Managing Business Data for your Number One Resource – People!

Small and Medium sized business across the country are the driving force in our nation’s economy.  To survive in an extremely competitive marketplace, smaller business must be more innovative and efficient.  People are our number one resource to achieve this.  So why do so many organizations store and manage their HR Data through spreadsheets?

Spreadsheets certainly do have a purpose as it relates to storing “simple” data or analyzing more complex data.  Their purpose IS NOT to store a complex series of related data.  You could argue that a spreadsheet is a database on a very basic level, but it does not have the abilities nor reliability of a relational database designed specifically to store, manage and extract reports for a series of related data.

A relational database removes redundant storage of data elements that lead to errors and more efficiently stores related groups of data.  For example, a basic employee record may consist of a single row storing information related to that employee e.g.(First Name, Last Name, SSN, Date of Birth etc.).  You could then have related employee data sets, each of which have multiple rows of data for each employee e.g.(compensation history, position history, benefit elections, performance history etc.).

A well designed Human Resources Information System (HRIS) or Human Resources Management System (HRMS) can efficiently store all your related sets of employee data in a manner that eliminates redundancy, reduces human error and puts key data for reporting at your fingertips. 

People are your most valuable resource and the right software can help you efficiently manage that resource so your business can be more competitive and thrive in today’s market.

Check out the HR Data Manager HRIS / HRMS for Small & Medium sized organizations.  Give our FREE 30 Day Trial a test run and see if the HR Data Manager is the right solution for your organization.

www.hrdatamanager.com

or contact me directly  - mark@hrdatamanager.com

Thank you!

Mark Kirkendall

HR Data Manager

The Right Tool for the Right Job?

Microsoft Office is a great platform to manage and analyze business data, but do you know when you are using the right tool for the right job? 

We’re all familiar with Microsoft Word which is great for writing letters, procedures and other common documents.  Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application which is great for analyzing and presenting data.  Microsoft Access…. Anyone?... Anyone?... Does anyone know what Microsoft Access does?

Meanwhile each time a new piece of employee information needs tracked, it is too often dumped in to one of many Excel spreadsheets that make up the organizations “HRIS System”.  While Excel is great at what it was designed for, it was not designed to store even remotely complex data.  That includes your HR Data. 

Relationships between different types of employee data are often difficult to maintain and prone to human error using multiple spreadsheets.  Too often date elements are repeated in multiple places leading to inconsistencies when something is changed in one location and not another.  Typos and other errors commonly occur because the spreadsheet does not limit your input to valid data with the use of dropdowns and programmed validations. 

Microsoft Access is a relational database management system, the key words being “relational database”.  Unfortunately most users are unable to just jump into Access and create a well-designed relational database do to its complexity.  It is important to have the different data tables and relationships properly defined so the system works properly.  An example of this might be where I have a data table to manage employees where any given employee only has a single record in the table.  This table would include information such as Name, SSN, Gender, etc.  I might need a completely different data table to track the employee’s position history.  This table may have multiple records for any given employee since an employee may have held more than one position during their time with the organization.  Things like this must be taken into account when designing the database.  We haven’t even talked about bells and whistles; this is just the foundation defining what data can be stored in the database and how.  So while we’ve determined that Access is a much better tool for storing employee data than Excel, we have also determined the learning curve may be a bit much for most people.  After all, you want to concentrate on providing HR Services, not becoming a database programmer.

Why re-invent the wheel?  The HR Data Manager (www.hrdatamanager.com) is a powerful HRIS/HRMS written in Microsoft Office Access and is compatible with Office 2007 and 2010.  We have already spent the time to design the database and develop the software to provide you with a powerful solution that is completely Microsoft Office compatible.  Your existing Microsoft Excel spreadsheets can be easily imported into the HR Data Manager giving you a fresh start with a tool designed to save time, reduce errors and help with common compliance concerns.  Feel free to check out our web site and take the Free 30 Day Trial for a test run.  www.hrdatamanager.com

HR Data in the Poor Economy

Things have been tough all around with the economy leading to record layoffs and unemployment.  Businesses focused on the bottom line are more interested than ever in retaining highly motivated quality employees while quietly disposing of dead weight in an attempt to come out the other end of the down turn with an albeit smaller, stronger workforce and a more profitable business model.

Human Resources data is more important than ever in achieving these goals.  A comprehensive HRIS will allow you to document both positive and negative employee performance allowing managers to better make those tough decisions about who will stay and who will go.  Just as getting rid of dead weight can be important, rewarding and showing gratitude for positive performance can be just as important leading to a highly motivated team.  While giving raises may be difficult in tough times, sometimes a positive attitude and a “Thank you” go a long way toward employee job satisfaction.  An HRIS will also help you to keep compliant with a number of government regulations helping to avoid potential fines and costly litigation.  When contemplating layoffs, you need to make sure your employee data is well documented as some of those who are laid off may seek retribution, regardless of how justified the decision was.  In addition to the benefits to the work force as a whole, an HRIS will help you to streamline the HR Department allowing them to concentrate less on the tedious management of data and more on the employees themselves.

