What is HRIS Software?

In very simple terms, HRIS stands for “Human Resource Information Systems.” In more practical terms, HRIS is HR software for the management of HR tasks and administrative workforce activities. Today, the acronym “HRIS” is often used synonymously with other related acronyms, such as HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems) and HCM (Human Capital Management). While many companies are using these terms interchangeably, in many cases, significant differences exist among those vendors and products.   The most notable difference among these HRIS vendors relates to the scope of features provided within the system. Some solutions are far more comprehensive or limited than others. Perhaps the most significant difference relates to how closely payroll, time and attendance, and benefits components are integrated within the solution. It would be advisable to ensure that payroll processing and a strong payroll partnership are closely integrated with your HRIS solution of choice.  

What HR Functions Does HRIS Include

Over time, as the HR function has become increasingly more complex, demanding and time-consuming, an HRIS software solution has become equally as vital in order to streamline and simplify processes while enabling HR to focus on more important aspects of the business.   An HRIS software can cover a very broad range of tasks or HR modules. From recruitment to hiring and retirement, and everything in between, HRIS software can be used to cut countless hours of administrative time and improve overall results while enhancing reporting. Core HR/HRIS modules most often include:  

• Applicant Tracking

     

• New Hire Onboarding

     

• Benefits Enrollment and Tracking

     

• Performance Reviews and Management

   

• • Employee Demographics, Certifications and Training
  • Time Tracking & Time Off Management
  • Employee Scheduling

 

• Payroll Processing

    If your current HR systems do not include access to these components, consider asking your vendor if such tools are available or begin the process of researching alternatives. If your current system does not offer these from a single portal, again… consider adopting an alternative.

Why Invest in HRIS Software?

An HRIS system can drastically improve the HR performance of an organization, resulting in no less than five major categories of benefit:

• Time – Save countless hours performing administrative tasks each month.
• Savings – Significantly reduce the cost of employee labor and workforce-related administration.
• Productivity – Significantly improve productivity and performance for both your HR department and company.
• Results – Improve the quality of HR activities and outcomes while empowering HR to better focus on strategic tasks than administrative tasks.
• Compliance – Simplify organizational compliance with federal, state and local jurisdictions and guidelines.

  While many business solutions can address one or two of these areas, (e.g., save time, simplify operations) an HRIS system is especially beneficial to employers as it addresses each of these categories. As such, it is arguably among the best workforce-related investments or tools an employer can make, particularly because the workforce is often an employer’s greatest expense.

Save Time with HRIS Software

A HRIS platform or suite of tools is a powerful resource for employers. With the ability to simplify recruiting, employee onboarding, time management, scheduling, time off, payroll processing, benefit enrollment, and much more, whether it’s referred to as HRIS, HCM or HRMS, what matters most is determining that your solution contains the necessary features… while remaining user-friendly in order to minimize time spent on HR administration. Contact a HRIS specialist at HRnext if you have questions or would like to request a demo.