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Mythbusting with Cezanne: the truth about our HRIS software & payroll in summary:

We’re here to bust some common myths about us: from being “too inflexible” to “only for big companies,” we set the record straight.

  • Proven & trusted: Founded in 2013, we were the first fully cloud-native HRIS software system, trusted by hundreds of mid-sized businesses.
  • Built for mid-sized organisations: Perfect for companies with 50–3,000 employees; scalable up or down as needed.
  • Flexible & configurable: Modular, workflow-driven design lets you adapt processes without costly development.
  • Seamless integrations: Open API connects with payroll, SSO, Microsoft 365 (including Teams), and more —all at no extra cost.
  • Quick, stress-free implementation: Cloud-based SaaS with dedicated consultancy and support; go live in weeks, not years.
  • No hidden extras: Implementation, training, and ongoing support are included in the cost — no unexpected fees.
  • In-house expert support: Direct help from Cezanne’s own team, not outsourced call centres.
  • Transparent contracts: Rolling agreements with price changes only in line with RPI — so, no nasty surprises.

If you’ve been searching for your next HRIS software or payroll suite, you’ll likely know all the big names on the market.

The HR tech industry is booming. But, it’s also crowded, confusing, and full of vendors promising the moon on a stick (and much more besides). From global giants with eye-watering price tags, to flashy newcomers that might look great in a demo but fall flat in real life. We know it can be hard to know who’s actually got your back!

We also talk to a lot of people and payroll professionals, and if there’s one thing we’ve noticed, it’s that people seem to like to talk about us; even other vendors – which is great! But, some of them (we know who you are…) like to tell more than a few porkies about us.

Mythbusting with Cezanne - seperating the Fact from Fiction with our HRIS software and payroll

Apparently, Cezanne’s ‘totally inflexible’. Or we’re ‘just for huge companies,’ or that we ‘don’t do X, Y, or Z.’ Spoiler alert: none of that’s true.

These myths usually pop up when the competition doesn’t have a good answer to what we actually offer: powerful, scalable HR software, built for mid-sized and global business, that’s both flexible and affordable.

So, we thought it’s time to set the record straight.

Here are the most common tall tales we hear about Cezanne’s HRIS software & payroll, and the facts that put them firmly to bed.

Myth #1: “Cezanne is an unproven newcomer”

No, not really.

OK, we might be still young by some business standards – we were established back in the heady days of 2013. But we’re certainly an established and trusted name in the world of HR & payroll tech.

We're not exactly the newcomers in HR software anymore...

The company was founded by a group of very talented software engineers and ex-HR professionals, who genuinely understood the ever-evolving world of HR & payroll. Plus, Cezanne was also the first fully cloud-native HR system designed in the UK for British and international organisations that combined sophisticated HR functionality with ease of use and agility.

Since then, our software and services have evolved massively, just like the businesses we support. We’ve added new modules, refined existing ones, and built a platform that flexes around the way modern organisations actually work. From payroll and performance management, to recruitment and HR analytics, every update has been driven by feedback from real HR and payroll professionals.

Today, we’re trusted by hundreds of mid-sized businesses across the UK and beyond – and our customer base really is growing all the time. We may have started as the ‘new kid on the block,’ but more than a decade on, we’re proof that you don’t need to be the biggest name in the market to be both loved and trusted.

Myth #2: “Cezanne’s HRIS software is only for large enterprise-sized organisations”

Er, what??

Our faces when we're told Cezanne is only for large enterprise organisations... no really

When we launched our suite of HR software, it was primarily designed for mid-sized and growing businesses – and that’s still the case. So, if you have an organisation that employs between 50 – 3,000 people, we might just be your perfect partner. Our software is highly configurable without requiring an IT team, and it can scale up or down depending on company size.

Speaking of which…

Myth #3: “It’s not flexible or customisable”

Some of our rivals seem to think Cezanne is rigid and inflexible… even going as far as calling us ‘plug and play’ (ugggghhhh).

Genuine LOL.

Apparently Cezanne isn't flexible or customisable... Oh how we laugh about how wrong that is

In truth, Cezanne was built to be the most flexible and configurable system on the market, and that still rings true today. It’s built around modular components and configurable workflows, whilst businesses can adapt processes (such as approvals, notifications, forms… and that’s just for starters) without costly bespoke development. Don’t believe us? Well, here’s what one of our many customers think…

“I’ve found it’s very, very rare for an HRIS software system to have this level of user configuration. I’m like, “Can I change this field to say this?” or “Can I get this screen to look like this?” And it’s really good – there’s so many options. There’s always a way of changing things, and the fact we don’t need a developer to do so is even better!” – You can read the full case study here

So there!

Myth #4: “It doesn’t integrate with other systems”

Ah, this old chestnut. Another misconception is that Cezanne only operates in isolation, and doesn’t play nice with other software or integrations. The truth is, in fact, very different.

true fact - Cezanne DOES integrate with shedloads of other systems and our APIs are all open too

Cezanne’s software has open API and integration support for a heap of other platforms; including payroll systems, identity management, Single Sign-On (SSO), and productivity platforms (like Microsoft 365, including Teams). Our integration list is also being added to all the time, so our software basically never goes out of date or becomes obsolete. And, unlike some other HR platforms out there (we won’t name names), our open API is provided at no extra charge.

