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What is an HRIS system? 6 reasons why you need HRIS software

What is an HRIS system? 6 reasons why you need HRIS software

By Ricardo Singh

Updated: 20 May 2020, first publication: 18 March 2020

Today, HRIS have become increasingly sophisticated and are widely used in HR departments across all types of industries around the world. From onboarding to exit interviews, HRIS systems overview all aspects of the employee lifecycle.

But what is an HRIS system? Why is important to use one? And, what are some examples of HRIS systems?

Here is appvizer’s complete guide to HRIS systems:

What is an HRIS system?

HRIS stands for Human Resources Information System. HRIS systems are composed of several modules that automate tasks specific to each HR process.

These solutions have become a key tool for HR departments as they help managers monitor recruitment processes, payroll, employee training, skills and performance assessments, and talent management.

Here is a video that explains what an HRIS is:

What are the benefits of using an HRIS system?

HRIS software solutions offer a number of benefits for companies of all sizes.

Here are 6 reasons why you need an HRIS system:

Features Examples Benefits
Centralise information and data Time-tracking for each activity

Correlation with objectives

Correlation with performance

Competency Mapping

Updatable CV library

Simultaneous job postings on job boards

Improves performance monitoring

Improves recruitment

Analytics

HR Forecasting

Centralise tasks and streamline their execution Payslip and employment contract dematerialized and available online

Automation of non-value added activities

Saves time

Avoids mistakes

Boosts productivity

Reduces costs

Shortens validation procedure

Encourage collaboration Employees fill in their own information

They can submit their wishes on a shared platform (leave, training, career development)

Empowers employees

Recognition

Motivation

Up-to-date and reliable information

Competitiveness

Increased productivity

Improves communication

Strengthens the employer brand

Connect multiple software with one another Information entered in a time module can be exported and evaluated in a payroll module

An HR portal gives decision-makers and managers access to

a global view of all processes.

Avoids entering the same data several times

Triggers synergy effects

Make tools available online Users can work remotely

Tools are available online 24/7

Improves organisation

Boosts productivity

Fewer e-mails

Fewer meetings

Work in a proactive environment An intuitive interface

User-oriented ergonomics

Agile collaboration: project initiation can come from a manager,

an employee, a director or the HR manager.

Makes it easier to get started

Provides a fluid workspace

Promotes teamwork

There are many benefits of using an HRIS system for both your HR team and the rest of your employees. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right system, that will allow you to save time, money and provide a cutting edge work environment that your entire team will benefit from.

8 things to consider when choosing an HRIS system

Here are our 8 recommended tips to take into consideration when choosing an HRIS system for your company:

1. Can you centralise all of your activities in the same HRIS?

The HRIS must allow you to manage all the resources you need and offer you features to cover all of your responsibilities: administrative management of personnel, recruitment, skills, talent management, absence and leave management, payroll, expense reports, etc.

2. Can this HRIS evolve with your needs?

Scalability and customisation: 2 keywords! The scalability aspect means that a module can be added along the way. Your HR strategy is being refined and the company is growing with many new recruits? A recruitment module is essential to facilitate and manage all the aspects of this mission.

3. Will you comply with laws and regulations with this HRIS?

Some HRIS software editors integrate automatic updates to make sure that you are always up-to-date with laws and regulations of different countries.

4. Should you use a cloud-based HRIS?

By using a cloud-based HRIS, you will be able to store and access data anytime and anywhere once you have an internet connection.

5. Are collaboration features available at an international level?

An HR portal is a key feature that promotes collaborative work. You should choose an HRIS with this feature if your company plans to expand internationally. This will adapt the software to the languages and laws of each country!

6. Could this HRIS be used with other software?

Interoperability between information systems allows you to avoid re-entering data and to use it for your different uses. Can your HRIS capture data from other software or communicate with another tool?

7. Is your data protected?

You must be able to manage access rights to data according to users. There should at least be an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) security certificate for all communication on the Internet.

8. How will you set up your HRIS?

The software editor should help you set up your HRIS. Their customer support should help you during the entire process: from identifying your needs to installing the solution. The best editors will assist you even after the installation so that all your users understand how to use the tool.

What are some examples of HRIS systems?

BambooHR

BambooHR is a Human Resources Information System for small and medium-sized businesses.

With BambooHR, you can automate and optimise the daily operations of Human Resources.

Its performance management feature lets you create, track and grow performance with your employees. Together, you can set and track multiple goals, and create a constant feedback channel that modern employees crave while automated reminders and notifications keep them informed of new comments, goal progression, and goal completion.

Gusto

Gusto is a cloud-based HRIS that helps small businesses manage their team members.

Gusto has an easy-to-use, simple interface that can be used by anyone. And, with this software, you can focus on more important tasks and projects, while it manages all of your company's HR processes.

One of the main benefits of this software is that it can help businesses find the best health insurance and employee benefits for every team member.

Zoho People

Zoho People is a cloud-based 360° HR management solution that helps businesses manage their HR processes.

With Zoho People, you will be able to search for employees, set preferences, view organizational trees, and analyse time and attendance records from a single dashboard.

Moreover, Zoho People's HR management tool is ideal for problem-solving. It creates categories for employees’ questions, assigns agents, organizes and discusses cases through comments.

Do you need help deciding?

Do you want to modernize your tools to be more competitive and efficient but don't know where to start? Chilli can help you in the operational phase of your digital transition.

From dematerialisation of invoices to electronic signatures, Chilli's coaches help SMEs grow by recommending the right software for their needs.

The innovation platform offers several services free of charge to SMEs, this includes :

  • an audit: you fill in a small online form that gives your coach an idea of your business, your challenges and your competitors on the market,
  • a diagnosis through a one-hour interview, to define your expectations, your needs and your digital potential,
  • a quick start, in one week, with a presentation of several solutions adapted to your ecosystem and personalized advice.