HRIS Software: which HRIS should you buy?
A quick reference guide for people professionals to all the big names in HRIS software
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Looking for new HRIS software?
Well congratulations: you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of the best and most trusted HRIS software solutions on the market today.
Whether you’re looking to streamline your HR processes, enhance your recruitment and onboarding, perfect your performance processes, or simply ensure robust HR compliance – these HRIS systems will help you do just that.
But, before we get started…
Refresher
Just what is HRIS software?
HRIS (Human Resource Information System) software acts as a digital assistant to high performing people professionals. It centralises all employee information in one easy-to-access place, saving HR teams from drowning in paperwork, and allowing HR professionals to focus on more strategic activities. But, an HRIS isn’t just great for reducing administrative burdens…
A great HRIS can also help guide strategic decision making. This is because many HRIS software options on the market can help you visualise your people data and unlock its true value. Powerful analytical tools and reporting dashboards give everything an HR professional needs to make informed decisions about their people strategies, and support HR’s place in the C-suite.
It is saving us a huge amount of time and providing much better insight into key HR metrics.
Awen Cultural Trust
We knew how we needed to enhance our entire employee experience at LifeSearch, and the Cezanne HR platform has brought that vision to life.
LifeSearch
They have really worked in partnership with us, and the support has been excellent.
ASL Aviation Group, global aviation services provider
The system’s flexibility has been very helpful.
International Schools Partnership
It feels as if we’ve taken a huge step forward as with Cezanne HR we can provide every HR-related thing through one digital system!
William Reed
Cezanne HR is a great match for us because it flexes with our needs. It allows our HR team to service a complex and big organisation, with lots of staff and important data.
Brook
As an HR manager, I love the reporting functionality the Cezanne HR system offers.
Age UK Oxfordshire
It has revolutionised the business’s entire HR operation
Vision Direct
We now have an HR system that supports our current needs really well, but crucially, it is one that can also scale with us as we grow our headcount further
Triple Point
If anyone ever said to me ‘we’re looking for an HR system’, I’d definitely recommend you guys, 100%!
Sagacity
Solutions
What does HRIS software include?
An HRIS system will often consist of a core people management system. This is essentially your core HR database where users can organise, secure and access key organisational and employee data.
Many HRIS software platforms will then have ‘bolt-on’ HR software solutions for specific areas of people management, as the graphic here illustrates.
Flexible and easy to adapt
What are the key benefits of HRIS software?
Good question! It really depends on what you’re looking to achieve by implementing an HRIS software solution at your business. However, there are several widely accepted key benefits of good HRIS software which include:
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Real-time information accessibility
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Reduced administrative burden
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Increased efficiency (not just in HR, but throughout an organisation)
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Data pattern and insight discovery
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Higher employee engagement & satisfaction (both in HR & the wider organisation)
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More robust security and compliance
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Access to improved features
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Scalability.
Respected software advice website Technology Advice has an excellent rundown of the key benefits of HRIS software here.
Which HRIS should you buy?
With so many HRIS software solutions on the market, you’re bound to find one that fits the specific needs of your business. However, if you’re struggling to narrow down your list, here’s a selection of 7 of the best all-round HRIS software platforms on the market in 2024.
1. Cezanne
No surprises here 😊. Of course we had to put ourselves on this list! Founded in 2013, Cezanne had the honour of being first fully cloud-native HR system designed specifically for UK and international organisations. Since then, the Cezanne HRIS software platform has earned a solid reputation for being one of the most dependable and trusted systems on the market.
Cezanne’s modular HRIS covers virtually the entire employee lifecycle, with modules for recruitment, onboarding, career and succession planning, absence and performance management, payroll (both in-house and managed), learning management, pulse surveys and compensation planning.
Throw in dedicated UK-based customer support, ISO27001 accreditation and monthly system updates, the Cezanne HRIS is probably the best all-rounder on the market today.
Selected review from Capterra
Pros of the Cezanne HRIS:
Cons of the Cezanne HRIS:
Learn more about Cezanne here.
So, that’s the list really, hope you have good rest of your day… only kidding here’s the rest of the list:
2. ElementSuite
One of the newer HRIS platforms on the market, ElementSuite burst onto the scene in 2017, and have gained a fairly positive reputation since. Their all in one HR software suite includes modules for performance and absence management, employee engagement, scheduling and payroll.
