Digital transformation is impacting on businesses across industry sectors. But despite the push towards a more connected environment, traditional human resources (HR) solutions need some catching up to do. Ian McAlister, General Manager of CRS Technologies, looks at the benefits of an integrated HR payroll solution in this modern landscape.

"The likes of cloud computing, virtualisation, artificial intelligence, and even chat bots have emerged as topics of discussion in boardrooms the world over. Ultimately, these solutions (as with most digital approaches) are focused on delivering improved efficiencies, at lower costs, in a way that meets customer expectations. However, in the rush to embrace new innovations, the temptation is there to let some of the more traditional approaches fall by the wayside – HR being one of them."

In general, HR systems are very administration-centric. Most practitioners are stuck ‘ticking the boxes' and ensuring salaries are paid on time. Yet, HR provides the business with a key platform to engage with its employees more effectively and get more value out of them.

Value-driven HR

"Thanks to the digitalisation of business environments, decision-makers are more open to embracing new ways of thinking than in the past. This has also resulted in all aspects of the business under pressure to show a willingness to innovate and do things differently. HR deals with the most important aspect of the business in this regard – its people."

Too often, digital transformation is focused on technology on its own. Yet, without employees willing to embrace it and utilise the new systems to unlock value, no real benefits can be had. Today, HR departments need to find ways to deliver value to the organisation. By knowing how to get the most out of employees, it has the potential to be the single most important function inside the organisation.

"Granted, technology is one of the ingredients to unlock this change. But the shift must happen from employees who are looking for increasingly innovative organisations that can meet not only their customer requirements but those of the staff as well. Embracing an integrated HR solution is the best possible way to transform the people management vertical inside the business."

Not just technology

By linking the HR system to other core business applications, the company can improve daily operations by optimising turnaround time on queries and associated workflow processes. Just consider the difference this integrated approach brings to the organisation as opposed to outsourcing to a payroll consultancy or using modular software.

"This [integrated] system also brings with it compliancy to legislation by ensuring employees have correct access to back-end data based on their job levels. Furthermore, the operational data can provide insights in real-time to further empower employees (and the HR departments) to make better decisions based on current scenarios."

Reporting is also enhanced with more accurate data built from all departments in the business. Having a linked environment means value can be derived from building more dynamic reports that provide executives with specific information based on their needs instead of just using the template-driven environment of the past.

"These digital times bring with it a great level of excitement. Of course, the onus is on the business to evolve its HR function to be a part of this and deliver true business value to the organisation."