Top 10 HRIS Systems for 2024: The Ultimate HRIS Guide [Updated]

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) or HRMS (Human Resources Management System) are a growing trend worldwide, taking the bulk of the administrative work off of the hands of HR professionals. From handling payroll systems to employee learning management programs, there is a whole range of HR software solutions that offer different HR processes.

Although, a fundamental problem with this plethora of HRIS is that they often each serve one particular purpose. Consequently, there is a growing sense of dissatisfaction with these HR processes, as the employee experience is now dominated by switching back and forth between various systems.

Finding an HR management system that is all-encompassing of your HR department's needs are hard to come by. There is a need for more efficient and holistic management software to be available.

What is an HRIS (2024 Update)?

The purpose of an HRIS is to produce more streamlined and productive human resources management departments. By integrating HR activities with IT services, this can save time for HR professionals by enabling them to more easily access and handle employee information.

Additionally, these HR software solutions can boost employee performance with features such as time-tracking and intuitive organization of employee records. These management systems include many facets, that are capable of providing a better experience of work through improving HR functionality.

HRIS systems, which are also commonly known as HRMS systems, are integral tools for managing various aspects of human resources. HRMS stands for Human Resources Management System, and it essentially encompasses the same functionalities as an HRIS.

Why use an HRIS?

Finding an HR software solution that is capable of saving time is desirable for any organization. The HRIS can be built and integrated to run using a company's own IT infrastructure. More often than not, companies are now choosing cloud-based software providers who supply, manage and update the software on which HR professionals manage their own organizational data.

A solid HRIS will enable an organization to more easily manage employee data in an efficient manner that also contributes to an employee's growth and development. Through using such HR management solutions, it creates a structure that enhances employee performance and serves as a reliable hub for all inquiries regarding employee information.

With all of this information stored and updated in one location, it will also help HR to make strategic workforce planning decisions. Since the data gathered can be analysed to determine key trends and hotspots in employee behavior.

Through having the right tools in place frees up an HR team to provide support to their workforce, to encourage better interpersonal work relationships and to help managers and teams improve their productivity.

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Top 10 HRIS Systems List

Here is a list of the top 10 HRIS systems which may be of use in streamlining your processes:

1. Rippling

Rippling is a modern software with a time efficient setup and onboarding suitable for any size of business. One of the key benefits of the platform is making the payroll system simple and automating admin responsibilities.

Rippling's main functions:

• Core HR
• Payroll
• Benefits
• Health Insurance
• 401(k)
• Third-party app integration

• Rippling makes it easy for my employees to get paid, track PTO, do open enrollment for healthcare and it handles all the tax/compliance stuff with ease.*

2. Gusto:

Gusto's cloud based product covers multiple key human capital management factors such as onboarding, employee engagement, pay, and insurance. Its easy to use platform can be used to benefit an organization's performance as well as managing your bottom line such as compliance.

Gusto's HRIS features:

• Lifetime Accounts for Employees
• Digital Paystubs
• Easy Charitable Donations
• Employee Self-Enrollment
• Automated New Hire Reporting
• Automatic Payroll Tax Processing
• Payroll on Autopilot
• Contractor Payments
• Net-To-Gross Payments
• Unlimited Payroll
• Cancel Payroll
• Flexible Schedules
• Detailed Payroll Reports
• Multiple Pay Rates
• Multiple Pay Schedules
• Hourly and Salary-based Computations
• Collaboration
• Time-off Tracking
• Direct Deposit and Checks
• Software Integrations
• Pre-Tax Benefits
• Reimbursements
• Multiple PTO Options (tenure accrual, waiting periods, and standard or unlimited PTO)
• Filterable Payroll Reports (filter by employee(s), location, department)
• Custom Offer Letters
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, and Commuter Benefits.
• Visual Org Charts
• Coworker Directories
• Mobile
• Digital Signature

Customer support is great. This is a good company. They aren’t the cheapest. And they aren’t the most expensive. I think the extra cost is worth it to ensure compliance.

3. BambooHR

BambooHR’s software is ideal for small and medium sized businesses. It has a smart and contemporary user interface which plays a vital role in managing the workforce. Its user-friendly platform enables organizations to migrate data from basic spreadsheets to an advanced HRIS that fits their specific needs, therefore allowing HR professional to focus their time on more important tasks.

BambooHR's key functions:

• Accurate reporting
• Applicant Tracking System
• Centralized Employee Database
• Controlled access
• Easy to use system
• Employee onboarding
• HRIS software
• HRMS software
• Performance management
• Report generation
• SMART reminders

I enjoyed it more than other recruiting software I've used. It makes work easier and helps me be a manager instead of a paper pusher.

4. SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a complex cloud-based software for enterprises as well as small organizations. The software enables users to access their account to view recruiting data, project updates and more in a mobile way. It offers a user-friendly easy-to-navigate interface and high functionality.

