How a Well-Implemented HRIS System Can Improve Your Bottom Line

The transformative impact of a well-implemented HRIS system on your organization's bottom line. Learn how streamlined processes, enhanced employee management

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
July 24, 2023
Man on graph

Introduction: The Economic Impact of HRIS

Companies strive to maximize operational efficiency and employee productivity in a globally competitive business landscape while concurrently managing labor costs. It's no secret that Human Resource Information System (HRIS) has become an integral tool in this pursuit. HRIS is an advanced software solution that simplifies, automates, and optimizes HR management processes. It is instrumental in helping organizations reduce their operating costs, streamline their operations, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

Understanding ROI in HRIS Implementation

Before diving deep into the benefits of a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and its influence on an organization's bottom line, it is crucial to understand the Return on Investment (ROI) linked with its implementation. The concept of ROI is not novel; it is a universally acknowledged performance measure used extensively to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of any investment. It provides a quantitative analysis of the return or profit made on an investment compared to its original cost.

When it comes to HRIS, the idea is no different. The ROI for HRIS implementation is calculated by comparing the financial gains achieved through the system's use against its overall setup and operational costs. Assessing the ROI is important for justifying the investment in HRIS and ensuring the system delivers value.

One of the chief areas where HRIS delivers ROI is the reduction in labor costs. Labor expenses are a major concern for any organization, and HRIS has the potential to make substantial savings in this area. By automating routine and time-consuming HR tasks such as benefits administration, payroll management, and employee record keeping, HRIS eliminates the need for additional manpower, significantly reducing wage-related costs. This operational efficiency brought about by automation is a key ROI driver.

How HRIS Reduces Labor Costs

Labor costs constitute a significant part of an organization's expenditure. Implementing a well-designed HRIS can substantially reduce these costs in the following ways.

Automation of Repetitive Tasks

One of the key ways HRIS reduces labor costs is by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks traditionally performed by HR personnel. Functions such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee record keeping can be automated through an HRIS system. By eliminating the need for manual intervention, HRIS streamlines these processes, saving valuable time and reducing the dependency on additional staff. As a result, organizations can reduce their labor force dedicated to these administrative tasks, significantly saving wages and related expenses.

Accurate Labor Forecasting

HRIS enables accurate labor forecasting through the utilization of data analytics. HRIS can provide valuable insights into future labor needs by analyzing historical and real-time workforce data. This forecasting capability helps organizations avoid costly mistakes associated with overstaffing or understaffing. Overstaffing leads to unnecessary labor expenses, while understaffing can decrease productivity and lost revenue. With HRIS, organizations can better align their workforce with demand, optimizing labor costs while maintaining operational efficiency.

Budgeting and Planning

Another way HRIS reduces labor costs is by providing accurate labor cost data for budgeting and planning purposes. Organizations can make informed decisions about resource allocation, workforce optimization, and cost containment strategies with detailed information on labor expenses. HRIS generates comprehensive reports and analytics that provide insights into labor costs across various departments, projects, or periods. This data empowers organizations to identify areas where labor costs can be minimized or optimized, improving financial planning and cost efficiency.

Employee Self-Service Features

HRIS often includes employee self-service features, allowing employees to access and update their personal information, view pay stubs, request time off, and enroll in benefits programs. HRIS reduces the administrative burden on HR personnel by enabling employees to manage their HR-related tasks. This self-service functionality promotes efficiency, eliminates the need for HR staff to handle routine employee requests manually, and allows HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. Consequently, organizations can achieve cost savings by optimizing HR personnel utilization.

The Role of HRIS in Streamlining HR Operations

Streamlining operations is another way HRIS positively impacts the bottom line. The system centralizes employee data, making it easily accessible for reporting, decision-making, and strategic planning. HRIS automates various HR tasks, eliminating paper-based processes that are time-consuming and prone to human error.

Through its self-service portals, HRIS also empowers employees to manage their personal information and tasks, such as leave requests, eliminating the need for HR intervention and reducing administrative overhead. Furthermore, HRIS simplifies compliance management, reducing non-compliance risk and financial penalties.

HRIS and Enhanced Employee Productivity

Employee productivity is a key determinant of an organization's profitability. HRIS, directly and indirectly, boosts employee productivity. For example, HRIS training modules can help employees improve their skills, increasing productivity. The self-service feature also enhances productivity by reducing employees' time on administrative tasks, freeing up time for more value-added activities.

In addition, HRIS supports performance management, enabling managers to set, track, and evaluate employee goals and performance. This helps improve individual productivity but also aids in identifying and addressing underperformance early, thereby reducing its potential negative impact on the bottom line.

Moreover, HRIS fosters better communication and collaboration within organizations. Its social networking features facilitate information sharing, interaction, and teamwork, leading to a more productive and engaged workforce.

Conclusion: Making the Business Case for HRIS

The business case for implementing an HRIS system is compelling. It has the potential to significantly reduce labor costs, streamline operations, and enhance employee productivity, all of which contribute to improving the organization's bottom line. In addition, the ability to track and measure the system's ROI adds to its financial appeal. However, like any other system, the success of HRIS depends largely on its strategic alignment with the organization's goals, proper implementation, and effective use.

In the present digital and data-oriented era, investing in a properly executed HRIS is wise. It will benefit your business and lead to operational excellence, increased employee productivity, and, ultimately, a more profitable outcome.

FAQs
What is an HRIS system, and how does it impact the bottom line?

An HRIS (Human Resource Information System) is an advanced software solution that simplifies, automates, and optimizes HR management processes. Its impact on the bottom line includes reducing labor costs, streamlining operations, and enhancing employee productivity, all of which contribute to improving overall profitability.

How is ROI calculated in HRIS implementation?

ROI (Return on Investment) in HRIS implementation is calculated by comparing the financial gains achieved through the system's use against its overall setup and operational costs. It provides a quantitative analysis of the return or profit made on an investment compared to its original cost.

What are the key ways HRIS reduces labor costs?

HRIS reduces labor costs by automating repetitive tasks, enabling accurate labor forecasting, providing budgeting and planning insights, and offering employee self-service features that reduce the administrative burden on HR personnel.

How does HRIS streamline HR operations?

HRIS streamlines HR operations by centralizing employee data, automating tasks, eliminating paper-based processes, simplifying compliance management, and empowering employees through self-service features.

How does HRIS enhance employee productivity?

HRIS enhances employee productivity directly through training modules, performance management features, and social networking capabilities that facilitate communication and collaboration. Indirectly, it frees up employees' time from administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on value-added activities.

Reports
2024 HRIS 
Landscape Report
Read OutSail's 2024 HRIS Report with write-ups on 30+ leading vendors
Thank you! You can download your report at this link
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Services
Unsure about your software needs?
Use our HRIS Requirements Builder to quickly identify your must-have & nice-to-haves
Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Accelerate your HRIS selection process with free support
Thank you! Our team will reach out to you shortly
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Newsletter
The HR Tech Download
Stay on the industry's cutting edge with our popular newsletter
Thank you! You will receive the next HR Tech Download newsletter
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

Subscribe to the HR Tech Download

Don't miss out on the latest HR Tech trends. Subscribe now to stay updated
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You are now subscribed to the HR Tech Download!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.