5 Reasons to Choose a Web-Based HR Platform

It is becoming increasingly common for HR decision makers to choose a cloud-based human resource management system for their enterprise. If you are evaluating potential HR platforms for your company, here are five reasons why you should consider one that’s Web-based over one that’s hosted in house:

1. Mobility

People are already using their mobile devices for work, so why shouldn’t they be able to access their company’s HR system at the same time? Web-based applications are optimized for a range of mobile devices and enable employees to securely complete tasks like submitting time and attendance, approving time-off requests, and reviewing HR data from any Internet-connected device. This capability is useful whether you’re a manufacturing employee who doesn’t have access to a computer during the workday, or an executive who is constantly on the road.

2. Quicker access to innovations

With cloud-based applications, system updates are deployed over the Internet. This often means that clients can access bug fixes and new features much more quickly than with a system that’s hosted in house. Another benefit is minimal system downtime during upgrades, as opposed to the hours or even days generally required to deploy a new version of a system hosted on site. 

3. Time and money savings

Maintaining servers and troubleshooting issues can be time-consuming and expensive. With a web-based HR platform, you can minimize the need for onsite servers and in-house program administrators — lowering equipment costs, minimizing IT staff time spent on HR projects, and improving staff productivity. Plus, you can redirect the dollars you are saving by reducing your HR and IT spends toward efforts like recruiting, training and development, or even rewarding performance with raises and bonuses.

4. Customizability

HR software packages purchased "out of the box" and hosted locally tend to include a standard set of features, and any desired customization can be expensive and unwieldy. Web-based programs often make it easier to customize the user experience, from adapting interfaces to selecting available features, and deploy programs in a way that's responsive to your company's needs.

5. Seamless integration

Online HR platforms offer the added benefit of seamless integration across the HR spectrum — from recruiting and benefits, to payroll and time and attendances. Integrating the individual components of your HR suite often yields better accuracy (due to reduced need to key data into multiple systems), offers enhanced reporting capabilities, and can help to improve regulatory compliance.

The market for enterprise HR platforms is richer than ever, and HR decision makers have their pick of systems to choose from. While the decision ultimately comes down to which model is the best fit for the company’s particular needs, selecting a Web-based application is often a wise choice for HR departments desiring flexibility, low cost of ownership, and less dependence on IT.