You can learn more about our API and read detailed documentation on it here, whilst you can see a full list of our current integrations here.

Learn why thousands of people and payroll pros are switching to Cezanne

Myth #5: “It’s hard to implement”

OK, so there’s a perception that rolling out an HR or payroll system takes months or (worse) years. And granted, the implementation of a new or replacement system isn’t exactly a party. But, implementing Cezanne is generally a very quick and efficient affair, with many customers having their system up and running within a couple of months – often sooner – depending on the type of implementation.

Launching the Cezanne HRIS software system isn't as hard as some make it out to be

Cezanne HRIS software is delivered as cloud-based SaaS, so companies can implement modules quickly, with dedicated support for phased rollouts. For example:

“We made the decision in February, and the business said: we want it ready for April. The Cezanne team didn’t push back, they stayed with us and worked through it. The team were always available, patient, and creative. They didn’t just train us; they adapted things to fit how we worked.” Read the full case study here.

The truth is, we know every implementation is different, some can be tough and even a bit challenging. However, we offer every single customer dedicated support and training to ensure implementations go quickly, smoothly, and with as little stress as possible.

Our team doesn’t just drop the software in your lap and disappear. We walk you through every step, answer every question, and tailor the setup to fit how your business actually works. The result? You get up and running faster, with an HR platform your people feel confident using from day one.

Oh, and that leads nicely onto…

Myth #6: “Implementations and support are added extras…”

REALLY?!

Implementation and support are definitely not added extras with Cezanne

Put simply, no. They’re not.

Unlike most vendors, the cost you pay includes implementation and ongoing customer support at no additional charge. No hidden extras. No surprise add-ons. It’s that simple.

Myth #7: “… and you don’t get any consultancy or project management!”

Well, this is what some lesser vendors may do, but not us.

When you hit the big (metaphorical) green button to implement Cezanne, you’ll be fully supported by a dedicated project contact who’ll meet with you regularly and guide you through training. In fact, our consultancy-led implementation is clearly outlined in your order form, so you know exactly what to expect.

We look out for every customer of ours

The key difference? Unlike some systems that leave you dependent on external consultants (and their invoices), Cezanne is designed so you can manage it all yourself. That means no hidden fees if your needs change, or needing help from IT departments. Just total flexibility, transparency, and control – which is what every good HRIS software should have, right?

Still, don’t just take our word for it…

“Everyone at Cezanne has been great. Whenever I speak to someone, no matter the team – they’re happy to help, responsive, and genuinely supportive. Especially when it’s urgent.” – Read the full success story

Myth #8: “The payroll system is untested and immature to the market!”

Ha, hilarious.

Ok some of us might be a bit immature, but our software and services certainly aren't

Anyway, our payroll software is actually built on the very same architecture of our HR system, so it’s hardly untested. As for immature, well we do like the occasional meme (as you may have noticed). But as for our software, systems and support? Nope – that’s all business, baby.

Myth #9: “Support is outsourced!”

Some people assume SaaS vendors like us hand off customer support to faceless call centres.

Some vendors may outsource their support, but not us

Well, some might…. But we don’t.

With Cezanne, you’ll never be stuck explaining your issue to someone who’s never seen the software before or bouncing between outsourced teams. Our support comes directly from our in-house experts – the same people who live and breathe the platform every day.

That means faster answers, practical solutions, and advice you can trust. Whether you’re rolling out new modules, tackling a tricky workflow, or just need a quick how-to, our team is right there with you. No scripts. No waiting weeks for a response. Just knowledgeable people, who actually understand HR and payroll challenges, ready to help you get the most from your HR platform.

Myth #10: “They only do one-year contracts and then price doubles after!”

(Eye roll) Nope.

Our contracts are rolling and prices don't mysteriously double... because that's ridiculous

Lastly, all our contracts are rolling; so, you’re never locked into those lengthy, hard-to-escape agreements. Unlike some other vendors we could name….

You stay in control, with the freedom to move if you ever need to – although we’d hope you’d stay with us for a long time (and many of our clients do – often over ten years!)! And when it comes to pricing? The only increase you’ll ever see is in line with RPI. No hidden hikes, no matter how many shiny new features we release.

Something we’ve missed?

Heard something about our HRIS software, payroll or service we’ve not covered here? We’re all ears! We’d be happy to answer any or every question you have about what we do and what we offer. Just drop us a line here and we’ll get right back to you.

Alternatively, why not see for yourself what Cezanne can (or maybe can’t) do?

Paul Bauer author image

Paul Bauer

Paul Bauer is the Head of Content at Cezanne. Based in the Utopia of Milton Keynes (his words, not ours!) he’s worked within the employee benefits, engagement and HR sectors for over six years. He's also earned multiple industry awards for his work - including a coveted Roses Creative Award.

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