Every company’s needs and processes are different, which means that what’s right for someone else may not be the right fit for your company. Matchr has spent hundreds of hours analyzing HRIS software platforms and working with vendors in an effort to help match HR professionals with the best HRIS software.
To help in your search for the best HRIS software, we’ve compiled a list below of some of our top HRIS options. Don’t forget to try out our vendor match tool. It’s completely free for HR professionals and can help you save a lot of time in your software search.
Matchr’s Top 9 HRIS Software Recommendations for 2023
Paycor HCM
BambooHR Software
ADP Vantage HCM
ADP Workforce Now
Run Powered by ADP
Paycor HRIS
Paycor is a cloud-based HRIS solution specializing in HRIS software for businesses of all sizes. Paycor’s HRIS solution consists of intuitive cloud-based modules that can be accessed from anywhere. With both mobile and desktop solutions, Paycor HRIS covers all of your HR management needs which is why it made our list of best HRIS systems for 2023.
Paycor Highlights:
- Ranked best-in-class for HR and Payroll software
- Robust automation for even the simplest administrative tasks
- All-in-one HR solution that covers all aspects of HR
- Over 30 years in the HCM industry
- Trusted by over 2.3 million users
Compare Paycor to Other HRIS Software
Vista by PDS HRIS
PDS is one of the oldest and most trusted brands in the HCM space. In operation since 1974, PDS services a wide variety of organizations and industries. Vista by PDS is an all-in-one suit of products that covers everything from recruiting and benefits to payroll and workflow management. Vista’s modern and efficient product provides robust tools that can seamlessly help any organization scale and grow and is aso why PDS is considered as one of our top HRIS picks for 2023.
Vista by PDS Highlights:
- Single, integrated recruiting, onboarding, HR, benefits, payroll database simplifies reporting
- Compliance Reporting (e.g. EEO, ACA, OSHA, FMLA, ADA, IRCA, Vets-4212, HIPAA, Federal, State, W-2)
- Translation component enables applicant recruiting and employee self-service outside of the U.S. and Canada
- Point-In-Time Builder creates data snapshots of historical information
- Integrates easily with other systems using the configurable External Interfaces tool
- e-Assistant provides superior assistance with directory services, workflow, and task scheduling
Compare Vista by PDS to Other HRIS Software
BambooHR HRIS
BambooHR is a modern day cloud based HRIS solution that streamlines and centralizes employee information into a single database. Founded in 2008, BambooHR is a tech focused HRIS software solution for both small and medium sized businesses. With an easy to use interface, BambooHR is a great option for your small business HRIS solution. When it comes to selecting the best modern HRIS solution, BambooHR is an obvious choice for top HRIS in 2023.
BambooHR Highlights:
- Online and customized product demo available, along with video tutorials, forums, training webinars, and white papers
- Intuitive integration with BambooHR Payroll for streamlined HR payroll process, and improved payroll knowledge for HR professionals and employees
- Support of MS Windows, Mac, and online platforms. No long term contracts
- Winner of a 2013 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility
- Open API enables seamless data sharing with other services
Compare BambooHR to Other HRIS Software
ADP Vantage HRIS
ADP has been a leader in HCM software for decades. This was created as an enterprise solution for companies with 1,000 or more employees. ADP Vantage HCM is smart and powerful and has built-in processes to manage your company’s talent, payroll, benefits, Affordable Care Act compliance, time & attendance, and more. The Vantage HCM can manage and automate processes beginning with talent recruitment and onboarding through workforce management to payroll, tax filing, and reports.
