If you run a business, there’s a good chance you’re already using a Human Capital Management (HCM) system, even if you don’t call it that.
Platforms like Paycom, Paylocity, Heartland, ADP, Zenefits, and others all fall into this category. In the past, these same tools were called HRIS, or Human Resources Information Systems. The terminology may have shifted, but the purpose hasn’t. These systems help you manage people, payroll, and processes in one place.
The real question is: are you using yours to its full potential?
More than just payroll
Every HCM system can process payroll. That’s the baseline. But payroll is really just the beginning of what these systems can do.
A well-configured HCM platform can:
- Streamline onboarding and allow employees to complete their own paperwork and updates
- Manage time-off requests, schedules, and time tracking
- Handle employee evaluations and performance reviews
- Centralize policies, memos, job descriptions, and training materials
- Simplify compliance tasks like garnishments or Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting
When employees can manage their own information, like updating tax forms or changing addresses, it reduces liability for the employer and saves significant administrative time.
Underused tools and mismatched systems
Many small business owners choose a payroll system, start using it, and never realize how much functionality they’re missing. They might still be tracking PTO in a spreadsheet, using outdated forms for evaluations, or storing important HR information in multiple platforms.
Sometimes, the issue isn’t neglect, but rather setup. It’s common for a company to buy a system and assume it was implemented correctly, only to discover that half the features were never configured. The system might even be a poor fit for their size or industry.
Finding the right fit for your size and style
Not every system is designed for every business. Some platforms are ideal for small teams of under ten employees. Others specialize in mid-sized or enterprise organizations.
For example, Gusto is often a great fit for very small businesses because it’s easy to use and set up, but it may not support certain integrations once your team grows. On the other hand, UKG (formerly Ultimate Kronos Group) is designed for larger companies and may not offer the same level of support for smaller organizations.
Thinking about what you need now and what you’ll need as your business grows is an important part of choosing an HCM system. Start with identifying what matters most and what’s not important to you in an HCM platform, then evaluate different options against that checklist of needs.
How whyHR helps
At whyHR, our consultants work in nearly every major HCM platform. Because our clients use a range of systems, we understand how each one operates, what they do well, and which types of businesses they best serve.
When a company is ready to make a change, we help them:
- Identify which system aligns with their needs, growth goals, and support preferences
- Oversee the conversion process so that data transfers smoothly and correctly
- Configure the system to ensure everything functions as it should, like time-off tracking, 401(k) integration, ACA reporting, and other key tools
For many small businesses, the idea of switching systems feels daunting. But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. We manage the details, so leaders can focus on running their business instead of wrestling with the technical setup and data transfer.
A smarter, simpler way to manage your people
Whether you’re exploring a system for the first time or considering a switch, the goal is the same: less administrative stress, fewer risks, and more time to focus on the people who make your business work.
If you’re not sure whether your current system is the right fit or if you’ve been putting off a change because the process feels overwhelming, whyHR can help simplify the process and guide you every step of the way. We’ll evaluate your needs, recommend the right solution, and handle the transition so you can move forward with confidence.