Maximizing Value: How to Measure the ROI of Your HRIS Investment

Maximize your HRIS investment! Learn how to calculate ROI, including cost savings, productivity gains, and strategic benefits. Overcome challenges and implement best practices to get the most out of your HR system. Partner with OutSail on your new HRIS selection

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
July 22, 2024
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Maximizing the value of an HRIS investment is a top priority for any organization. Implementing a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) can bring many benefits, including increased efficiency, improved data accuracy, and streamlined HR processes. However, with any investment, it is important to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Measuring the ROI of an HRIS implementation can be challenging, as there are both direct and indirect costs and benefits to consider. Direct costs include acquiring, implementing, and maintaining the system, while indirect costs may include the time and resources required for employee training and system customization. On the other hand, direct benefits may include cost savings from increased efficiency and reduced errors, while indirect benefits may include improved employee engagement and retention.

Defining ROI In The Context Of HRIS

Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability or cost-effectiveness of an investment. In HRIS implementation, ROI is calculated by comparing the financial benefits gained from the system to the overall costs of acquiring, implementing, and maintaining it. ROI is a critical metric in determining the value of an HRIS investment and helps organizations make informed decisions about their technology investments.

Key components of HRIS ROI

To determine the ROI of an HRIS investment, organizations need to consider various factors that contribute to the system's value. The following are the key components of HRIS ROI:

  1. Cost savings: One of the most significant benefits of an HRIS system is the cost savings it can provide. By automating various HR processes, such as payroll and benefits administration, organizations can reduce the time and resources required to manage these tasks manually.
  2. Enhanced productivity: HRIS systems can improve productivity by streamlining HR processes and reducing the time and effort required to complete them. For example, automated onboarding processes can reduce the time required to onboard new employees, allowing HR teams to focus on other critical tasks.
  3. Strategic value: HRIS systems can provide strategic value to organizations by enabling them to make data-driven decisions. By collecting and analyzing data on various HR metrics, such as employee turnover and engagement, organizations can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them.

In conclusion, ROI is a critical metric in determining the value of an HRIS investment. By considering the key components of HRIS ROI, organizations can make informed decisions about their technology investments and maximize the value they receive from their HRIS systems.

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Methodologies For Calculating HRIS ROI

When calculating the ROI of an HRIS investment, several methodologies can be used. The most common ones include payback period, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR).

Payback Period

The payback period is the amount of time it takes for the HRIS investment's financial benefits to equal the investment's initial cost. This method is relatively simple, but it does not consider the time value of money.

To calculate the payback period, divide the initial cost of the HRIS investment by the annual savings generated by the system. For example, if the HRIS investment costs $100,000 and generates $25,000 in annual savings, the payback period would be four years.

Net Present Value (NPV)

The net present value (NPV) method takes into account the time value of money by discounting future cash flows to their present value. This method provides a more accurate picture of the true value of the HRIS investment over time.

To calculate the NPV of an HRIS investment, subtract the initial cost of the investment from the present value of the future cash flows generated by the system. If the result is positive, the investment is profitable.

Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

The internal rate of return (IRR) method calculates the rate at which the net present value of the HRIS investment equals zero. This method provides a measure of the investment's profitability and can be used to compare different investment opportunities.

To calculate the IRR of an HRIS investment, set the net present value to zero and solve for the discount rate. If the discount rate is higher than the cost of capital, the investment is profitable.

When applying these methodologies to HRIS investments, it is important to consider all costs and benefits associated with the system, including implementation, maintenance, and training costs. By conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the HRIS investment, organizations can make informed decisions about whether or not to invest in such a system.

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Metrics To Consider In HRIS ROI Analysis

Several metrics should be considered when measuring the ROI of an HRIS investment. These metrics can help organizations determine the financial benefits gained from the system compared to the overall costs of acquiring, implementing, and maintaining it.

Direct Cost Savings:

One of the most significant benefits of an HRIS is the reduction in HR personnel costs. By automating routine administrative tasks, HR personnel can focus on more strategic initiatives, such as talent management and employee engagement. Additionally, an HRIS can reduce paper usage by digitizing employee records and other HR documents, which can lead to cost savings on printing and storage.

Another direct cost savings benefit of an HRIS is the reduction in compliance penalties. An HRIS can help organizations stay compliant with labor laws and regulations, which can result in significant savings on penalties and legal fees.

