Integrated IT systems enable HR professionals to show true contribution to business and allow them more time to focus on strategic business issues, according to report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Cranfield School of Management.

The report, HR and technology: impact and advantages, shows that 91% of organisations introduce a HR information system (HRIS) to improve the quality of information available but only 16% are integrated with an organisation-wide IT system.

Rebecca Clake, CIPD Organisation and Resourcing Adviser, says: “Pressures to meet customer and stakeholder requirements have made accurate measurement a necessity in order to demonstrate value. HR Information Systems can do the basics brilliantly in terms of improving the efficiency of HR processes. But well-implemented systems have the potential to drive business performance, as well as providing effective means of employee engagement and communication. 

“They can provide accurate statistics enabling HR professionals to identify areas that managers can work on to improve performance and productivity of teams. But failing to invest the resources required and cutting corners or costs early on will leave businesses losing out in the long-term.”