Action Steps for HR Software
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how some HR departments are using human resources software

An HR office that needs inspiration can find it in online news sources that go into case studies and details about how companies are approaching staffing challenges with HR software packages.

I recommend: The eWeek Midmarket site educates readers about how some companies are relying on a skeleton staff and vibrant IT to do HR. Find out more about applications helping HR managers compete at the Servlient Human Resource Management News Blog.

Look for news on human resources software for managing an existing office

For more on trends and emerging realities in HR, check out sources for how HR people increasingly use software tools to track all kinds of in-house events and daily factors like time in/out, vacation time, scheduling, meetings and department itineraries. Almost all of it gets done with computers, and ongoing tech news sources let you know how.

I recommend: The Software channel from Workplace Management provides news on specific human resources management software applications and ways to manage time and performance for workers. For more on these kinds of HR software programs, check out Espreson.com's blog for news including freebies like Journyx and other tools for tracking employee hours.

Find news on human resource software for new hiring

Busy managers can get more on how HR can use HR software systems to hire new job applicants. Software packages handle applications, screen them electronically, and store them for later use. Still, someone in HR has to eventually pick up the phone.

I recommend: Learn about new software tools for hiring and recruiting at HRTrainingCenter.com's HR Weekly newsletter. For more on applicant tracking and other variables around new hires, check out eiNet.net for news on all of the tools available to deal with new hires.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't let your human resources software lull your department into a sense of automation. Though there are some really neat features in HR software programs now on the market, human oversight is nearly always the best policy. Anything less can alienate your new hires, confound your regular staff, and make your human HR resources a little less sharp.

Guide to Human Resources Software

Programs will manage benefits, attendance, recruiting and performance reviews

By Charles Dervarics

1. Conduct an assessment of current HR needs.
2. Look for a comprehensive IT solution or software for just one specific area, such as benefits administration.
3. Train your HR staff on how to manage and effectively use this software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep it simple

Need a little help rather than a lot? Try small-scale custom solutions.

I recommend: Contact CommonOffice, which offers solutions such as VacationManager or Timesheet Manager at prices starting at about $75 per month.

Use your human resources information systems (HRIS) to empower your employees

More HR software solutions allow employees to update their personal information, review recent paychecks and calculate vacation or sick leave, saving you valuable time.

I recommend: Get HR Office, an affordable small business HR program that has an employee self-service function.

Track your recruiting

Applicant-tracking software from can identify the best candidates responding to your job ads.

I recommend: Try RecruitTrack or RESUMate to schedule appointments, store resumes and more.

Motivate your team

Performance reviews keep employees clear on their roles. But the process takes a disciplined approach and software can help managers stay on track.

I recommend: SuccessFactors organizes employee reviews and feedback.

Get outside help

If you can't afford your own HR staff, look for IT companies that will manage key human resource software functions remotely with Web functionality.

I recommend: Consider iVantage, a program through which small businesses can rent a full Web-based system managed by Spectrum HR and accessible through a high-speed Internet connection.

Find a comprehensive solution

Small-scale solutions not enough? Fast-growing businesses may benefit from some of the many comprehensive HR software programs on the market.

I recommend: Contact Microsoft for its Dynamics GP Enterprise package, which provides a complete management system including customized interview forms, retirement plan calculations, overtime pay rates and software to manage employee information.

Solve your biggest hassles

Recruiting, hiring and disciplining employees are some of the toughest HR issues for small business owners. A few software shortcuts can help.

I recommend: Get Sapien software, which has a case management function for disciplinary and grievance issues plus an online solution to check the references and backgrounds of job applicants.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask for a free evaluation copy of software you are considering buying.
• •  Self-serve benefits software for employees eliminates a major time-suck for HR staff: Employees can monitor their own vacation time or medical benefits without having to ask staff for help.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find on-site training for HR software systems

Some of the premier firms in HR assistance will send instructors out into the field, and companies can host these trainers on-site for letting HR staff get a first-hand look at operating HR software.

I recommend: Eno.com offers on-site training for Peoplesoft, Avaya, SAP and whole lot more. Talk to a representative about scheduling on-site training for HR. Pacific Data Marketing trains on-site for Abra products.

Go the distance with online HR programs

Other companies provide busy managers with online courses. Online learning for HR software applications and other areas is a big problem-solver for many businesses, as staff can learn at their own pace from the office.

I recommend: In addition to some on-site training, Halogen Software offers an array of web-based training options for HR software. Optimum Solutions also offers online training for HR packages to help busy companies deal with the demands of hiring and employee management.

Look for choices in HR software programs

Companies that know HR is more than just one commercial application or human resources principle offer more than just one area of training. Instructive services can include specific human resources tasks, or big-picture training for day to day management of employee data, time tracking and more.

I recommend: Ascentis provides businesses with a choice in what kind of training they want to get, from software training to "HR Generalist" options. Check out different on-site or off-site training options at People-Trak.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When going with a specific HR software system training option, make sure it is what your business needs. Factoring in employee numbers, scheduling and time tracking options, and the way your business works daily will help you make the best fit. Some department meetings may be necessary in finding the best training for HR software.