ADP Vantage Highlights:
- Robust security and automation tools to create a safe and streamlined process
- All-in-one, open-architecture solution for strategic human capital management
- Boost productivity, manage costs and simplify compliance with a cloud-based, mobile platform featuring built-in insights
- Get faster, easier payroll plus strategic insights and automate certain compliance tasks
- Employees can easily access their pay stubs and Forms W-2 or clock time from any job location
- HR managers can view and edit team schedules, approve timesheets and see daily reports to track productivity
Compare ADP Vantage to Other HRIS Software
ADP Workforce Now HRIS
Workforce Now is a cloud-based platform that can simplify and streamline payroll, benefits, talent, workforce management, and HR management and is designed for companies ranging in 50-999 employees. ADP Workforce Now automates and simplifies the HR processes from payroll and benefits administration to workforce, HR, and talent management.
ADP Workforce Now Highlights:
- All-in-one, cloud-based solution designed specifically for mid-sized businesses
- Automated tax filing and payroll for increased accuracy
- Support for compliance with local requirements and ordinances for laws, company policies, union regulations, scheduling, and more
- Talent management from recruitment through training and succession planning
- Integration with existing benefits, human resources, and payroll and tax management systems
- Simplified benefits management, including open enrollment and benefits management
Compare ADP Workforce Now to Other HRIS Software
isolved HRIS
Isolved is a people-first HCM technology that is delivered directly or through their HRO partner network to more than five million employees and 145,000 employers across all 50 States. Isolved’s HCM platform, isolved People Cloud, intelligently connects and manages the employee journey across talent acquisition, HR & payroll, benefits, workforce management and talent management functions. For the second year in a row, isolved made our list of best HRIS systems.
isolved Highlights:
- Strategic HR technology that improves organizational efficiencies and profitability
- Proactive compliance with nimble software that rapidly evolves with an organization and its industry
- Better employee experience for a culture of collaboration and growth
- Reduces redundant data to make HR more efficient
- Comprehensive platform that meets unique needs regardless of industry or size
- Connected solution that aligns with the employee journey from start to finish
Compare isolved to Other HRIS Software
UKG HRIS
Ultimate Kronos Group, otherwise known as UKG, is an HR software conglomerate that provides HRIS solutions and services to tens of thousands of companies worldwide. UKG is a cloud-based, technology driven company whose goal is to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and reduce manual processes and complexity when it comes to running your HR organization. UKG’s reputation, dedication to technology and support, and secure platform is why they top our list of best HRIS software providers.
UKG highlights:
- Control, run, and automate payroll in ways that match your organization’s needs
- Support keeping up with compliance and add targeted services to set you up for success
- Provide instant access anywhere to pay information and projections, and monitor trends like pay equity and fairness
- Leverage 24×7 support, rapid response, flexible support options, and more, all included with your subscription
- Call and connect to their support team for answers to urgent questions, without submitting a ticket
Compare UKG to Other HRIS Software
SentricHR Payroll
Founded in 1994 as a payroll provider, SentricHR has grown to incorporate all aspects of HR software. SentricHR is a client focused company that is supported by real people who understand not just what you need, but who you are. As an award-winning HRIS software provider with over 26 years of experience, SentricHR joins our list of best HRIS software providers for 2023.
SentricHR Highlights:
- Infrastructure and data are maintained in data centers that are SSAE 18, SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, HIPAA, and PCI compliant
- Dedicated Cybersecurity Team
- Support experts and resources are always within reach
- Product experts conduct ongoing live training programs
- Personal implementation lead who configures your solution to meet your unique business needs and goals
- Managers and employees also have access to the Help Center, with resources specifically tailored for their experience with the software
Compare SentricHR to Other HRIS Software
Namely HRIS
Specializing in HR solutions for mid-sized businesses, Namely has been a leader in HR software and HRIS solutions for companies with less that 1,000 employees. Founded in 2012, Namely was created as an HR platform as intuitive as social media, but powerful enough to support the complexity of today’s workforce. In 2022, Namely won Excellence in Customer Service Award presented by Business Intelligence Group and a Silver Stevie® Award in recognition of their reimagined approach to customer service. It is easy to see why Namely made our list of best HRIS solutions for 2023.
Namely Highlights:
- Work with a dedicated Migration Consultant who will gather and transfer your current data to Namely.
