HRIS vs HRMS: Difference, Definitions, Examples & Tips

Jonathan
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HRIS vs HRMS: Difference, Definitions, Examples & Tips
Published on
Updated on
September 17, 2024

Have you been puzzled by most of the technical terms commonly used in the Human Resource field? You're not alone! Let's break it down.

When the terms HRIS or Human Resources Information System and HRMS or Human Resources Management System are mentioned they might sound like fancy corporate terms but they are in fact tools that would just lighten the work of the HR’s. It would be appropriate to refer to HRIS as your electronic record of all the employee-related data.

On the other hand, HRMS is the ultimate HR encyclopaedia who does it all from payrolls to performance appraisals. So, next time you hear these terms you will answer yourself that these terms are just here to ease your life.

What is an HRIS?

An HRIS, Human Resources Information System is simply the alter ego of your HR department. It is a software solution intended to take care of the numerous information of your employees. Here’s what makes HRIS essential for you:

Employee Data Management: A safe place where all the details about the employees – their phone numbers, positions, and even salary history, are kept in one file. Now, one does not need to shuffle through countless files or spreadsheet folders.

Attendance and Leave Tracking: Recording the in and out can be such a daunting task. An HRIS deals with the records of attendance and leave, so you don’t have to guess who is on a holiday or even on sick leave.

Compliance and Reporting: It can be quite cumbersome to ensure that one keeps an eye on the legalities and come up with reports on time. An HRIS always assists in ensuring the organisation complies with the existing labour laws while reporting is also eased by the automated aspects of the system.

Based on these aspects, an HRIS reduces your daily docket of Human Resources work so you can get back to doing what you do best that is managing people!

What are the 5 types of HRIS?

HRIS systems come in different versions, each tailored to suit specific needs. Here are the five main types of HRIS:

  1. Operational HRIS: This type is all about the day-to-day tasks. It handles things like employee records, attendance, and payroll. Think of it as your go-to for keeping everything running smoothly.
  2. Tactical HRIS: When you need to focus on planning and decision-making, a tactical HRIS is your friend. It helps with recruitment, training, and development, ensuring you have the right people with the right skills.
  3. Strategic HRIS: Looking at the big picture? A strategic HRIS supports long-term planning and organisational goals. It’s great for workforce planning, future planning, and aligning HR strategy with business objectives.
  4. Comprehensive HRIS: This is an all-in-one package. A comprehensive HRIS combines operational, tactical, and strategic functions into a single system. It’s perfect for organisations that want a complete HR solution without juggling multiple systems.
  5. Limited-Function HRIS: Sometimes, less is more. A limited-function HRIS focuses on specific HR tasks, such as payroll or benefits administration. It’s ideal for smaller companies or those with specialised needs.

Each type of HRIS has unique strengths, so it’s all about finding the one that fits your organisation’s needs and helps you manage your workforce effectively.

What is an HRMS?

An HRMS, or Human Resources Management System, is your HR department's all in one HR manager. It does a bit of everything, making it super handy for managing all things related to your employees. Here’s what makes an HRMS a game-changer:

  1. Integrated payroll management: Forget juggling between different software for payroll. An HRMS handles it all—salary calculations, tax deductions, direct deposits, and even payslips. Payday becomes a piece of cake, and you can be sure everything’s spot on.
  2. Performance management: Keep track of how everyone’s doing with goal-setting, feedback, and performance reviews. An HRMS is like a digital coach, helping your team stay on track and grow in their roles.
  3. Recruitment and onboarding: Hiring and getting new people settled can be challenging. An HRMS makes it easy by managing job postings, applications, and tracking candidates. Plus, it smooths out the onboarding process with automated forms and training schedules.

An HRMS pulls all these tasks together, making it way easier to manage your team and focus on what really matters—building a great crew and a thriving business.

HRIS vs HRMS: Pros and cons

When it comes to HR tech, choosing between an HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and an HRMS (Human Resources Management System) can be tricky. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, so let’s break it down:

HRIS pros:

  1. Simplicity: HRIS is generally easier to use, focusing on core HR functions like employee data management, attendance, and compliance.
  2. Cost-effective: It’s usually less expensive than an HRMS, making it a great choice for smaller businesses or those with tighter budgets.
  3. Streamlined: With fewer features, there’s less to learn, making it quicker to implement and get up and running.

HRIS cons:

  1. Limited functionality: It may not cover everything you need, especially if you’re looking for advanced features like performance management or recruitment.
  2. Scalability issues: As your company grows, you might outgrow an HRIS and need to switch to a more comprehensive system.
  3. Integration challenges: You might need additional software for things like payroll or benefits management, leading to potential integration issues.

HRMS pros:

  1. Comprehensive: An HRMS covers a wide range of HR functions, from payroll and performance management to recruitment and onboarding.
  2. Integrated: Everything is in one place, reducing the need for multiple systems and making data management smoother and more efficient.
  3. Scalability: It’s designed to grow with your business, making it suitable for companies of all sizes.

HRMS cons:

  1. Complexity: With more features comes more complexity, which can mean a steeper learning curve for your HR team.
  2. Higher cost: It’s typically more expensive than an HRIS, so it might not be the best fit for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets.
  3. Implementation time: Getting an HRMS up and running can take longer due to its comprehensive nature and the need for thorough training.

In summary, if you’re looking for something simple and cost-effective, an HRIS might be your best bet. But if you need a more comprehensive solution that can grow with your business, an HRMS is the way to go.

Why do HRIS and HRMS matter?

HRIS and HRMS are game-changers for any company. Here's why they matter:

  1. Efficiency: They streamline HR tasks, saving time and reducing errors.
  2. Data centralisation: All your employee info is in one place, making it easy to access and manage.
  3. Compliance: They help you stay on top of legal requirements, avoiding costly mistakes.
  4. Employee management: From hiring to performance reviews, these systems keep everything organised and running smoothly.

In short, HRIS and HRMS simplify your HR processes, making your job easier and your company more efficient.

How can Black Piano help

Black Piano provides companies worldwide with a unique advantage by connecting them to talented professionals from India at a lower cost. By leveraging its extensive network and expertise in the Indian market, Black Piano offers access to skilled individuals across various industries, from tech to customer service. 

This not only reduces recruitment expenses but also taps into a diverse talent pool known for its innovation and proficiency. Whether you need developers, designers, or support staff, Black Piano streamlines the hiring process, ensuring you find top-notch talent that effectively fits your budget and business needs.

It’s like hitting up a talent goldmine without breaking the bank.

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About the author

Jonathan is the CEO here at Black Piano. He is on a mission to help small to medium-sized businesses scale as quickly and affordably as possible. He's a management consultant by trade, but hey, nobody’s perfect! Jonathan excels in building remote teams and has expertise in offshoring, outsourcing, team building, EoR, business development and much more.

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