Choosing the right software for your business is never easy. Today, there are a multitude of platforms on the market, each with varying strengths and weaknesses. Your HRIS system can be the difference between a successful business and your company name making front page news for non-compliance with workplace laws.

There are two routes you can go down when choosing HR Software: a best-in-breed solution or an integrated enterprise solution. A best-in-breed software product is a leading tool in a particular market segment, focussing on delivering the most advanced features and functions for one area of the business. Users of a best-in-breed HRIS enjoy the top-of-the-line solution with all the bells and whistles for their HR needs. A best-in-breed can also be useful if other areas of the business are using older legacy systems, not yet adapted to modern technology solutions.

Alternatively, an integrated enterprise solution might be for you. The integrated, enterprise option is typically a comprehensive suite of business solutions linking every function of the organisation under one software, in other words a jack-of-all-trades. For example, an integrated solution will have human resources, payroll and accounting management capabilities all in one. Supporters of enterprise-wide systems value consistent business processes and centralised data access for their entire organisation.

The better option is what’s best for your organization. Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each type of software.

A Best-in-Breed HRIS

Pros:

• When choosing a best-in-breed HRIS, you can go for the top-shelf, market leading solution in HR without having concern for adaptability with other software used by the business.
• Best-in-breed users enjoy greater flexibility in adapting their HRIS to suit the specific needs of the Business.
• Choose from a group of specialised vendors who are experts in the field of HR
• Users can relish in the knowledge they are using the latest technology in the space.
• A specialised HRIS allows maintenance and other updates to be performed without affecting other modules or systems.
• See direct and immediate results from improved processes in your individual apartment.

Cons:

• Using multiple Best-in-Breed solutions means there are different user interfaces and presentation for each application.
• Without set processes in place, there is a risk of duplicate data entry or compromised data integrity.
• Internal IT functions must be able to support and maintain multiple systems.

Integrated Enterprise HRIS

Pros:

• An enterprise-wide solution will offer consistent data storage across the business.
• Only one interface and presentation for the entire company to become familiar with.

Cons:

• With large scale implementations of enterprise solutions across the business, there can be a large cost incurred.
• Databases and programs in integrated enterprise solutions can be out-dated and ineffective.
• An enterprise-wide solution will often lack the best-in-breed features and functionality.
• Businesses who use an enterprise solution are tied to one vendor, therefore if they are unhappy with their service, it will affect the entire business.
• The overall costs can be higher due to increased costs resulting from complexities with implementation.
• A large, comprehensive system can steer your company into a technological dead end, if the vendor the business is tied to fails to innovate.

What is the right HR Solution for my business?

There is no one-size-fits-all HR software. Every HRIS has their strengths and weaknesses, so it takes careful thought and research when choosing the right solution for your business. At the end of the day, the right solution for you will boost your bottom line by empowering your staff to perform better in their roles.

If a Best-in-Breed HRIS sounds like the best solution for your business, then you have come to the right place. enableHR is a specialist HRIS solution providing in-depth HR and WHS support across all stages of employment. Contact us for Australian and New Zealand inquiries to find out more.