- Dedicated Service Pod that delivers solutions that span HR, Payroll, Benefits, and Time
- Namely advocate ensures you get the most out of Namely’s software and services through implementation and beyond
- Dedicated payroll specialist who will process your payrolls, set up new state tax IDs, import pay data, and more
- Don’t waste importing employee hours, entering payroll adjustments, verifying wages/employment, or managing system configurations
Compare Namely to Other HRIS Software
How To Select The Best HRIS Software
HRIS software offers many benefits. These benefits include saving HR professionals valuable time and the company money. Once you’ve decided that an HRIS is right for you, selecting one can be a daunting task. Most people start their search online and search for the most popular systems. However, popularity isn’t necessarily a good gauge of whether that system is the right one for you.
To find the best HRIS for you, follow these steps:
Step 1: Make a List of Your Needs
Before you start your search for the top HRIS, it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for. Most importantly, make a list of your needs. Later on in your search, this list will help you to automatically eliminate any software that doesn’t meet those needs. It’s also a good idea to make a list of “nice to haves.” Once you’ve removed software that doesn’t offer everything on your “must have” list, then you can use the “nice to have” list to narrow down your options even further.
Step 2: Start Researching Vendors
There are a lot of HRIS systems out there, so the research into the best HRIS systems can seem daunting. However, there are tools out there that can help you to find the top HRIS software. Matchr offers a software matching tool that can pair you with the top HRIS systems that meet your needs. Our vendor match tool suggests software that will meet the needs that you specify, which will help you to save a lot of time in the search process.
Step 3: Narrow Down Your HRIS System List
Once you have a list of the top HRIS software that suits your needs, it’s time to start narrowing down your options. Vendors typically offer demos, which can be helpful in the final selection process, but HR professionals generally don’t have the time to sit through demonstrations of anything but the systems that make the shortlist.
How to Make an HRIS Software Shortlist
To narrow down your list, compare HRIS system feature sets to both your “must haves” and your “nice to haves.” This is where the “nice to have” list comes in handy, as all software on your list should meet your essential needs. You should also look for reviews online of each vendor, in particular for the vendor’s customer support and user-friendliness. It’s also a good idea to ask around to see what other HR professionals’ experiences were with a vendor.
Step 4: Schedule Demos with Shortlisted Vendors
Once you’ve created a shortlist of possible vendors, it’s time to see how these HRIS software platforms function. Test-drive each HRIS system on your shortlist by taking advantage of any free trials that are available. Scheduling a demonstration with the vendor is also important. During a demo, you can ask them questions specifically about how their software would work with your systems and processes.
Step 5: Get Feedback from Employees
Because any HRIS platform will be used not only by everyone working in the HR department but also by other employees logging into the employee portal, it’s important for the system you choose to work for everyone. User-friendliness and user experience are important because everyone at the company will need to use the system frequently, if not daily. Ask anyone who will use the system to try it out and ask for their feedback. If the system isn’t easy for them to use, then that will slow down processes and productivity.
Step 6: Select The Best HRIS Software
Once you’ve completed the demo and trial process, it’s time to make your final selection. You can do some additional research or ask for a second demo from the vendor if you have more questions that came up after the first one or if you’re having difficulty deciding between a few HRIS platforms.
What Are The Types of HRIS?
There are three main types of HRIS solutions: HRIS, HCM, and HRMS. Each type of system offers various capabilities and characteristics, making certain solutions better suited to particular organizational needs. Before you purchase this software for your company, you need to understand the different types of HRIS systems and how they function.
HRIS
Human Resources Informations Systems help companies manage policies and procedures while keeping employee information organized and accessible.
HCM
Human Capital Management (HCM) systems function similarly in function to HRIS but have additional features, including talent management, salary planning, succession planning, and more.
HRMS
Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS) is nearly identical to HRIS software. However, HRMS software may also include elements of HCM systems but are best used for time and labor management.
What Is the Difference Between HRIS, HRMS, and HCM Systems?
