The following is a guest post by Kyle Lagunas HR Analyst for SoftwareAdvice.com
In the past, HR professionals in small businesses have been reduced to relying on a haphazard system of spreadsheets and paper records for managing their core employee information. With the emergence of web-based and software-as-a-service (SaaS), though, small-to-mid-sized businesses (SMB) have a more cost-effective way to access the HR technology that was once only available to big-budget enterprise businesses. Human resources management systems, for example.
Because of the diverse offerings out there, people have a lot of questions about the best HRsoftwaresolutions for small businesses. Finding the system that’s right for your organization can be a serious challenge. I recently put together a list of a few of the more popular HR systems for small businesses – including ActionHRM- and offered a brief overview of what you should be looking for in an HRMS.
You can find the full article on my HR blog at: http://blog.softwareadvice.com/articles/hr/hr-software-for-small-businesses-four-solid-solutions-10092211/
Comparing Systems: From Basic Needs to Bells and Whistles
When comparing HR systems for your small business, there are a few key items that you should take into consideration (size, pricing model, deployment method, operating system).
| Size of Your Organization | Usually between 1 and 500 for small businesses |
| Software Pricing Model | Annual subscription fee, Per employee, etc. |
| Method of Deployment | Web-based SaaS, Installed on site or hosted |
| Operating System | Mac OS, Windows, Linux |
Different systems offer different applications and modules to meet the myriad needs for process automation in small businesses. It’s important to keep in mind just what your organization really needs. That said, here are a few of the core functions most small business HR departments are looking for:
| Key Features |
Employee Self-Service |
Custom Reporting |
|
| Core HR Applications |
Personnel Tracking |
Benefits Administration |
|
|
Time & Attendance |
Compliance Tracking |
||
| Strategic HR Applications |
Learning Management |
||
|
Compensation Management |
Absence Management |
On-Boarding |
Bells and whistles look great, sure, but you probably don’t need a succession planning application when you have 20 employees. That’s why some vendors, like ActionHRM, offer different levels of HR functionality. Be sure to weigh your options carefully when selecting an HR management solution. Do your homework, ask for user reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask questions during demos. You’ll be glad you did your due diligence.
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