Productivity Improvements:

An HRIS can also improve productivity by saving time on administrative tasks. By automating routine tasks such as data entry and record keeping, HR personnel can focus on more strategic initiatives. Additionally, an HRIS can provide faster data retrieval, which can help HR personnel make more informed decisions. Improved data accuracy is another benefit of an HRIS. With a centralized database, HR personnel can ensure that employee records and other HR data are accurate and up-to-date.

Strategic Advantages:

An HRIS can provide strategic advantages by improving talent management. With features such as applicant tracking and performance management, organizations can attract and retain top talent. Additionally, an HRIS can enhance employee satisfaction by providing self-service options for employees, such as accessing their pay stubs and benefits information.

Finally, an HRIS can provide stronger data-driven decision-making. With real-time access to HR data, organizations can make more informed decisions about workforce planning, compensation, and benefits.

In conclusion, when measuring the ROI of an HRIS investment, it is important to consider direct cost savings, productivity improvements, and strategic advantages. By evaluating these metrics, organizations can determine the financial benefits gained from the system compared to the overall costs of acquiring, implementing, and maintaining it.

Challenges In Measuring HRIS ROI

Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) implementation can be challenging for companies. One of the most common obstacles they face is quantifying intangible benefits. These benefits, such as increased employee satisfaction and improved communication, are difficult to measure and assign a monetary value to. As a result, they are often overlooked in ROI calculations, leading to an inaccurate assessment of the system's true value.

Another challenge companies face is accounting for implementation challenges. Implementing an HRIS can be a complex process that requires significant time and resources. Companies must consider the costs associated with data migration, system customization, and employee training. Failure to account for these costs can result in an incomplete ROI assessment that underestimates the system's true cost.

Strategies To Overcome These Challenges

To overcome these challenges and achieve a more accurate ROI assessment, companies can employ several strategies. One strategy is to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis that considers both tangible and intangible benefits. This analysis should include a comprehensive assessment of the system's impact on employee productivity, turnover rates, and overall organizational performance.

Another strategy is to involve key stakeholders in the ROI assessment process. This includes HR professionals, IT staff, and department managers. By involving these stakeholders, companies can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the system's impact and ensure that all costs and benefits are accounted for.

Finally, companies can consider using ROI calculators or working with HRIS vendors to develop customized ROI models. These models can help companies to more accurately assess the system's value and identify areas for improvement.

Best Practices For Maximizing HRIS ROI

A successful HRIS deployment is critical to achieving maximum ROI. To ensure success, organizations should follow these best practices:

  1. Conduct a thorough needs assessment to determine the specific HRIS features and functionality required to meet organizational needs.
  2. Develop a comprehensive implementation plan that includes timelines, milestones, and responsibilities for all stakeholders.
  3. Provide adequate training to all users to ensure they are proficient in using the system.
  4. Establish clear communication channels with all stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed and engaged throughout the process.
  5. Consider engaging a third-party consultant or vendor to provide additional expertise and support.

By following these best practices, organizations can ensure a successful HRIS deployment that maximizes financial returns.

Importance Of Continuous Evaluation And Optimization Of HRIS Use To Sustain ROI

To sustain ROI, it is important to continuously evaluate and optimize HRIS use. Organizations should consider the following best practices:

  1. Monitor system usage and adoption rates to identify areas for improvement.
  2. Regularly review and update HRIS processes and workflows to ensure they align with organizational needs and best practices.
  3. Solicit feedback from users to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
  4. Leverage HRIS reporting and analytics capabilities to identify trends and opportunities for optimization.
  5. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements to ensure the HRIS remains relevant and effective.

By continuously evaluating and optimizing HRIS use, organizations can sustain ROI and maximize the value of their investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, measuring the ROI of an HRIS investment is crucial for businesses to ensure that they are receiving the maximum value from their investment. By doing so, businesses can identify areas where they can improve their HRIS implementation and make strategic decisions that align with their organizational goals.

The search results provide a comprehensive guide on how to measure HRIS ROI and the key metrics to consider when doing so. These include quantifying tangible gains, factoring in ongoing maintenance and support expenses, and comparing the financial benefits gained from the system to the overall costs of acquiring, implementing, and maintaining it.

Businesses should take a strategic approach when assessing their HRIS investments and ensure that they align with their organizational goals. By doing so, they can maximize their ROI and achieve a positive impact on their business operations.

In summary, measuring the ROI of an HRIS investment is an essential step for businesses to ensure that they are receiving the maximum value from their investments. Businesses must take a strategic approach when assessing their HRIS investments and ensure that they align with their organizational goals.

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Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

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