A system and method are provided for instantiating tools within a computer application. The method includes defining a base class, base methods and base properties, wherein the base methods and base properties are associated with the base class. The method includes defining a tool class inheriting from the base class, wherein the tool class will include the base methods and properties. The method includes instantiating a first tool from the tool class within the computer application, wherein the computer application automates human resource management processes. The method includes providing the first tool within the computer application, wherein the first tool provides a user interface to a functionality of the computer application.