What is a human resource information system (HRIS)?
A human resource information system (HRIS) simplifies and unifies HR tasks, giving teams the tools and insights they need to support employees, streamline operations, and shape company culture.
Every employee’s story is comprised of a series of important fragments – complex and unique data sets that grow and evolve over time. A human resource information system moves those stories out of filing drawers and disconnected spreadsheets and into a streamlined digital space. It automates once-manual tasks like payroll, attendance, and benefits management, transforming scattered data into clear, insightful, and instantly accessible employee profiles. For HR teams, this means fewer headaches, fewer errors, and the confidence to act on valuable data insights.
HRIS meaning and definition
An HRIS (human resources information system) is a set of software tools that automate the processing, maintenance, and management of employees and their information.
HRIS system features
Every organization’s needs are a little different. But most HRIS platforms are built around a similar set of capabilities – designed to make HR more connected, less manual, and easier to scale. Here’s a closer look at the core functions you’ll usually find in an HRIS:
Records management
Provides centralized and secure employee data management using advanced cloud-based infrastructure. HR teams can store, update, and access detailed employee profiles, all while maintaining data integrity, compliance, and accessibility across locations.
Payroll processing
Simplifies complex payroll calculations and compensation tasks using automated workflows and cloud technology. This supports timely salary processing, accommodates diverse pay structures, and ensures compliance with tax and employment regulations.
Benefits administration
Uses AI-driven automation to manage health and retirement plans, wellness programs, and more. Employees can enroll, manage, and adjust their benefits through intuitive cloud-based portals. This lowers your admin workload and boosts employee satisfaction.
Attendance tracking
Streamlines performance reviews and talent assessments using AI-powered tools. Managers can track individual and team performance metrics, identify skill gaps, or recommend development plans. Predictive insights foster ongoing employee engagement.
Benefits administration
Offers mobile and cloud technologies to ensure accurate attendance tracking and time-off request management. Employees can submit requests, while HR teams can benefit from automated tracking, integrated absence reporting, and smoother approvals.
Reporting and analytics
Turns complex data sets into actionable HR insights. Teams can make use of powerful reporting tools to monitor workforce trends, identify opportunities for improvement – and leverage AI to predict outcomes and support more confident strategizing.
HRIS vs. HRMS vs. HCM
While these terms all relate to how businesses manage and support their people, there are some subtle but significant differences between them:
- HRIS (human resource information system)
This is the basic functional component of the HR department where you find the core administrative processes of HR. It’s the system that houses essential employee data and supports functions like payroll, benefits, compliance tracking, and record keeping. - HRMS (human resource management system)
In addition to core HR functions, HRMS platforms often include more robust modules for hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and training. The distinction is increasingly blurry as some vendors call their system an HRIS even if it includes HRMS features, but in general, HRMS refers to a broader, more integrated suite. - HCM (human capital management)
Human capital management is the umbrella under which the other two terms reside. It includes their functions, but within a wider context, which includes the wider goals of HR, such as talent recruitment, workforce planning, company workforce culture and values, and aligning its efforts with overall company goals.