HCM Platforms: 4 Benefits of a Single HCM Solution

Why is a single HCM platform solution better than an integrated system? Integration is a term used often within the technology industry when referring to software and systems. But how many companies understand what an integrated HCM system means?

Here is what you need to know about the benefits of a single Human Capital Management (HCM) Solution.

Benefits of a single human capital management (HCM) platform

Integration is marketed as an innovative way to connect your systems. However, integration is not always the best route when comparing HCM and workforce solutions.

But first, what is the definition of Human Capital Management (HCM)? And what is an HCM solution?

What is an Integrated HCM System?

Integration, two-way communication, interface connection, there are many ways an “integrated” platform is described, and no clear, single definition. Sometimes integrated platforms are even presented as a single sign-on solution.

Integrated solutions are stand-alone systems that communicate with each other through one- or two-way communication like city streets. The architecture of the buildings mirrors the design of each solution varying in size, age, and capabilities. Along the way, data can be delayed, misinterpreted, or lost. These HCM systems might have a single name or login platform; but, behind the scenes, data is being passed back and forth between multiple systems.

Disadvantages of an Integrated HCM System

Think of the day-to-day tasks for your HR representatives, senior leadership, managers, or new hires. When using an integrated system, employers may suffer drawbacks like:

• • Maintaining employee records might require imputing the same data over and over into different systems. Or with highly integrated systems, some data might get lost or pulled incorrectly along the way 
    
    
  • Data might take time to communicate to other systems delaying reports and potentially data misrepresentation. When data is not communicated in real time it impacts the integrity of the data in the systems
    
    
  • Pulling a complete employee record might require pulling data from multiple systems, creating wasted time and inefficiencies
    
    
  • Compliance issues can arise when data is inconsistent from one system to another due to a higher level of manual entry and room for human error

The easiest way to understand and investigate technology solutions is to start by comparing the visuals below:

Why Choose a Single HCM Platform?

With a single HCM platform solution, the HCM software is designed as a single building with a designated floor for each workforce solution. With a singular platform design, the floors communicate seamlessly within the system through an elevator distributing data in real-time. In HCM systems in an all-encompassing platform, data does not need to leave the system to communicate.

Companies want to move away from the integration of incongruent systems that are limited to communication with each other and toward single systems that are architected as a true single application.  When it comes down to using an integrated or single platform solution, your company’s experience can be far different.

How to Choose the Right HCM Provider

When investigating your current HCM system or a prospective provider these questions below can provide insight into the design and architecture of their HCM system:

• 1. Do I need multiple logins?

  2. How do your modules communicate with each other?

  3. Were all the modules built on a single database from the ground up?

  4. Is the data available in real time?

Aside from those four factors, here are some other things to consider regarding how to choose an HCM solution.

Inspire HCM

Single Platform HCM systems are not a new concept. In fact, the Kronos, now UKG, platform concept behind TruPay’s InspireHCM was designed almost a decade ago. Large corporations have been using single-system technology for years and as technology evolves and gains greater efficiencies, single-platform HCM solutions are available at an affordable cost to the smallest of businesses.

Some providers have invested their technology in making their original systems communicate with one another instead of developing a system encompassing all HCM features in a single platform. While integrated systems can work adequately, they often fall short of the capabilities of a single platform HCM. And with all the software technology we use today, we expect the best.

Benefits of a Single HCM Solution

The following benefits are consistently taken advantage of by employers using a single HCM platform solution.

Consistent Employee Experience

When onboarding new employees and managers, companies only need to train new users on one system. The training process, materials, & support can be streamlined to focus on a single HCM system that created a better experience for your workforce.

Real-time, Accurate Data Source

Pulling data from a single database system guarantees accuracy and intuitive results for quick visuals, dashboards, and reports directly from the HCM system. Real-time data ensures your company can make strategic decisions affecting your workforce.

Single Vendor Relationship & Support

When using integrated systems some companies choose different providers and piece together the best system for each solution. This can lead to multiple vendor contacts, support teams, and communication channels. With a single system HCM, you are choosing one service provider who is the expert in all solutions and a single source of communication.

Integrated Software

One of the many benefits of HCM is its ability to integrate with other areas of workforce management, for example, 401(k) and retirement. 

Companies with an HCM solution can enjoy integrated payroll and 401(k) solutions, making retirement planning and benefits management that much easier. 

How to Get Started with HCM

Save your team the frustrations of managing multiple HR systems and discover the benefits of a single HCM platform designed for your workforce's success. Learn more about TruPay’s InspireHCM Platform today.