triggered when a candidate formally accepts their job offer, confirming their intention to join the company.
Why it matters

This is a critical starting point for measuring the overall onboarding cycle time. It allows for analysis of the pre-employment phase duration and efficiency from the candidate's commitment.

Where to get

Typically captured from the applicant tracking system or HR module when a candidate's status is updated to 'Hired' or 'Offer Accepted'.

Capture

Identify the timestamp when the offer status field for a candidate is changed to an accepted state.

Event type explicit
Onboarding Completed
This activity marks the formal closure of the entire onboarding process for a new hire. It signifies that all assigned tasks within the new hire's onboarding plan have been finished.
Why it matters

This event defines the end of the onboarding process, allowing for accurate calculation of the total cycle time. It confirms that the organization considers the new hire fully integrated from a process standpoint.

Where to get

This event can be captured when the overall status of the onboarding journey is set to 'Completed' or inferred when the final task is completed.

Capture

Use the timestamp when the parent onboarding case or plan is moved to a final 'Completed' status.

Event type explicit
Pre-Hire Paperwork Completed
This activity occurs when the new hire has finished signing and submitting all required pre-employment documents. The system typically records this automatically upon completion of all e-signatures or document uploads.
Why it matters

Completion of paperwork is a critical prerequisite for creating an official employee profile and initiating payroll. This milestone is essential for ensuring first-day readiness and compliance.

Where to get

Captured automatically when all required forms in a document packet are electronically signed or when an HR user manually confirms receipt and completion.

Capture

Identify the timestamp when the status of the overall paperwork packet or its final required document is marked as 'Completed'.

Event type explicit
30-Day Check-In Completed
Represents the completion of the first formal check-in between the new hire and their manager. This meeting typically occurs around the 30-day mark to discuss progress, answer questions, and provide feedback.
Why it matters

Early check-ins are crucial for employee engagement, retention, and addressing issues before they escalate. Tracking this helps ensure managers are actively participating in the onboarding journey.

Where to get

Captured when a '30-Day Check-in' task or a simple performance review form is marked as complete by the manager or HR.

Capture

Use the completion timestamp of the check-in task or the submission date of the associated form.

Event type explicit
Background Check Completed
Signifies that the new hire's background check has been successfully completed and the results are available. This is a key gatekeeping step before the hiring process can be finalized.
Why it matters

The duration between initiation and completion is a key performance indicator for third-party service providers. This milestone unblocks subsequent hiring and provisioning steps.

Where to get

Recorded when the background check task in the onboarding checklist is marked as 'Completed' or a final status is received from the screening vendor.

Capture

Use the timestamp of the final status update for the background check task, such as 'Cleared' or 'Completed'.

Event type explicit
Background Check Initiated
Represents the point at which a background check or screening process is requested for the new hire. This is often an early step to ensure compliance and eligibility before other onboarding activities proceed.
Why it matters

Tracking this activity helps measure the efficiency of pre-employment screening processes. Delays here can significantly impact the new hire's start date and overall onboarding timeline.

Where to get

Captured when a specific 'Background Check' task is created, a status is updated, or through an integration log with a third-party screening provider.

Capture

Use the creation timestamp of the background check task or the log entry showing the request was sent.

Event type explicit
Equipment Delivered
This activity signifies that the ordered hardware has been physically delivered and is ready for the new hire. It confirms that the physical setup for the employee is complete.
Why it matters

This is the final milestone in the asset provisioning process. It confirms that the new hire has the necessary physical tools before or on their first day.

Where to get

Often tracked as a separate 'Equipment Delivered' or 'Workspace Setup' task being marked complete in the onboarding checklist by IT or facilities staff.

Capture

Use the completion timestamp of the equipment delivery or workspace setup task.

Event type explicit
Equipment Ordered
Represents the point when necessary hardware, such as a laptop, monitor, or phone, is ordered for the new hire. This step is critical for ensuring the employee has the physical tools needed for their role.
Why it matters

Delays in equipment ordering or delivery directly impact a new hire's ability to work. Tracking this activity helps manage procurement and logistics lead times.

Where to get

Typically captured when an 'Order Equipment' task is marked as started or completed in the onboarding checklist or a request is logged in a procurement system.

Capture

Capture the timestamp of the equipment order task or the creation date of a corresponding purchase order.

Event type explicit
Mandatory Training Assigned
This event occurs when required compliance, safety, or role-specific training is assigned to the new employee. This is typically managed through a Learning Management System (LMS).
Why it matters

Assigning training promptly is important for compliance and skill development. This activity starts the clock for measuring training completion rates and timeliness.

Where to get

Explicitly logged within a training or learning module when a new course is added to an employee's learning plan, often triggered by the hire event.

Capture

Capture the enrollment date or assignment timestamp from the learning management system.

Event type explicit
Onboarding Canceled
Represents the termination of the onboarding process before the employee's start date. This can happen if the candidate withdraws their acceptance or if the background check fails.
Why it matters

This is an important exception path to analyze. It helps quantify pre-start attrition and identify potential issues in the process that may lead to candidates dropping out.

Where to get

Captured by a 'Rescind Hire' or 'Cancel Onboarding' action within the HR system, which terminates the active onboarding workflow.

Capture

Identify the timestamp of the cancellation or rescind event in the onboarding process log.

Event type explicit
Onboarding Process Initiated
This activity marks the system-level start of the onboarding process for a new hire. It is often triggered automatically when a candidate is moved from the recruitment system to the HR system, creating the initial onboarding case or record.
Why it matters

This event provides the earliest possible starting point for measuring the full onboarding lifecycle. It helps identify any delays between the decision to hire and the official start of onboarding activities.

Where to get

Usually captured when an onboarding case or workflow is created in the HRIS, often triggered by a status change like 'Ready to Hire' in a connected recruiting module.

Capture

Look for the creation timestamp of the onboarding record or the first status entry in the onboarding process log.

Event type explicit
Orientation Completed
Marks the completion of the new hire's initial orientation session. This session typically covers company culture, core policies, benefits, and introductions.
Why it matters

Orientation is a key part of acculturation and ensuring employees understand company norms and resources. Tracking its completion helps ensure a consistent day-one experience.

Where to get

Captured when an 'Orientation' task is checked off as complete by HR or the hiring manager in the onboarding checklist.

Capture

Use the completion timestamp of the orientation task in the onboarding workflow.

Event type explicit
Pre-Hire Paperwork Sent
This event occurs when the initial packet of required documents is sent to the new hire for review and signature. This packet typically includes contracts, tax forms, policy acknowledgements, and personal data forms.
Why it matters

This activity starts the clock on how quickly new hires complete essential administrative tasks. It helps identify bottlenecks in document management and communication.

Where to get

Logged when an HR administrator sends the document packet through the system's document management or e-signature features.

Capture

Capture the timestamp when the document packet is assigned or its status changes to 'Sent to Candidate'.

Event type explicit
Recommended Optional

Extraction Guides

How to get your data for process mining.

Extraction methods vary by system. For detailed instructions,

read our ETL guide

or select a specific process and system.