When searching for a Human Capital Management (HCM) system, it's essential for mid-sized organizations to find an adaptable and technology-centric solution. Criterion HCM is a prominent player in the mid-market, providing a customized, adaptable platform that encompasses HR, payroll, and talent engagement. In this evaluation, we will delve into the main features, strengths, and considerations when assessing Criterion HCM for your company.

Overview of Criterion HCM

Criterion HCM is designed specifically for mid-market companies, particularly those with 200-1,000 employees. Focusing on flexibility and ease of use, the platform allows businesses to customize it according to their unique processes and requirements. Rebuilt from the ground up about seven years ago, Criterion HCM utilizes modern software development strategies to create a system that is agile, adaptable, and forward-thinking.

Unlike many other HCM platforms, Criterion does not require customers to use their payroll module, giving organizations the flexibility to continue working with their existing payroll provider if desired. This feature, combined with their highly configurable HR and Talent Engagement modules, makes Criterion a versatile choice for businesses looking for a system that molds to their needs.

The Strengths of Criterion HCM

1. Tailored for Mid-Market Companies

Criterion HCM’s platform is designed specifically for mid-sized businesses seeking a system that can be easily customized to fit their internal processes. The platform’s HR, Payroll, and Talent Engagement modules offer high levels of configurability, allowing companies to tailor workflows, reporting, and user experiences to meet their exact needs.

2. Flexible and Agile System

Rebuilt from scratch about seven years ago, Criterion’s system takes advantage of advanced software development practices. This approach has led to a flexible and agile platform that evolves with the needs of its users. Criterion’s system is known for being responsive to new requirements and offering a modern, user-friendly experience compared to older platforms.

3. No Requirement to Use Payroll Module

Unlike many HRIS platforms that bundle payroll with other modules, Criterion HCM offers flexibility by not requiring companies to purchase its payroll module. This allows businesses to continue working with their existing payroll provider if they prefer, giving them more control over their HR tech stack and reducing potential disruption during implementation.

4. Boutique Service Model

Criterion’s boutique service model provides a personalized and hands-on experience, ensuring that clients receive the support and attention they need throughout the implementation and beyond. This service approach is particularly valued by organizations that may feel lost in the shuffle when working with larger, more established HCM providers.

5. Technology-Centric Approach

Compared to other boutique HRIS providers, Criterion takes a more technology-focused approach. This has earned the platform strong feedback from users, especially regarding the user experience and its ability to meet evolving business needs. Criterion’s modern interface and configurability ensure it is a platform that can adapt and grow with your company.

Learn More: Compare Criterion and other leading HRIS platforms on OutSail's marketplace

‍Points to Consider with Criterion HCM

1. Smaller Scale Compared to Larger Competitors

While Criterion offers a highly configurable and modern system, it may face challenges keeping up with the technological advancements and financial resources of larger HRIS providers. This means that while the platform is strong, it may not have all the cutting-edge features that larger, more established competitors offer.

2. Learning Curve for Smaller HR Teams

Criterion HCM’s robust feature set and configurability come with a learning curve, particularly for leaner HR teams that may be used to simpler, more streamlined systems. Mid-sized organizations with smaller HR departments may need additional training and support to fully leverage the platform’s features.

3. Limited Global Compliance Support

While Criterion can process payroll in the US, Canada, and the UK, all of its support offices are based in the US. This may limit its ability to provide comprehensive global compliance guidance, especially for organizations with a more international presence. Global companies may need to seek external solutions or expertise to manage compliance across various regions.

4. User Experience May Not Rival Industry Giants

Although Criterion offers a modern interface and flexible system, its user experience may occasionally feel a step behind larger HRIS platforms that have more resources for continuous user experience enhancements. This is something to consider for companies that place a high premium on the latest features and functionalities.

Pricing Structure

Criterion HCM follows a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model, with costs typically ranging between $14 and $20 PEPM, depending on the size of the organization and the specific modules required. This makes Criterion an affordable option for mid-market businesses looking for a comprehensive, configurable HCM solution, especially when compared to larger, more expensive HRIS platforms.

Deciding if Criterion HCM is Right for Your Business

When evaluating Criterion HCM for your organization, it’s important to assess both its strengths and potential challenges to determine if it aligns with your business needs.

Leveraging Strengths:

• Tailored for Mid-Sized Companies: Criterion’s configurability and flexibility make it a strong fit for businesses looking for a platform that adapts to their unique processes.
• No Payroll Dependency: The option to continue using an existing payroll provider gives organizations more control and reduces potential disruption during implementation.
• Boutique Service Model: Criterion’s personalized service ensures that mid-sized businesses receive dedicated support, often lacking with larger competitors.

Addressing Challenges:

• Smaller Scale and Resource Limitations: Criterion may not offer the same level of cutting-edge technology or resources as larger HRIS providers, which could be a limitation for rapidly growing companies.
• Learning Curve for Lean HR Teams: Mid-sized businesses with small HR teams may require extra time and resources to fully utilize the platform’s more advanced features.
• Limited Global Compliance Support: While Criterion covers key regions like the US, Canada, and the UK, it may not provide the depth of global compliance support needed for more international operations.

Conclusion

Criterion HCM is a solid choice for mid-sized organizations looking for a configurable, technology-forward HCM solution. Its flexibility, agile platform, and personalized service model make it stand out from many other boutique HRIS providers. While it may not have all the cutting-edge features or global support of larger platforms, Criterion’s user-friendly design, customization options, and cost-effective pricing make it a strong contender for companies in the 200-1,000 employee range.

If you value configurability, a boutique service experience, and the ability to integrate or bypass payroll, Criterion HCM could be an ideal fit for your organization. However, businesses with more complex global needs or seeking the latest industry-leading features may want to explore other options.

FAQs

1. What are the core strengths of Criterion HCM?
   Criterion excels in configurability, offering flexible HR, payroll, and talent engagement modules tailored for mid-sized businesses. The system also provides a modern, user-friendly experience and a boutique service model for personalized support.
2. What are the challenges of Criterion HCM?
   Criterion may face limitations in matching the technology and innovation pace of larger competitors, and the system’s complexity might present a learning curve for smaller HR teams. Global compliance support is also limited.
3. What is the pricing structure for Criterion HCM?
   Criterion HCM typically costs between $14-20 per employee per month (PEPM), making it a cost-effective option for mid-sized businesses looking for a configurable HCM solution.
4. Who is Criterion HCM best suited for?
   Criterion is best suited for mid-sized organizations with 200-1,000 employees that need a flexible, configurable HCM solution and value personalized service. It may not be ideal for companies seeking extensive global compliance support or cutting-edge technology.