HR Software Questions And Answers
What is HRM software?
HRM software - also known as HCM (Human Capital Management software), is used to play a pivotal role in providing a digital transformation of the whole HR function. The role of HR is to recruit, manage and develop employees in line with the organisation’s needs. HRM software will help make the control of all these key HR functions faster and more efficient, as well as ensuring the timely deployment of company standards, procedures, guidelines, policies and wellbeing advice. HRM software will also be adept at storing all staff information, in a digital format, in a secure structure.
What does HR software cost?
Most systems, after initial set up costs, work on a per licence (seat) per user who have access to the system i.e. each registered user must have a licence on a monthly or annual basis. There will be discounts for higher levels of users, and whilst a per user cost can look small, this applies whether the person is a frequent or infrequent user. An alternative is a concurrent user model for those using the system. Here the number of licences ordered relate to the number of instantaneous actions being processed by the system server. For example, in a company where there are 40 users in total, a licence pool of only 10 may well be sufficient, as not everyone would be trying to use the system at the same time, which could well be cheaper than a per seat licence. Also check to see if the vendor publishes prices up front, rather than relying on supplying your details that then transform into a ‘quote’!
What sort of HR software would best suit my company?
Most companies these days will look towards a secure private UK cloud based system, for access, support and cost benefits. Also known as’ Software- as- a- Service’, the software vendor or service supplier will be responsible for the updating and hosting of your system as well as security. Another advantage for companies with more than one country location is that Cloud offers easier access and commonality. You can of course elect to have the software installed on a server platform in your own IT infrastructure (DMZ), noting that this will incur internal IT costs for support.
No two businesses are the same, so a system you select should offer a level of customisation on top of the standard features and functions that you would expect, so that the final system mirrors the way your organisation wishes to work, and be adaptable for the future.
Should the HR software support a recruitment module?
Ideally yes. By having recruitment as part of the HR solution, positions can be created internally and then published on your company website. Potential applicants have the ability to fill out on screen application forms and these can be accompanied by CV’s – or even short videos that are becoming ‘vogue’. Applications can then be automatically imported into the system for action by HR, and responses sent to applicants to keep them informed as to the status / progress of their application.
Will HR Software cover GDPR requirements?
The software should enable HR to set relevant review or retention rules for all document types that make up an online digital HR file for all employees. Once set, the rules will automatically apply which can then be altered by HR in line with changes to GDPR or internal company rules. Individual documents within sections should also have the option to add review dates, as well as the overall rules that are set. HRM software should also have the ability to export in standard file format an employee’s personal file when they leave and apply the ‘right to be forgotten’ status.
Can small businesses benefit from HRM Software?
Every company of any size can gain efficiencies and even cost savings using HRM system software. Whether you are a ‘one person band’ in terms of the HR function, or have a team of people looking after staff interests, HR online systems can make complex and detailed tasks much easier, and faster to handle. Just keeping your employee files automatically up to date with GDPR legislation, would justify the cost of a system alone. And moving traditional paper based practices such as time sheet completion and approval to online forms with the ability to extract data into payroll systems, is just another example of the benefits.