HR Information Systems

HR Information System Features

HR information systems automate your company's various human resources tasks in a centralized software solution. But what features and modules do they offer? And how can those features benefit your business?

Human Resources Information System (HRIS) solutions have benefits for companies of all shapes and sizes.

In addition to automating employee recordkeeping, these applications can also systematize time-consuming payroll, recruiting and compliance functions in your organization.

The key to a successful HRIS system implementation is to carefully assess your business' current HR needs. Since HRIS systems are sold in modules, you'll need to know which HR functions are most critical for your company when you enter the marketplace. Although you will be able to add other modules on a go-forward basis, your initial solution should be geared toward the features that offer the most benefit right now.

After you have identified your current needs, you can begin the process of evaluating software solutions based on the modules and features they offer. Here's a sampling of the features to look for in your next HRIS system.

• Simplicity. The best HRIS solutions offer convenient user interfaces and quick access to employee information (including demographics), insurance and benefits, skills, education, leave of absences, and attachments.
• Customization. A good HRIS system adapts to meet your existing HR processes and workflows. Your solution should give you the ability to customize the software or application to your company's specific requirements.
• Modular flexibility. Many small businesses avoid purchasing the entire solution at once. Instead, they choose to add modules as needed. Check with your vendor to make sure you won't lose customized data fields or other components when you add new modules.
• Payroll service compatibility. If you plan on using your HRIS system to coordinate with your payroll services provider, it's important to make sure the solution offers features that are compatible with your payroll company's application.
• Self-service features. Employee self-service features offload administrator requirements and give your workers more control over their benefits and payroll information. Most vendors offer either a portal or software features that makes it easy for employees to access and maintain their accounts.
• Compliance features. No software solution can guarantee that your staff will follow compliance processes. But quality HRIS systems give your staff the resources to maintain compliance with EEO, ADA, OSHA, HIPAA, ISO 9000 and other regulatory standards.

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