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When buying a new HRIS system it is important to decide if you want an all-in-one HRIS system or want a best-in-class HRIS system. Each approach can have it's pros and cons
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When buying HR software, one of the key decisions that a buyer needs to make is deciding between: 1.) an all-in-one HRIS system from a single vendor or 2.) opting for a best-in-class approach that involves multiple standalone vendors.
Twenty years ago, buyers did not have the option of getting an all-in-one system because technologies were so siloed. Payroll tools only processed payroll and ATS’s were solely focused on recruiting.
However, over the past fifteen years, vendors have broadened their offerings. Payroll companies started offering time tools, then performance, then recruiting, and on down the line. Soon you could get every module from a single provider; and many buyers decided to take this approach.
But in the last five years, as there has been a resurgence of modern onboarding, performance, learning and recruiting tools, the pendulum has started swinging back towards the best-in-class approach.
Many buyers are still split on which approach they should take, and there isn’t a one-size-fits all answer. It’s all about what makes the most sense for your organization. Here’s how you can decide:
The foundational element of an HR technology stack is the Core HR system. This is the system that houses your employee information, collects time data and processes payroll. Once a Core HR infrastructure is in place, companies can then look into Talent Management. Talent Management includes the set of tools that help you recruit, develop and retain your workforce.
Most all-in-one HRIS systems started off as payroll tools - think Ceridian, ADP, UKG, Paycom, Paylocity, Paycor, etc - and these platforms have built up their expertise around Core HR. While these systems can all offer Talent Management modules too, they have less expertise in those areas and their products have less depth.
If solving Core HR is your number one priority, and talent management is not as much of a focus yet, then you should consider an all-in-one HRIS platform. The ATS or the LMS that your all-in-one provider offers may be a bit lean on functionality, but you don’t need the extra bells and whistles until your HR tech strategy has solved Core HR first.
One of the big advantages of taking an all-in-one approach is that you only have one vendor covering all of your HR technology needs.
This means that employees only have to download one app and remember one login, in order to handle all of their HR technology needs. It also means that when things go wrong, you only have one customer support contact to reach out to for help.
Another reason that companies opt for an all-in-one provider is because data typically flows more effectively throughout a single system than it does across multiple systems.
This can help reduce the amount of manual re-entry that administrators have to do. It can also make reporting easier, since generating reports from an all-in-one system is often easier to do than downloading and combining reports from multiple systems.
One thing to note, however, is that not every all-in-one system is actually a single database on the back end, so it can be the case that you get an all-in-one provider and still have to do manual reporting or re-entry. (The OutSail team can help let you know which systems are built like that).
Learn More: Use our free HRIS matching tool to see costs, pros/cons and user reviews for every HRIS vendor
For companies that already have an effective Core HR infrastructure, starting to build a best-in-class suite can make sense.
Once companies have sufficiently automated many of their transactional HR tasks, they can start to focus on more transformational tasks, such as proactive recruiting, employee engagement strategies, modern performance reviews and more.
If your company is at this stage, it can make sense to look for best-in-class providers in each of those verticals rather than adding another module from your current provider, which may not deliver the level of sophistication that you need.
One great thing about best-in-class providers is that they are singularly focused on delivering a top notch ATS or LMS or Performance Management system.
Because of this dedicated focus, these companies can oftentimes deliver a more complete set of features and functionality. These companies are also often on the cutting edge in their industry and rolling out new features ahead of their more broadly-focused peers.
Additionally, you can find a great deal of thought leadership from standalone providers because they are so deeply entrenched in a single vertical.
Another compelling reason for taking a best-in-class approach to your HR suite is because most all-in-one vendors are already doing the same.
With a few notable exceptions, most all-in-one HRIS systems have added new modules by either acquiring or white labeling pieces of technology that they don’t offer in-house.
When all-in-one HRIS vendor’s take this approach, they are essentially admitting that they can’t be a market leader across every module. If that’s the case, then maybe it makes sense for your team to only buy their most effective modules and go looking for best-fit tools to fill in the gaps.
OutSail's philosophy on this subject is fairly simple:
1.) In general, fewer systems is more optimal than more systems.
2.) However, when there is a compelling business reason to get a best-in-class solution, you should do so (i.e., a high-growth company getting a best-in-class recruiting platform).
3.) And finally, the further the point solution is away from Core HR (payroll, time & benefits), the less impactful and risky a point solution becomes
An all-in-one HRIS is a comprehensive software solution from a single vendor that covers multiple HR functions such as payroll, time tracking, benefits administration, talent management, and more. A best-in-class HRIS involves selecting standalone vendors that specialize in specific HR functions, such as recruiting, performance management, or learning management systems.
The decision depends on your organization's priorities, current HR infrastructure, and long-term goals. If your focus is on streamlining core HR processes and you prefer simplicity and efficiency, an all-in-one HRIS may be suitable. On the other hand, if talent management is your primary focus, and you seek domain expertise and advanced functionality in specific HR areas, a best-in-class approach may be more appropriate.
Some advantages of an all-in-one HRIS include streamlined processes, simplicity for users with a single login and app, and efficient data flow within a unified system. Additionally, all-in-one systems often offer integrated modules, reducing the need for manual data entry and facilitating reporting.
Best-in-class HRIS solutions offer domain expertise, advanced features, and tailored solutions in specific HR areas. These vendors are often focused on innovation and thought leadership, providing cutting-edge functionality and addressing niche requirements. Additionally, companies with existing core HR infrastructure can leverage best-in-class solutions to enhance talent management strategies.
Compatibility between different HRIS systems in a best-in-class approach can be ensured through robust integration capabilities. It's essential to select vendors that offer seamless integration options, such as APIs and connectors, to enable data sharing and workflow automation between systems. Additionally, working with experienced implementation partners can help optimize integration processes.
