Our Top 10 HR software questions
Choosing the best HR software for your business can be a daunting task. You have probably done a lot of research online and jotted down your top prospective suppliers. But with so many different systems available, it can be hard to know which is the best fit for your business. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top 10 questions to ask HR software providers when narrowing down your options and finding the perfect platform for your needs!
So, what are the top 10 HR software questions you should be asking?
1. How scalable is the software?
The number of employees that the system can hold is an important consideration, especially if you have a large or growing company. Some HR systems are designed for small organisations, and the last thing you need is to outgrow your system in a few short years. So, ask about the system’s scalability and whether it can accommodate your future needs.
Also, if your company has employees in multiple countries, it’s essential to ask if the HR system you’re considering can accommodate them. Not all systems are built to support employees in different jurisdictions, so it’s necessary to do your research and find one that will meet your needs.
2. Will training and support be provided?
As with any new system, you and your employees will have a learning curve. That’s why you’ll also want to ask about the training and onboarding for the system. After all, you’ll need to be able to use it effectively to get the most out of it.
While most HR systems should have some form of training option available, make sure you also ask about the methods of delivery (e.g. webinars, on-site training, etc.). You’ll also want to ask about the train-the-trainer program, as this can be a great way to transfer knowledge in-house to HR admins/super users. That way, you can be confident that the user knowledge expertise is cascaded across the business and that your employees can use the system effectively and efficiently.
You’ll also want to enquire about their customer support policies and procedures. Be sure to ask about their customer support opening hours, response times, and methods of communication to ensure that you get the help and support when needed.
Remember: ask about the duration of the training and whether there are any extra costs involved so you can factor them into your plan and budget.
3. What is the software evolution process?
As your HR department evolves, so should your HR software. If you’re not getting regular updates and there is no clear road map for the future of the HR system, then there’s a good chance the software is no longer being developed and may eventually stop working altogether.
When considering an HR solution, ask the vendor for their roadmap for future development and whether they have plans to add new features. It is also worth enquiring about the vendor’s update schedule, and whether or not these updates are planned to assess the impact this may have on your company’s operations. For example, will you need to take the system offline for maintenance? How long will this maintenance last?
4. Can I configure the platform to our brand?
The system that you invest in will be a reflection of your company’s brand and values. As such, you’ll want to make sure that it’s customisable to your specific needs and brand.
Some HR software offers pre-built templates that you can use to get started quickly. While others allow room for more configurable options to rebrand the platform with your company’s name, logo and colour theme– making it look like it was built specifically for your organisation.
Of course, the configuration level may also impact the price of the software, so be mindful to ask about this upfront, so there are no surprises down the line.
5. What modules do you cover?
This is where you need to sit down and think about your business requirements. Are you looking for an HR system solely focusing on payroll or recruitment? Or are you looking for an HR software that holds multiple modules such as performance management, training, analytics, payroll, and recruitment?
It’s always good to ask the prospective provider what modules they cover because, at this moment, you may only require payroll, but later down the line, you may need more.
One critical topic in your top 10 HR software questions is to make sure you ask about all the available modules to find a system that covers all bases for the present and future.
6. Can you integrate with other systems?
In today’s business world, most companies use various software systems to run their operations. That’s why these systems must be able to talk to each other and share data.
How difficult is it for the software to integrate with? This way, you can avoid the hassle and expense of manually entering data into multiple systems.
7. What are your implementation timelines like?
When you’re investing in a new HR system and have the correct answers to your top 10 HR software questions, you’ll want to be up and running as quickly as possible so you can start reaping the platform’s benefits. But, before you can do that, the software needs to be installed and configured. This process can sometimes be lengthy and complicated, so asking the vendor about their implementation timelines is essential.
Some vendors offer a turn-key solution that includes everything from data migration to training, while others provide the software and leave it up to you to get everything set up. So, when enquiring about the implementation timeline, find out if any extra costs are involved in the installation process.
8. Is the software mobile-friendly?
Nowadays, people are using their mobile devices for just about everything. So really and truly, the software you’re investing in should be mobile-friendly so that your employees can access information and complete tasks on the go.
Ask the supplier if their software is mobile-friendly and if any extra costs are involved in accessing the system from a mobile device or dedicated mobile app.
9. Does the software surface real-time insights through Dashboards and Reports?
As an HR leader in a data-driven world, you need to be able to access data quickly and efficiently to make informed decisions about your workforce. That’s why asking if the software you’re considering provides real-time insights through dashboards and reports is essential.
Viewing real-time insights through dashboards and reports can help you identify trends and spot potential problems before they become serious issues. With this information at your fingertips, you’ll be able to make better decisions about your workforce and improve your overall HR strategy and bottom line. Let’s not forget the time and labour costs you could save by automating the generation of these reports.
10. How much does it cost? Are there any hidden costs?
Of course, out of our most important top 10 HR software questions to ask is how much the software costs. But, it’s not just the upfront cost you need to be aware of. Most vendors charge a subscription fee, while others charge based on the number of users or features you use.
Before you sign the contract, make it a priority to ask about all the potential costs so you can get an accurate estimate of what the HR system will cost your business in both the short and long term. You also need to find out what features are included in the subscription price and which aren’t. Otherwise, you may pay for features you don’t need or want.
Now you have read the Top 10 HR software questions. It’s time to Decide on the Best HR Software for your business…
When choosing the best HR software, asking the right questions is essential. And by simply considering the above top 10 HR software questions, you’ll be able to find an HR system that fits your business needs for the present and future.
One last piece of advice: ask for a detailed demo before committing to your chosen HR software. It will allow you to see the software and determine whether it fits in with your business. And when you’re looking at demos, pay attention to how easy the system is to use and navigate, as there is nothing worse than having an HR platform that you can’t get your head around.
Request a demo today to see how we can help you streamline your HR process and take your HR function to new heights!