SAP's HRIS functions:

• Core HR
• Payroll
• Applicant Tracking
• Onboarding
• Learning Management
• Performance Reviews and Feedback
• Goal setting
• Compensation Management

SF is great because the experience changes for each user. You can control access down to each page type and req number. It is such a great tool for recruiting and data tracking as long as you are willing to dedicate the time to learn the system.

5. UltiPro (now known as UKG Pro)

UltiPro UltiPro offers a comprehensive suite of HR, payroll, talent management, and employee self-service features, designed to streamline and automate HR processes and improve overall workforce management. UltiPro is known for its user-friendly interface, scalability, and configurability, making it suitable for small, medium, and large organizations across various industries. However, it's important to note that the features and capabilities of UltiPro may vary depending on the specific subscription plan and configuration chosen by the organization.

UltiPro features:

• Core HR
• Payroll Management
• Talent Management
• Employee Self-Service
• Reporting and Analytics
• Compliance Management
• Mobile Access

The strength of UKG’s ‘Our purpose is people’ culture is visible not only in the national recognition UKG has received, but also in the quality of the company’s HR software and the incredible level of support we receive from UKG employees. With UKG’s culture serving as a model, and Pro improving our people operations, I have the inspiration and tools to achieve my own goal of continuing to make Independent Bank a great place to work.

6. Workday

Workday’s HRIS is suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries. The platform itself delivers user and administrative tools across financials, HR, planning, talent, payroll, analytics, and student in one place.

Workday's HRIS features:

• Accounting and Finance
• Revenue Management
• Reporting and Analytics
• Consolidate and Close
• Financial Planning
• Expenses
• Procurement
• Audit Tools
• HRM
• Workforce management
• Recruitment
• Talent Management
• Compensation and Benefits
• Payroll
• Time and Attendance
• LMS

There couldn't be any easier to use software for the simple task of keeping track of honest work hours in the workplace. It's one more thing to help take stress off your mind and be able to focus on your actual work you came in for.

7. Optimum HRIS

Optimum HRIS has dual functionality in the sense it can be used on-premise for Microsoft and IBM users, but can also be deployed on the cloud. One of its key functions is that it enables managers to track applicants, manage time and attendance, as well as running payroll without looping in a third-party software solution.

Optimum HRIS's features:

• 360 Degree Feedback
• Applicant tracking
• Attendance management
• Compensation Management
• Compliance management
• Employee Database
• Payroll Management
• Performance Management
• Self Service Portal
• Time & Attendance Management
• Time off management
• Timesheets

I like that Optimum takes customer comments into consideration and sometimes incorporates those suggestions into future updates. I also like that it is SQL data tables, which I can easily access with my Crystal Reports software which we use with our payroll software. (We use HR/TA of Optimum currently, may consider rolling over to payroll as well in the future.)

8. Namely

Namely's cloud based software enables companies to manage compliance while streamlining both basic and complex HR processes including benefits, payroll, and talent management. The system comes with a robust set of features, all designed to simplify and accelerate HR processes and workflows.

Namely's key functions:

• Benefits Provision, Management & Administration
• Time-off & Attendance Tracking
• Social News Feed
• Employee Onboarding
• Goal Setting & Tracking
• Custom, Real-time Report Generation
• Employee Profiles
• Payroll Reporting
• 3rd party Integrations
• Employee Feedback Surveys

As an HRIS Namely is as good as it gets. Works out of the box but it does adapt to your workflows

9. Frank

Frank's software is primarily aimed at start-ups and small medium enterpises. Frank is a productivity and project management software designed to help teams stay organized, focused, and efficient. It follows a straightforward principle: start the week by committing to key tasks and goals, then work collaboratively and strategically to deliver results by the end of the week..

Frank's functions:

• Goal Setting: Easily define objectives for the week to keep the team aligned.
• Task Management: Break down goals into actionable tasks with deadlines and priorities.
• Team Collaboration: Simplify communication and progress tracking for better engagement.
• Progress Monitoring: Real-time dashboards and updates ensure everyone stays on track.
• Integration-Friendly: Connect Frank with your favorite tools for a seamless workflow.

Frank transformed the way our team works. We set goals on Monday, and by Friday, we’re celebrating wins. It’s a game-changer!

10. Zenefits:

Zenefits is an all encompassing HR SaaS platform designed specifically for small and midsized businesses. The Zenefits People Platform includes a robust offering spanning HR, Benefits, Payroll, Wellbeing Performance apps and combines with advisory services and tightly integrated partner apps to radically simplify HR administration.

Zenefits' HRISfFeatures:

• HR Management
• Hiring & Onboarding
• ACA Compliance
• PTO Tracking
• Business Intelligence
• Employee Directory
• Customer Support
• Mobile App
• Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Life & Disability
• 401(k) Management
• Payroll Sync
• COBRA

Very positive. I have never used an outside service for basic HR functions before, but was pleasantly surprised at how much work Zenefits saves me by letting employees enter their own info.

The main thing to remember when selecting from an HRIS systems list is that the system needs to work for you. Your organization's size, culture and maturity all play a role, and you should spend some time making a list of exactly which features and processes are critical to you right now. You'll also need to weigh up the cost of a software solution,