Tips for Choosing the HR Software That Meets Your Needs

There are thousands of individual HR software products on the market today. So it’s no wonder selecting the right software solution for your company is overwhelming.

But the benefits of HR systems make it worth tackling this challenge. They can significantly increase your department’s efficiency through automating routine HR tasks.  

Understanding HR software basics

Where do you begin the selection process when choosing HR software? First, educate yourself about the distinct types of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).

HRIS software covers a wide range of tools to streamline your daily processes. These solutions perform a variety of functions, including:

• Payroll
• Benefits administration
• Recruiting
• Performance management
• Compensation management
• Learning management
• ACA reporting
• Employee engagement and communications
• Time and attendance

Here’s a list of core HR technology solutions you should know about:

Applicant tracking, recruiting, onboarding

These products can shave hours off the time it takes to identify, recruit and onboard employees. They can improve your recruitment process by:

• Sourcing candidates through a searchable resume database. It also includes marketing functions, such as job postings.
• Tracking pre-hire processes like drug testing and background and reference checks.
• Standardizing onboarding processes, including completing employee forms and installing software on personal computers.

Benefits administration

This software removes the need for paper enrollment forms. It typically:

• Allows employees to self-enroll and manage their own benefits
• Houses enrollment data for all employees
• Provides data feeds to insurance companies so you don’t have to manually enter employee information in the carrier’s website

Compensation management

Compensation software assures a company offers competitive wages. This is especially relevant in today’s environment where the job market is highly competitive. This software:

• Provides market-based salary studies
• Offers sample job descriptions
• Includes competency libraries

Learning management

Learning and development applications track employees’ learning activities. These apps:

• Provide online curricula and learning programs, and can include custom courses designed specifically for your company
• Track course completion
• Provide analytics and reporting

Performance management

This technology tracks employee goals and assesses their performance. It also:

• Allows managers to set goals and objectives
• Documents employee progress
• Records peer and manager reviews

ACA reporting

This software tracks and analyzes employee data used in IRS reporting, which is required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). And it completes ACA reporting electronically. In addition, this software:

• Populates data like salaries and health coverage
• Generates 1094/1095 forms
• Sends forms to the IRS and employees

Getting help from an expert

Buying HR software is a big investment, so it’s important to make the right choice. That’s why many companies engage an HR software consultant.

At The Miller Group, we partner with these experts to help clients navigate the complex selection process and find cost-saving options. They can also assist with managing software systems.

Consultant services often include:

• Analyzing client needs and requirements
• Analyzing the market
• Scheduling and guiding product demonstrations
• Negotiating pricing and contracts

Clients of The Miller Group can contact their account team to set up time with an HR technology consultant. We also can help manage vendor relationships and address any pain points related to HR software.

Choosing the right HR software will reduce the burden of your routine tasks. And that gives you more time to focus on your company’s most valuable asset – your employees.