HRMS & HCM Software 2024 Buyers Guide | G2
What are HRMS and HCM software?
Human resource management systems (HRMS) and human capital management (HCM) software are HR technology platforms made up of multiple connected modules that manage a range of HR functions. They help companies manage key administrative and strategic tasks, including storing and organizing employee data, recruiting new talent, evaluating employee performance, and managing training programs. These large HR suites combine more tactical administrative functions with longer-term talent management and workforce planning. Combining all these functions into a single system facilitates the seamless transfer of data between modules and provides opportunities for automation to help employees deliver HR services more efficiently.
What does HRMS stand for?
HRMS stands for human resource management systems. In addition to HRMS, buyers might also see other acronyms being used to describe HR software suites. Such terms are often used interchangeably to refer to HR suites with multiple modules, and different software companies offering products with similar functionality may use different terms. But there can be differences, like the ones below:
HRIS stands for human resources information system. These are typically platforms that manage personnel information, policies, and procedures for an organization. They include a Core HR module to collect and store employee data and may also include modules for payroll platforms, benefits platforms, and compliance portals, among other functions.
HCM stands for human capital management. These are platforms that generally incorporate functions of an HRIS, but add functionality for talent management and workforce planning. This could include performance management, employee engagement, career planning, time and attendance tracking, forecasting labor needs, and succession planning.
HRMS or human resource management systems offer modules that can manage the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment through succession planning.
For the purposes of this guide, HRMS refers to multi module systems that manage a range of HR functions.
What types of human resource management and human capital management systems exist?
Bundled HR suite
Some HRMS products are sold as a single bundle, meaning the system includes multiple modules for different HR functions and that the modules must be purchased together in a single platform.
Modular HR suite
In this model, an HRMS product includes multiple modules that can be purchased in certain combinations or package levels, or individually, according to which functions the buyer needs.
HRMS and HCM for small and mid-sized businesses
While a comprehensive HR suite may once have been only accessible to large businesses, there are a growing number of HRMS products on the market that cater specifically to small or mid-sized businesses. These offer many of the same benefits of products designed for larger companies but they are designed to serve businesses with numbers of employees in the dozens or hundreds rather than the thousands.
HRMS and HCM for enterprise
An HRMS designed for enterprise-level businesses (those with more than 1,000 employees) will offer similar modules as those designed for smaller businesses. However, enterprise products must be able to scale to service thousands of employees, something not all HRMS products are designed to do. They may offer more customization for payroll and compliance needs that change because the company is in multiple jurisdictions. Enterprise buyers also need tools to support complex organizational structures and advanced analytics to make sense of large volumes of data.
HRMS and HCM for multinational companies
Businesses that span multiple countries need an HRMS that can help the business stay in compliance with different laws and regulations. These platforms can manage recruiting, benefits, payroll, and other areas with custom workflows depending on the needs of the company and the countries they do business in.