Essential Reasons to Adopt to a Cloud-based HR Software

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HR process automation has been around for a while, but in recent years, things have progressed further than ever before. Cloud-based apps and workforce planning solutions have helped HR professionals overcome many of the obstacles they've faced in the past.

Cloud-based solutions will dominate 2019 and the years to come. Here's some interesting information about adopting HRM process automation and how cloud HR software can make your organisation's HR management more effective.

It's time to switch to cloud HR software

Most professionals looking to move to a cloud-based solution report that the desire is driven by HR's need for better functionality and more scalability. On-premise strategic workforce planning software often does not offer these features.

Below are five signs that your HR processes can easily be replaced by cloud HR software:
  1. Your HR processes are standardised
  2. Paper-based HR templates are already in use
  3. The standard workflow of approvals is established
  4. Every task in your HR process has a responsible owner
  5. You have a list of HR policies and regulations to follow

The report concludes that in five or more years, the vast majority of HR departments in the US will rely heavily on cloud-based solutions to automate the HRM process.

7 Features Any Cloud HR Solution Must Offer


There are a variety of cloud HR software on the market. But all good HR solutions offer at least the following features.

Here are some of the most important features that a cloud HR software must have:
  • Digital forms to capture, approve and track requests (PTO, onboarding, etc.).
    Rule-based, conditional workflows to ensure compliance with policies and regulations
  • Employee self-service interface to capture and manage confidential employee data
  • Multi-channel access to view, manage and approve/reject requests on the go
    Integrated reporting module to generate actionable, data-driven insights
  • Seamless API integration to connect the HR cloud with software such as payroll systems

Advantages of using cloud-based HR tools


If we can conclude anything from the survey data above, 2019 and the immediate years beyond will be all about cloud-based HR automation.

More and more companies are realising the benefits that automated HR processes bring. HR planning can be very complex, and automation reduces the risk of human error and allows professionals to focus on the most challenging aspects of their work. Automation that is cloud-based takes the trend a step further and reveals new possibilities.

Web-based workforce planning apps bring several important benefits. Some of the key benefits they bring to the day-to-day HRM process are:

Easy access: to HR planning tools from anywhere via the internet - the trend benefits companies that want to offer their employees a bit of flexibility.
Effortless scalability: HRM processes in the cloud can evolve along with the growth of the business (new apps can be added easily, storage capacity can be increased or decreased, new forms and workflow automation processes can be set up on the fly, etc.).
Eliminate paper clutter and waste: two very annoying aspects of traditional workforce planning.
Better staff retention and increased productivity through better workforce planning and 24/7 access to valuable data.
Increased information security, especially for sensitive company data.
Efficient integration with other solutions and software programmes that the company relies on (e.g. integration with payroll software).
No expensive maintenance or need for upgrades, there are no additional installation costs or need to purchase expensive hardware for support.
Compliance with regulations for the creation and maintenance of archives.
Easy to use, even for people who have not worked with personnel planning software before.

The automation of HR processes through the use of cloud technologies is very popular today. Currently, the adoption of cloud HR software is growing faster than ever before.

As Gartner's market report predicted, cloud-based HR software accounted for 50 per cent or more of all HR planning tools in 2017. There's a reason for this rapid adoption rate. Companies that have upgraded their HRM processes are seeing a reduction in processing costs that reaches up to 22 per cent per employee.

The trend is likely to continue in 2019. According to an ISG report, 48 per cent of HR professionals say they plan to modernise their HRM process in 2018 by replacing current software with a cloud-based workforce planning and automation tool. Survey respondents also indicated that they plan to replace their existing software entirely. Only 12 per cent are interested in upgrading the current solution they rely on rather than switching to a new solution.

Summary

With so many benefits offered by cloud HR software, it won't cost your organisation the earth to upgrade your workforce planning process. It's the future because it's simple, cost-effective, allows for multi-device access and effortless integration with other solutions.

If you haven't made the switch yet, you're losing money and your HR processes are far from optimal. The time is right to make the switch. Cloud-based HR tools like IceHrm Cloud are highly scalable and affordable. It is suitable for companies of all sizes that need a robust set of HR management features. Its extensive reporting capabilities meet the needs of most enterprise-level HR teams.

If you are looking for a cloud-based HR solution, try IceHrm Cloud and see how easy it is to simplify your HR processes.