The main difference between HRIS, HRMS, and HCM is how comprehensive they are and what features they provide. HRIS software offers the fewest features while HCM systems include all HRIS features plus additional offerings. HRMS software is the most comprehensive option, providing all the features of HCM and HRIS systems with unique offerings of its own.
Most Common HRIS Classifications
While there are different types of HRIS systems, there are also different classifications of HRIS. Each classification performs different functions that allow companies to complete everyday tasks; the four HRIS classifications are operational HRIS, tactical HRIS, strategic HRIS, and comprehensive HRIS.
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Operational HRIS
An Operational HRIS system is ideal for people in management positions. This HRIS system includes information about your employees’ positions as well as vital documentation for governmental regulations. Operational HRIS is subdivided into three additional categories: Employee Information Systems, Position Control Systems, and Performance Management Information Systems.
Employee Information Systems
Employee information systems handle employee records and personal and professional details. Some information could include name, address, sex, minority status, citizenship, education, work experience, and more.
Position Control Systems
Position control systems help HR professionals organize job positions within a company keep track of which employees are assigned to those positions. The HR team can also view unfilled positions to help with the hiring process.
Performance Management Information Systems
A performance management information system tracks employee performance. This information is vital for determining raises, promotion, or termination of an employee, but it can also be used as evidence in a grievance hearing.
Tactical HRIS
A tactical human resource information helps employers make decisions regarding how to allocate company resources.
Tactical HRIS has four subparts, including:
- Job analysis and design information systems — This includes data from supervisors and workers as well as information on affirmative action guidelines, labor unions, competitors, and government agencies.
- Recruiting information systems — This system helps companies develop a recruiting plan to fill positions and hire skilled workers.
- Compensation and benefits information systems — This system supports compensation and benefit plans to help HR teams make internal decisions.
- Employee training and development systems — This system helps organize employee training and track when new training courses need to be completed.
Strategic HRIS
Strategic HRIS systems support labor and workforce planning to help ensure businesses are adequately staffed to meet production needs. These systems are usually broken down into two parts.
Information Systems Supporting Workforce Planning
This system helps with the long-term planning of a business. Planning options include expanding into new markets, building new office spaces, producing new products, and more.
Specialized Human Resource Information Systems Software
Specialized human resource information systems software is offered in two options. A comprehensive system covers a variety of HR management needs while a specialized system focuses on one or two specific HR functions.
Comprehensive HRIS
A comprehensive HRIS system offers every function of HR management, including:
- Human resource files
- Employee files
- Positions — filled and open
- Skills inventory
- Affirmative action files
- OSHA files
- Compliance records
The comprehensive system keeps all information in one secure database, so it remains easily accessible at all times.
What Are Some Examples of HRIS?
There are different types of HRIS solutions, but some examples include payroll and benefits administration, job applicant tracking, and an onboarding checklist. Read on to learn more about these HRIS offerings.
Payroll and Benefits Administration
Payroll and benefits administration is one of the most common reasons a company needs an HRIS system. The payroll and benefits functions automate complex, time-consuming processes of payroll timelines and benefits enrollment and administration.
These system offerings also include reporting functionality, increased security in an online database, and better transparency since every process is traceable and viewable by HR administrators.
Job Applicant Tracking
Finding and hiring the right talent can be a struggle, but an effective applicant tracking system makes all the difference.
In terms of job applicant tracking, the system can help with:
- Sharing job postings to job search sites such as Monster and Indeed
- Automating messages, job offers, and e-signatures
- Designing and storing job templates
- Customizing new-hire packets
- Combining past and current applicants, internal candidates, and referrals
- Ranking applicants
- And more
Onboarding Automation
Onboarding automation makes it easier to onboard new employees into a company and helps them feel more welcomed as a member of the team. The automated onboarding process can start before a new hire’s first day and continue through the end of their first week or first month, depending on the company.