Of all the platforms on this list, ElementSuite is perhaps one of the better ones specifically for larger organisations. However, whilst we wanted to feature a positive user review, we were unable to find one! They do however have a large selection of case studies, which you can find here.
Selected review from Capterra
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Pros of the ElementSuite HRIS:
Cons of the ElementSuite HRIS:
Learn more about ElementSuite here.
3. NaturalHR
NaturalHR (a Moorepay company) is an established name in the world of HR. Coming to market in 2010, their HRIS solution includes features such as employee records management, absence and holiday tracking, performance management, payroll processing, recruitment tools, and data analytics.
Much like our own HRIS, NaturalHR has gained a positive reputation with customers thanks to its suite of HR features, user-friendly interface and excellent customer support. It’s another platform that is great for small to medium businesses, but perhaps lacks the configuration options needed for larger companies with multiple locations.
Selected review from Capterra
Pros of the NaturalHR HRIS:
Cons of the NaturalHR HRIS:
Learn more about NaturalHR here.
4. Access PeopleHR
The PeopleHR HRIS is another platform that covers the vast majority of HR and payroll operations. Since the platform’s launch in 2012, it’s gained popularity and recognition with small businesses in particular thanks to a broad range of features and general cost effectiveness.
Aside from the software, PeopleHR has also gained a strong reputation for their implementation processes. And, if you’re looking to ‘try before you buy’, the company offers a 30-day trial for new users to test out the system.
Selected review from Capterra
Pros of the PeopleHR HRIS:
Cons of the People HR HRIS
You can learn more about PeopleHR here.
5. BreatheHR
Breathe HR entered the HRIS software market in 2012, offering its cloud-based HR software solution to businesses primarily looking to streamline their HR processes. Since then, Breathe HR has continued to evolve its platform and grow its customer base, too: catering to the needs of organisations seeking efficient and user-friendly HR management tools.
Breathe HR’s platform has a reputation for being simple to use and blessed with a very good ATS (Applicant Tracking System). It’s also found fans specifically with businesses of 250 employees or less. So, if your business fits into the startup or SME bracket, it’s definitely worth a look.
Selected review from Capterra
Pros of the Breathe HR HRIS:
Cons of the Breathe HR HRIS:
Learn more about BreatheHR here.
6. CIPHR
Of all the HRIS software solutions currently on the market, CIPHR is perhaps one of the longest-established. Originally founded way back in 1982, the business was one of the first companies to specialise in the development of HR and payroll software – and it’s something they continue to this day.
Since then, CIPHR has expanded its offerings to become a comprehensive HR software provider, catering to various HR needs of organisations both large and small.
Selected Capterra review
Pros of the CIPHR HRIS:
Cons of the CIPHR HRIS:
You can learn more about CIPHR here.
7. BambooHR
Entering the HRIS market in 2008, BambooHR’s HRIS has earned its place in the top software platforms thanks to a modern, user-friendly platform that’s suitable for businesses of virtually any size. And, like many of the offerings on this list, it offers functionality for the majority of people operations: including employee data management, applicant tracking, onboarding, performance management, time off tracking, reporting, and more.
Whilst the BambooHR HRIS software solution is incredibly popular with many strengths, there are some potential drawbacks to consider – including a comparatively high product cost, and perceived limitations in reporting.
Selected Capterra review
Pros of the BambooHR HRIS:
Cons of the BambooHR HRIS:
You can learn more about BambooHR here.
How can I choose which HRIS is right for my business?
Choosing a new HRIS software platform is something every business should give careful consideration to. So, to help you make an informed decision in choosing the right platform, we’ve produced two free e-books which can help you do exactly that.
The HR Software and Payroll Buyer’s Guide
This comprehensive guide takes you through every element you should consider when evaluating a new HRIS software solution. It gives vital insights into what to look for when testing the functionality of a potential HRIS, provides essential questions to ask suppliers, and expert advice on every aspect of HR software: from initial implementations, to software scalability.
Get your copy here
The HR Software Selection Checklist
Still kicking the metaphorical tyres? Or maybe it’s your first time choosing a new HR software solution?
If you’re lining up potential vendors to discuss HRIS options, then check out our free HR Software Selection Checklist. This at-a-glance guide gives you all the vital questions to ask suppliers, ensuring you pick the right HRIS platform that’s fit for the challenges of today AND tomorrow.
Get your copy here
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