Evaluating a HRIS

As with any HR initiative it is essential that the success and effectiveness of the HRIMS is monitored, and any issues addressed. The most effective HRIMS is one that:

• Contains accurate information and data (e.g. employee and job data)
• Is flexible enough to deal with current and future requirements (e.g. technological advancements)
• Is aligned with and contributes to HR and wider organisational strategic plans
• Allows for multiple user input and access (employee, manager, HR etc)
• Benefits outweigh its costs (should save time, money, confusion etc).
• Ultimately, the HRIMS should add value to an organisation – it should improve processes within and communication across an organisation. The following questions will assist an organisation undertake a basic evaluation of the HRIMS.

BENEFITS

Do benefits of HRIMS outweigh the costs (time, money, resources)?

Does the time taken to enter/adjust/manipulate data justify value (accuracy/efficiency/quality) of information generated?

INTEGRATION / TECHNOLOGY

Does the HRIMS integrate with other systems effectively (e.g. payroll or finance system)?

How many glitches/issues have been reported? Does the HRIMS require an upgrade?

Or additional functionality to be effective?

REPORTING/ PLANNING / DECISION- MAKING

Is the HRIMS able to answer specific questions to assist with HR or wider organisational planning/decision-making?

Is the HRIMS able to generate real-time, adhoc reports quickly and accurately?

Is the HRIMS able to generate detailed business reports quickly and accurately?

Can managers/employees easily use HRIMS? Are managers and employees using the HRIMS?

COMMUNNICATION / RELATIONSHIPS

Has communication between HR and wider organisation improved as a result of HRIMS?

Have relationships / perceptions improved?

An organisation should determine whether a HRIMS is doing what it was put in place to do. The HRIMS, as with any HR initiative, should continue to be evaluated on a regular basis and adjustments made to suit any identified issues or gaps.