The “rat race’ just isn’t what it used to be. Establishing a working relationship with subordinates, coworkers and bosses was one thing. These days, dealing with unfeeling, seemingly oblivious computer systems is another thing entirely.
Still, there are some joys in the modern office. Removing and ignominiously dispatching antiquated computer systems and software is not only good for the spirit but improves the efficiency and morale of the office. Still, improving your technology systems, especially ones as sensitive as human resources, should be performed with an extreme concern for versatility and security as well as affordability.
The Fine Art of Upgrading Your Computer System
Technology expands and changes at an alarming rate. Merely upgrading the hardware is not enough to keep your business processes running at a technologically sound pace. Efficiency demands that the actual software also be upgraded or replaced. In some instances, a dramatic change - a paradigm shift, if you will - must be contemplated.
The latest iteration of software development involves “cloud-based “ or “hosted” solutions. This process involves HRIS systems that are remotely provided, serviced and upgraded by a third party vendor. This vendor is also responsible for day to day maintenance, backup capability and on-site and online security.
The advantages are obvious. A company need only pay a service fee to avail themselves of the latest and greatest in HRIS software services. The disadvantages may seem equally obvious but do not actually present a significant problem. In general, the same factors that provide the greatest benefits also diminish the disadvantages greatly.
The Benefits of a Hosted or Cloud Based HRIS Solution
More particularly, cloud based solutions offer many advantages over in-house solutions. Here are some of the more significant:
A hosted solution is provided, maintained and upgraded by a third party vendor. Since the provision of technological solutions is their core competency, they can provide superior hardware, software and technical expertise at a fraction of developing those resources yourself.
In addition, upgrades and maintenance are no longer an administrative nightmare for your company. Need more server space or increased band width? A third party vendor is in a far better position to provide these services, or any others that deal with scalability, in a fraction of the time it would take your company to respond.
In the same vein, the technicians of a dedicated third party provider deal with security issues on a daily basis. As patches and improved firewall defenses become available, these companies are far better suited to implement the necessary changes and upgrades.
Similarly, they are far more aware of the necessary safeguards that should be implemented by the client company to protect their intellectual property from internal misappropriation. They also do not suffer from any delusions created by interpersonal relationships within the client company. In short, a third party hosted solution offers superior security for both hardware and software.
The benefits of a cloud-based HRIS system are manifest but are they within the financial reach of most small and mid-sized companies? Some may be surprised but there are evident reasons that a cloud-based architecture is as affordable as an in-house solution. The primary reason involves the age old premise of scale.
If one company must, by itself, invest in hardware, software and the attendant staff, the whole process requires a significant investment that may be outside the ability of many small and mid-sized firms. Third party providers, however, are able to leverage their investments in resources and staff across dozens or hundreds of clients. Thus, superior infrastructure, staff and security are available to all their clients.
Any company should investigate the advantages of a cloud-based solution to their HRIS needs. This fact is especially true if their systems are outdated, in need of major expansion or if they simply do not provide enough functionality. There are many third party providers who will examine your current systems, determine your needs and provide a cost-effective solution to your HRIS needs. In addition, a cloud-based HRIS system will eliminate the need for this process in the future as they are eminently adaptable, scalable and customizable. There will be no need to “take out the trash” in the future.
About the Author:
Carolyn Sokol writes about issues that may affect small businesses such as human resources, HRMS and HRM Software. She is a founder of PEOcompare.com and contributor to compareHRIS.com which both help match businesses to the right HR or Payroll Service provider for their particular needs.