HR Technology Guide for Small and Medium Businesses: Your Ultimate Checklist

Revolutionize your HR with the right technology

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, small companies need to stay nimble to compete. And, one area often ripe for optimization is Human Resources (HR). Harnessing the power of technology can transform your HR operations from time-draining administrative tasks into strategic, value-adding processes. As an HR or IT professional at a small business with 100–1000 employees, this is your ultimate guide to selecting the right HR tech software.

HR and IT departments at small businesses often face a unique set of challenges. Ensuring efficiency, streamlining processes, and optimizing budgets are paramount. One key tool to address these challenges is HR technology.

This guide will walk you through pivotal points to consider while selecting the best HR tech software for your business.

We also include a short review of three of the main trending HRIS tools in the market right now: Factorial HRIS, Rippling and HiBoB.

Focus on Features: How to Save Time and Money

Every vendor promises cost and time savings, but how do you cut through the noise? The answer lies in pinpointing the specific features that add tangible value to your business. An effective HR tech tool will:

• Automate repetitive tasks (like time tracking and payroll)
• Streamline employee onboarding and offboarding
• Provide real-time analytics for informed decision-making
• Ensure legal compliance to avoid costly lawsuits
• Facilitate remote work and virtual collaboration

Integration is Key: Seamless Compatibility with Existing Platforms

Software compatibility is a critical factor to consider. A system that integrates seamlessly with your existing software platforms will ensure a smooth transition, minimizing disruption to your operations. Ask potential vendors about their compatibility with your current tech stack, including:

• Project management tools
• Communication channels
• Payroll systems
• Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Harnessing the Power of AI: The Future of HR Tech

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It’s a reality in today’s business world, driving efficiency, productivity, and innovation. A vendor that incorporates AI into their HR tech software can offer:

• Intelligent automation of tasks, like screening resumes and scheduling interviews
• Predictive analytics for workforce planning and talent management
• Enhanced personalization and employee experience

What tools should small businesses consider?

Based upon your business needs, look for tools that offer not just convenience but also had a roadmap of AI technology embedded and finally, service.

The best SaaS vendors will offer great interoperability, user experience and client service.

In this sense, these are the tools we recommend for small businesses:

Factorial HRIS

Factorial is a great allrounder HRIS tool for businesses with 50–500 employees focused on full talent management workflows. From Hiring to Onboarding, Time tracking, training, development, and light payroll, Factorial offers ease of use and implementation. It’s promise is ‘goodbye Chaos, Hello Factorial’ and we have validated this promise after meeting them and discussing what makes them special.

What we like about Factorial HRIS:

The vendor’s strategy has always been to build and grow organically, so the user experience is very seamless and consistent. Equally, Factorial has developed incredible partnerships with vendors that complement and enhance their native capabilities. Factorial is also a Global Company, offering multilingual services for those with employees overseas.

Factorial HRIS offers a free trial.

Rippling

Rippling is not just a well-rounded HRIS solution for small businesses, it includes equally strong IT and Finance modules, to meet all of your small business’s needs.

Rippling has been around for a while, being one of the veterans. One if it’s other strengths is not just the accumulated experience in various regions but also, the workflow and automation capabilities it offers, topped with insights and analytics.

What we like about Rippling:

Many things really, but we must say that this would be our top choice for IT focused organisations. It offers a developer access module with AWS access control, for those looking for more than HRIS and who may need the extra security.

What Rippling is famous for amongst its customer base, is true automation and cost reduction, finding efficiencies in the hiring, onboarding, and payroll management processes.

HiBoB

Hibob is another well-loved HRIS tool, strongest in Core HR, Time and Attendance and Compensation.

HiBob has been one of the first to introduce AI into it’s code, especially in the area of analytics, offering great data insights into pay transparency and DEI&B.

This is an advanced Core HR tool offering stronger Compensation and Payroll, Surveys, and Workforce Planning modules, compared to other peers.

What we like about Hibob:

HiBob is a very modern, organically grown HRIS with incredibly well-designed and efficient content.

The software itself needs little introduction as it has its own Industry awards and other industry mentions.

They take their knowledge the extra mile and produce quite a lot of content through their client research. If you are looking for a strong vendor partnership, that provides also education to your HR teams, this is the tool for you.

See here how HiBob compares to others.

Your Next Steps

Ready to transform your HR operations with the right tech software? Contact us to explore Futturwork’s range of solutions tailored to small businesses. Unleash the power of HR tech and propel your business forward.

Remember, the right HR tech software isn’t about replacing human interaction — it’s about enhancing it. It’s about freeing up your time so you can focus on what matters: your people.

By utilizing the right software, you can streamline processes and free up valuable time that can be better spent on your most valuable asset: your people.

After all, the success of any organization relies heavily on the well-being and development of its employees. With the right HR tech in place, you can prioritize the human aspect of your business and take it to new heights.

So don’t hesitate to invest in the right tools that will empower your team and ultimately improve your bottom line. Your people deserve the best, and it’s up to you to provide it.

About the author

@Futtturwok provides advisory to CIOs, CTOs and HR leaders through HR digital transformation for the Future of work and AI

We focus on GenAI technology vendor selection and implementation, to optimise HR Technology ecosystems for Organisations

Upskilling technology and strategy that transitions organisations into the Future of Work, seamlessly and cost-effectively

Attracting and Retaining talent, for skills shortage

Enabling the right training and certification software

10+ years’ experience in delivering Global Enterprise HR transformation programmes.