How to define the objectives of your HRIS implementation project?

HRIS implementation project: analyze existing processes

Before even considering implementing an HRIS, a comprehensive list of HRIS processes must be established. To do this, it is necessary to meet with all of the actors who have a link with the HRIS system, and then to make a precise written report.

From this report, it will be possible to define the requirements for the HRIS system. Team meetings and individual interviews will allow everyone to freely express their real needs in terms of HRIS solution. Again, these meetings will be summarized in writing.

This step is an opportunity to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing information system. The former can be highlighted for inclusion in future tools, while the latter should be eliminated.

Define business constraints

Thanks to the inventory obtained in the previous step, it will be possible to identify various constraints related to Human Resources, with the help of the HRIS project manager.

The strategic objectives will be determined by the expressed needs. The essential functionalities for the operation of the company must be highlighted. This work is an opportunity to identify the functionalities of the existing system that must be maintained, those that must be improved and those that can be removed, either because they are deficient or because their usefulness is questioned.

At the same time, it is important to take into account the legal constraints. Legislation is evolving (particularly with the entry into force of the RGPD for Europe) and the new management rules must be integrated into the future version of the HRIS system.

Define the technical constraints

Then come the technical constraints. The company’s IT infrastructure and any technical constraints of the existing system must be taken into account. Centralizing data internally will require a powerful network and significant computing capacity, as well as enhanced security. Storing data in the cloud requires a stable connection, but a lighter infrastructure.

If the company is present in several countries, it will be necessary to manage data distribution, which a cloud HRIS solution can easily do, but also to take into account the different local infrastructures to ensure that all HR departments will have access to the new system without difficulty

HRIS implementation project: defining priorities

Implementingan HRIS does not mean deploying all the required functionalities at once. Priorities must be set. The functional bricks can be added progressively, at each stage of the project. These priorities will be defined with the help of the users, who must be involved and accompanied throughout the project.

The implementation of the HRIS system generally leads to a change in work habits, and a real change management policy is needed to help users get used to the new tools.

Also read in our file "to carry out a HRIS project in your company":

• The digital transformation of HR functions: what role for the HRD?
• The major challenges for human resources management in the future
• Regulatory issues for HRDs to master in 2019
• Valuing the employee experience, a priority for HR departments
• Improving the company's HR processes, the major challenge for HR departments
• Human Resources Information System (HRIS), what is its use?
• HRIS to improve the company's HR processes
• Human resources and technologies for business performance
• What technological tools are available to HRDs?
• HRD: which HRIS solution to choose for your digital transformation?
• Help in choosing an HRIS: why use a firm?