| As an HRIS Software, a.ka. HR software, HRMS | | | | • Human Resource Information System, a.k.a. HRIS |
| software, HR Payroll Software, web vendor, I am | | | | – This is the type of term you receive from |
| constantly searching for new keywords to improve | | | | marketing as opposed to terms used above created |
| our rank and thus, bring more users to our my website. | | | | by an IT staff. Yep, it’s all pretty much the same |
| Currently, we track over one hundred and fifty unique | | | | thing. However, an argument could be made that an |
| keywords. The problem is many of these keywords | | | | HRIS application is more comprehensive in its |
| define the exact same thing. So I ask the question: | | | | capabilities than an HR database but this may, or may |
| “Are we confusing the HR profession by refusing | | | | not, be true as there are no standards for the terms in |
| to offer a language of terms that is more | | | | our industry. In marketing, however, perception is reality. |
| consistent?” With this article, my intention is to | | | | • Human Resource Management System, a.k.a. |
| provide definitions to many of the terms those in the | | | | HRMS – Again, as far as I can tell, this term means |
| HR profession are likely to hear regarding HR | | | | the same as HRIS, or any of the other terms used |
| software. | | | | above or most offered below. Overall, I believe |
| Perhaps the reason for so many terms for HRIS | | | | HRMS is perceived as being a more comprehensive |
| software is online advertising itself. The vendors who | | | | HR application than HRIS systems. |
| market online are constantly searching for new terms | | | | • HRIS Software and HRMS Software: Is there a |
| with which to rank well and attract vendors. There | | | | difference? |
| have been some vendors who have a brand strong | | | | defines HRIS as a system used by human resources |
| enough to create their own terms and then everyone | | | | departments to track employees and information |
| else jumps on the bandwagon. The terms ‘Talent | | | | about them. A HRIS is often a database system or a |
| Management’ and ‘Talent Acquisition’ are | | | | series of inter-related databases. |
| the two best examples I have seen. This improvement | | | | defines an HRMS as a software application that |
| of terms by marketing gurus happens in other | | | | combines many human resources functions, including |
| industries as well. My father owned a Chevy blazer | | | | benefits administration, payroll, recruiting and training, |
| known today as a sport utility vehicle. Now every auto | | | | and performance analysis and review into one |
| manufacturer has jumped on the band wagon and | | | | package. |
| uses the same term. The new term is cross over. | | | | So according to these definitions, HRMS software is |
| What will the new term be for HR management | | | | more comprehensive than HRIS software. I would love |
| software? | | | | to accept this but, in reality, I can name a dozen HRIS |
| It seems like the more simple terms which may have | | | | applications that contain all of the features listed in the |
| been created by IT people or programmers slowly | | | | HRMS application. So now we are back to my original |
| become replaced by more sophisticated terms | | | | contention that the two terms, and many of the others, |
| created in the marketing world. An example is HR | | | | mean the exact same thing. |
| database versus human resources information | | | | I worked with one HRIS vendor who changed the |
| systems (HRIS) or applicant tracking software versus | | | | name of their system to an HRMS. It’s important to |
| talent acquisition software. | | | | note that they only changed the name, not the |
| • HR Software – It used to be enough to say | | | | functionality. They simply believed the perception was |
| you were looking for HR software. Well, not anymore. | | | | that HRMS solutions were more comprehensive than |
| Now saying you are looking for HR software is sort of | | | | HRIS applications. |
| like saying you are hungry but not providing any idea of | | | | • Talent Management Software – A relatively |
| what you are hungry for. Think of the term HR | | | | new term to the market, this has replaced the term |
| software as all encompassing. It includes all of the | | | | performance management software. |
| terms used below. | | | | • Talent Acquisition – Like talent management |
| • Personnel Software, Employee Software, HR | | | | software, this is a relatively new term to the market |
| Database, HR system – These were the common | | | | which is replacing the terms recruiting software or |
| terms used to define what we know today as HRIS, | | | | applicant tracking software. |
| HRMS or HRM software. These were terms likely | | | | Closing – You are likely not the only person who |
| created by programmers or technical people; in other | | | | has asked “What is the difference between an |
| words, non marketing people. These terms of | | | | HRIS and HRMS software. I have worked in the |
| yesterday seem to perceive smaller less sophisticated | | | | industry for 15 years and I have asked the same |
| systems than the terms more commonly used today | | | | question. Before today, I did not have a definitive |
| in HR software marketing. | | | | answer. They are the same. |