HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM

 

What is an HRIS?

HRIS stands for Human Resources Information System. The HRIS is a system that is used to collect and store data on an organization’s employees. In most cases, an HRIS encompasses the basic functionalities needed for end-to-end Human Resources Management (HRM). It is a system for recruitment, performance management, learning & development, and more. An HRIS is also known as HRIS software. This is a bit confusing as it implies that different systems can have different software running on them. However, this is not the case. The HRIS is, in essence, an HR software package (aihr, 2021)

An HRIS stores, processes and manages employee data, such as names, addresses, national IDs or Social Security numbers, visa or work permit information, and information about dependents. It typically also provides HR functions such as recruiting, applicant tracking, time and attendance management, performance appraisals and benefits administration. It may also offer employee self service functions, and perhaps even accounting functions.

 

HRIS benefits

HR practices and procedures inside a firm might be given new life by HRIS software. The following are the main advantages of HRIS software, albeit they may differ based on the system or modules a business chooses:

• Expedites tasks - An HRIS enables the HR department to spend less time on clerical tasks, helps ensure the accuracy of employee data and can make it easier for employees to manage their information.
• Reduces paperwork - A centralized repository for employee data eliminates the need to store easily destroyed paper files and to search through extensive paper-based employee files in order to retrieve information.
• Simplifies predictive analysis and visualizations - Depending on the HRIS software type, it could provide a variety of reports, give ad hoc reporting options, and provide HR analytics on crucial variables like headcount and turnover.
• Empowers employees- Employees can directly access and make changes to their personal information without the need to contact HR.  
• Improves productivity- The procedure for updating employee master data or organizational changes becomes more effective and takes less time when an HRIS allows employee or management self-service.
• Maintains compliance- HR tasks are highly regulated and there's little to no margin for error. Many HRIS programs have monitoring capabilities and are designed with specific compliance regulations in mind. This encourages organizations to stay compliant and avoid legal issues, penalties and financial losses.
• Offers security and privacy- An HRIS can secure information so that it can only be accessed by authorized individuals.

 

HRIS functions

As an HR tool, an HRIS usually features modules to handle the following tasks:

•       master data management

•       organizational management, such as positions and departments

•       employee and manager self-services

•        and leave management;

•        benefits administration

•        workflows

•         performance appraisals

•        recruiting and applicant tracking

•        compensation management

•       Reporting and basic analytics.

Importance of HRIS

If you work in human resources, you are all too familiar with the myriad duties and processes that you must regularly remain on top of. When you deal with distant teams, bigger staff bases, high turnover, and other factors that lead to more complicated procedures, it might feel like a mountain of work every day. An HRIS will be quite helpful in this situation to complement and streamline your total HR burden. (resources.workable.com, 2021)

Future of HRIS technology

If you work in human resources, you are all too familiar with the myriad duties and processes that you must regularly remain on top of. When you deal with distant teams, bigger staff bases, high turnover, and other factors that lead to more complicated procedures, it might feel like a mountain of work every day. An HRIS will be quite helpful in this situation to complement and streamline your total HR burden. (resources.workable.com, 2021)

 

HR technology is constantly evolving. While automated HRIS aren't new, the features and functionalities of the systems are expected to become more efficient and useful to cater to the growing trend of remote work and globalization. When employees work in different locations, departments and specializations, having the best HRIS in place is essential.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). As automated technologies advance, the future of HRIS will likely see the integration of AI and ML to make intuitive decisions. These intelligent systems will be able to detect what employees want to accomplish, such as making a change in benefits selection or requesting time off. This will also enable AI and ML-based HRIS to offer proactive solutions, making it easier for employees to accomplish their goals such as using AI-powered cloud technologies for pay calculation and time tracking. AI's facial recognition feature also eradicates the need for passwords, ID badges or waiting in line to sign in to work. 

References

Vulpen, E. v., 2022. www.aihr.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.aihr.com/blog/human-resources-information-system-hris/

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icompadminpayroll, 2022. icompadminpayroll. [Online]
Available at: https://icomppayroll.com/the-importance-of-hris-systems/
[Accessed 25 04 20223].

Perucci, D., 2020. www.bamboohr.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/what-is-an-hris
[Accessed 29 04 2023].

resources.workable.com, 2021. resources.workable.com. [Online]
Available at: https://resources.workable.com/hr-toolkit/what-is-hris#:~:text=An%20HRIS%20enables%20you%20to,strategic%20level%20for%20your%20organization.
[Accessed 29 04 2023].