Information covered by the automated onboarding process may include:
- Collecting employee personal information
- Reviewing the employee handbook
- Completing payroll information
- Introducing a training schedule
- Setting up an employee workstation
- Completing I-9 forms
As a result of an effective, well-designed onboarding process, new employees are more likely to stay at a company longer. Adding automated onboarding as part of an HRIS system is important for any business, big or small.
What Are the Advantages/Benefits of HRIS?
While many businesses may feel that they are too small to implement HRIS software, such systems offer a variety of advantages and benefits for every company, regardless of size.
These benefits can include:
- One-stop shop — Access all HR information and processes in one location.
- Integration of data — Seamlessly add company information into an HRIS system and sync it across multiple platforms.
- Accuracy — In a digital database, it is easier to maintain and update information while ensuring it is correct.
- Self-service — HRIS software can be customized to a company’s needs, meaning they can select only the services they need.
- Automated reminders — Get automatic reminders for payroll, employee training, and compliance processes.
- Hosting of company-related documents — Most HRIS systems allow for companies to upload and manage their own documents into the software.
- Benefits administration — HR representatives can monitor employee benefits, including insurance information, with an HRIS system.
- Recruiting management and applicant tracking — Finding new employees and monitoring the workforce is easier with HRIS software that includes recruiting management and applicant tracking.
- Training and development tracking — Businesses can stay on top of employee training needs while implementing new training courses that help develop employee skills.
- Risk management — HRIS software monitors compliance to local, state, and government regulations. Staying updated with these regulations mitigates a company’s risk of non-compliance.
- Payroll services — Companies can quickly and accurately manage all aspects of payroll with HRIS software.
- Succession planning — This includes creating a plan for when employees leave a company. The plan helps reduce downtime and transition periods between employees.
- Time and attendance tracking — Employers can easily see when employees are working, how their attendance is, and where scheduling can be improved.
- Turnover reporting — Monitors how often employees are leaving, and can also track reasons for turnover rates.
- Accident reporting and prevention — Accidents can be costly for businesses so it is important to track all accidents, maintain reports on them, and have prevention plans in place.
What Are the Most Important Features of an HRIS Software?
HRIS software features can be broken down into different categories. This is helpful when determining what is most important for your company’s needs. If an HRIS system doesn’t offer a feature you need, it may be an add-on to their basic package, so double-check before you rule them out. Additionally, if you find some types of HRIS software that offer more than you need, keep them in the running until you can find a system that fits your company best.
Employee Information Management
- Employee records, database, and directory
- Employee self-service portal
- Job and salary history
- Disciplinary records
- Banking and tax information
- Time off tracking
Recruitment and Hiring
- Job descriptions and postings
- Applicant tracking and evaluation
- Candidate pre-screening
- Applicant background check
- Onboarding
Accounting
- Accounting
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- AR/AP automation
- Travel compensation
Learning and Professional Development
- Course administration
- Certification management
- Training customization
- Multimedia learning materials
- Performance management
Talent Management
- Employee performance
- Behavioral and competency tests
- Key performance indicators
- Employee reviews and feedback
Time and Attendance Management
- Time reporting and tracking
- Project billing
- Scheduling
- Overtime tracking
- Holiday calendars
Financial Management
- Payroll
- Salary administration
- Compensation plans
- Financial rewards
Benefits Administration
- 401k tracking
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off and vacation accruals
- Life insurance
- Disability
- Savings plans (FSA, HSA)
Technical Features
- Compliance management
- Mobile apps
- Security
- Maintenance
- User support
- Electronic signatures
- Customizable and standard reports
Other Important Considerations When Choosing HRIS
Along with all the HRIS features listed above, there are additional features to consider when choosing the right HRIS software for your company.
Security
HRIS systems contain a variety of private personal and professional information about employees and the company as a whole, including:
- Social security numbers
- Payroll data
- Performance history
- Medical history
- EEO-related date
- Company policies
- Training programs
- Compensation and benefits
- Recruiting information
- Retention and succession procedures
With all of this personal and company-specific information included in one database, the HRIS system you choose must have in-depth security features in place to protect your company’s data.
