It doesn’t matter what industry you work in or how large your business is — the right HR business can add value to your organization in a number of ways.
The latest HR platforms work in tandem with both large HR departments and one-man businesses. They help businesses to manage everything from recruitment to training, and they ensure every decision and process is made in accordance with the laws of the land.
But not all HR software packagesOpens a new window are built equally. If this is your first purchase, there are six essential requirements you should expect from your new software. Make the right purchase, and it should have a positive effect on your business’ bottom line.
1. Flexible and Built for the Future
Before you buy a software package, make sure you get a full demonstration, or even a trial. Does it come with a range of features that can be expanded and adapted as your business develops? Is it capable of growing with you? And how will it perform if you branch out into different areas over the course of the next few years?
Ideally, choose a package that can be added to overtime. For example, you won’t need a payroll element if you’re on your own. But when you start employing people, you’ll need a system that can manage payroll in its entirety. By choosing HR software that offers optional modulesOpens a new window , you only pay for what you need now. The rest can be added over time.
2. Regular Updates
It’s important that your HR system can adapt to changing laws, business practices and security threats. But, particularly if you run a small business, the cost of continually updating your software can be prohibitive. You need a package that offers regular updates, based on both the changing landscape within your industry and the constantly evolving security threats out there.
When you sign up to a Cloud-based HR software package, you can simply forget about updates — they’ll happen automatically. This keeps your business protected from viruses and hackers, and ensures you’re competing with other businesses in your industry on a level playing field.
3. Changeable Parameters
There are HR packagesOpens a new window designed specifically for certain countries and jurisdictions; and there are those that can be adapted to any industry or market in the world. And this is hugely important, as such a big part of HR is employment law. For example, if you’re running a business in California, you should be able to set certain employment parameters according to that state’s laws.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a one-man show or a large corporation, you have to comply with your local taxation laws. Make sure your HR package allows you to set different rates for state and federal taxes. You should also be able to set rates for income tax. Think about the parameters you’re likely to change before you start looking for your HR software. And always test the software using your real data before committing.
4. In-Depth Reporting
The best HR software packages collect data continually. They harvest information on payroll, employee performance, recruitment efficacy, labor efficiency rates and many more HR-related issues. Used wisely, this data can be extrapolated to drive the performance of your business and all of its employees. But you need the data to be displayed in an easily digestible way — and it has to be data that is pertinent to your business.
Check the list of reports available before you consider purchasing software. But the only way you’ll know if it’s the right product for your business is by testing it with your own operation and requesting the reports you’re going to need going forward.
5. Support
Typically, HR software is relatively straightforward to use, but only after training or guidance. Is there an instruction manual with the software? And if so, is it comprehensive and contemporaneous? Does the software provider offer video tutorials and webinars for beginners? To get the best out of these tools, you need to know how best to use them for your business — which requires expert tuition from the people who design them.
Even the best HR software packages go wrong from time to time. And when they do, it’s vital that you know how to put them right. Check that your preferred software provider offers around-the-clock support. What happens if your system crashes? What happens if data is lost? Is there a telephone hotline, or perhaps a live online chat interface?
6. Simple and Effective Integration
HR is a branch of business that touches many others, including sales, customer service and accounting. If you’re running an e-commerce business, for example, you might already have an online ordering system, CRM software for managing leads and maybe a Cloud-based accounting software system. You need to know that introducing another IT solution won’t be detrimental to your operations.
To get the most out of your new HR software, you’d need to integrate it into your existing business. Can it be linked to your CRM software? Is it compatible with your accounting software? Make sure the HR functions integrate seamlessly with all of your existing IT platforms.
It’s important to take your time and shop around when searching for the best HR software. Do your research, look for customer reviews and test the product before committing to it. Once you’ve found the best solution, the HR side of your business should be able to support and drive commercial growth.