Word of the Day: HRIS (human resource information system)

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms | January 21, 2019 HRIS A human resource information system (HRIS), sometimes referred to as human resources management system (HRMS), is software that provides a centralized repository of employee master data that the human resource management (HRM) group needs for completing core human resource (HR) processes. An HRIS stores, processes and manages employee data, such as names, addresses, national IDs or Social Security numbers, visa or work permit information, and information about dependents. It typically also provides functionality such as recruiting, applicant tracking, time and attendance management, performance appraisals and benefits administration. It may also feature employee self-service functions, and perhaps even accounting functions. In some ways, an HRIS can be considered a smart database of employee information: The interaction of the data, the processes that can be performed and the reporting capabilities make the data stored in the system more accessible and usable. HRIS benefits An HRIS enables the HR department to spend less time on clerical tasks, helps ensure the accuracy of employee data and can enable employees to take a greater role in the management of their information. Having a centralized repository for employee data removes the need to store paper files, which can be easily damaged, and the need to search through large paper-based employee files to find information. Depending on the type of HRIS software, it should generate various reports, provide ad hoc reporting capabilities and may offer analytics on important metrics such as headcount and turnover. Modern HRIS software also offers visualization capabilities for employee data, such as automatically rendered organizational charts or nine-box grids. When an HRIS has employee or manager self-service, the process for making employee master data or organizational changes becomes more efficient and uses less time than with paper-based requests. Approval workflows enable changes to be approved or rejected, with the necessary individuals automatically notified. An HRIS might also offer mobile capabilities that extend self-service and provide additional flexibility for remote workers. HRIS security and privacy An HRIS also helps secure employee data and keep information private. When using paper forms or spreadsheets, information can easily be accessed by people who may not have the authority to access it. An HRIS can secure information so that it can only be accessed by the individuals that need to have access to it. Data security and privacy are important factors when handling sensitive personal information, especially in countries like Germany or France, where works councils have a strong role in protecting employee data. With the exception of lock and key, protecting paper records can be extremely difficult. Continue reading... Quote of the Day "Newer HR roles involve managing people analytics, social collaboration and employee engagement efforts, and all roles are tied closely to technologies that support these functions." - Luke Marson Trending Terms human resource management benefits administration employee self-service employee engagement talent management software human capital management Learning Center 5 common examples of employee feedback for HRMS projects Collecting employee feedback for HRMS projects on an ongoing basis can shed light on areas that need improvements, such as product limitations and buggy features, says consultant Eric St-Jean. Key HRIS implementation strategies for small business Examine the unique challenges faced by small businesses in HRIS implementation, including budgetary and resource limitations, and get tips on mitigating them. The accidental occupation: HRIS administrator The HRIS profession isn't a career calling. Most professionals evolve in this job. In this Q&A, Jim Pettit, the chair of IHRIM, a professional group of HRIS workers, details the role of the HRIS administrator. People analytics software drives need for HRIS skills HR adoption of cloud-based software is building demand for people with analytical skills. Creative people wanted, say HR managers. HRIS skills won't hurt, either. 9 technical challenges of cloud-based HR systems Cloud-based HR systems can enable business agility and improve employee experience, but IT and HR will need to keep their feet grounded when considering these systems. Take a look at nine of the technical challenges cloud software poses. Quiz Yourself The message from human resources asked if she could come for an interview __________ next week. a. someday b. some day Answer Stay in Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed! FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.