User-Friendly
If an HRIS system is hard to use and difficult to operate, it won’t be functional for your company. These systems are often used by every member of a company, meaning they need to be easy to use and intuitive for every employee.
Integrations and Connections
As you look at different types of HRIS systems, look at how they integrate and connect with other software. Can you easily add your own company information to the system? Can you connect it to other software that your team uses daily? Take these questions into consideration to ensure that the software you choose can easily integrate into your company’s current processes.
Cloud or On-Premise Software
Cloud-based software means that the entire HRIS system is contained online in a network of servers that provide different functions, such as running applications, providing online services, and storing data.
Benefits of cloud-based software include:
With on-premise software, the HRIS system is completely on-site and run by your company’s own servers. HRIS software can be difficult to run on-premise due to extra maintenance costs, outdated hardware, and the inability to compete with cloud-based software.
Most companies have made the switch to cloud-based HRIS systems and such systems are expected to be the standard option in coming years.
At Matchr, we believe in matching you with the best HRIS software available. In our experience, the following HRIS systems are the best options for any business due to offered features, price, and system compatibility.
Future Trends to Consider for HRIS
HRIS systems are continually evolving to integrate new technologies and adapt to the changing needs of different companies. As this software changes, there are future trends to watch for and consider when deciding which HRIS system is best for your company.
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are quickly becoming the HR solutions of the future. AI can automate mundane, routine tasks and, as the system learns your needs and preferences, the machine learns how to best help your company become more efficient.
Cloud
The cloud, which is now being referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS), is becoming the preferred method of delivering software through the internet. Companies are choosing to use SaaS options as they are more convenient and flexible compared to on-premise options.
Additional Tips and Information
As you move forward in deciding which HRIS system is right for your business, there is additional information you may want to consider.
How Long Does HRIS Implementation Take?
In most cases, HRIS implementation takes longer than most companies realize. This is because there are many steps involved in properly setting up the system.
On average, most systems take about six to eight weeks to be fully implemented and can be broken down into five phases:
- Research and discovery phase
- Data conversion phase
- Configuration, review, and testing phase
- Employee training phase
- Go-live phase
Challenges to HRIS Implementation
Once properly implemented, HRIS software is easy to use and helps companies become more efficient. However, there are still some challenges that businesses can face during the implementation process, including:
- Adequate employee/management training time
- Acceptance of the new system
- Configuring the HRIS to your company’s specific needs
- Assessing the accuracy of information once it is added to the system
Consider HRIS Software Classes
When you implement an HRIS system into your company’s processes, it may be helpful to schedule training sessions for you and your employees. HRIS systems are designed to be easy to use, but participating in a training class helps your team get familiar with the software sooner.
Online Training
Most HRIS vendors offer online training courses as part of their process. Employees can learn and train at their own pace and learn system operations in a step-by-step process. Online training can be tedious and could be difficult for employees who have no experience with HR software, but it is more cost-effective than other training methods.
Vendor Classroom Training
The HRIS system you choose may include in-person classroom training at corporate or regional training centers. Seeing the software used in real-time and explained by system experts can make it easier for employees to grasp software components. However, this style of training is usually a one-size-fits-all approach, which means that some employees may get left behind during the learning curve.
On-Site Employee Training
On-site training is more expensive than other training options, but it may be the most effective method. HRIS software experts come to your business and provide hands-on training for you and your employees. This type of training usually happens in smaller groups, making it easier for employees to ask questions and get familiar with the HRIS system.
Need Help Choosing the Best HRIS Software for Your Business?
Choosing an HRIS system for your business can be overwhelming. With so many systems and features available, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what your company needs and select the option that is best for you.
Matchr takes the hassle out of finding HRIS software by selecting hand-picked HR recommendations based on your company’s unique needs. When you need an HRIS system, we are the company to trust to match you with the right one.
To find the best HRIS software system for your company, use Matchr’s Software Match Tool today.