The bottom line is that an HRIS will help your organization to create a happier work force and provide well documented, defensible data to support the decisions made by HR and Management on a day to day basis.

The HR Data Manager is an easy to use HRIS and includes a FREE 30 Day Trial available at www.hrdatamanager.com.

Is Technology taking the “Human” out of Human Resources?

In today’s world of technology driven solutions for nearly any kind of problem, including those found in Human Resources Management,  people can often be left wondering if the technology is really helping or if we are losing the “Human” in Human Resources.

Whether your organization is large or small, HRIS/HRMS software solutions can actually increase efficiency saving you time so you can concentrate on what is important… providing support and services to Applicants, Employees and Management within the organization.  Many HR Departments are so bogged down by paper, spreadsheets and manual processes that their time is dominated trying to perform the simplest of tasks leaving little time to provide quality services and strategic planning.

HRIS/HRMS systems organize and manage data putting both detailed and summary data at your fingertips often allowing you to identify problems and take corrective action before more serious issues arise.  These systems track important data intended to help your organization stay compliant with governmental regulations and avoid costly lawsuits.  Having Employee history, compensation, performance, benefits and much more at your fingertips will help HR to better serve Management allowing them to make sound business decisions based on solid data.

Properly implementing technology in Human Resources puts the “Human” BACK into Human Resources by giving HR the time to concentrate less on data management and more on the people that make up the organization.

Try the HR Data Manager HRIS/HRMS Free for 30 Days!  (www.hrdatamanager.com)

These are tough times! How will an HRIS help the bottom line?

An HRIS system allows you to save money by streamlining HR and other Administrative duties resulting in improved efficiency. As a result you may find that you have also made a reduction in staffing requirements.


These are tough economic times and everything comes down to how it affects the bottom line. What if you could implement an HRIS system quickly, efficiently and for a reasonable cost while improving your bottom line?

An HRIS system can improve recruiting and retention while putting data at HR and Management’s fingertips that can protect the organization from legal action and financial loss as a result of being out of compliance with a number of government employment laws.

HR professionals are finding themselves in a world of increasing government regulations that can result in legal and financial repercussions if applicant and employee data is poorly documented.

While HR is often overlooked by Management, efficient HR Administration can save time and money resulting in a more profitable enterprise.

The HR Data Manager helps organizations to increase HR and Administrative efficiency while tracking and reporting key information helping the organization to stay compliant with employment laws and documenting information to help protect the organization in the case of legal action.

You can download a Free 30 Day trial of the HR Data Manager today at http://www.hrdatamanager.com/. Feel free to contact sales@hrdatamanager.com with any questions.

Yes, you DO need an HRIS!

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) use modern database technology to organize Employee data and simplify a variety of HR tasks. By improving data efficiency, HR professionals are increasing their effectiveness in the work place and better serving both their employers and the employees that look to them for guidance. Human Resources professionals find that they have time to improve services when they are no longer trying to chase down data buried in papers or spreadsheets.


HRIS systems put key data at the fingertips of the HR Professional allowing them to easily access both current and historical data including positions held, compensation, bonuses, leave and attendance, training and much more. In addition to detailed data, they provide quick access to summarized data such as EEO and veterans break downs, Turnover, and various counts just to name a few.

Another aspect that is often overlooked when considering whether or not to invest in an HRIS system is compliance. An HRIS system helps HR Professionals to keep organized and helps them to maintain compliance with a number of government regulations including ADA, EEO, FMLA, IRCA and more. By keeping well organized documentation and having easy access to Employee related data, an HRIS can help to keep legal costs down when an Employee challenge arises. Many industries have required safety training. HRIS systems can help you track required training, training dates, attendees, renewal dates etc.

Organizations stand to benefit from implementing an HRIS regardless of whether they are large with a well staffed HR Department or small with a single administrative person wearing multiple hats including that of HR.

Improved efficiency and compliance will help your organization to become more effective in serving your Emloyees and exceeding the expectations of Management.

You can try the HR Data Manager (HRIS/HRMS) Free for 30 days – http://www.hrdatamanager.com/

2011 New Year’s Resolution

2011 is coming up fast and it is the perfect time to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. Not the usual ones like losing weight or giving more to your favorite charity. How about your WORK resolutions, the ones that will set you apart within your organization?


It is the perfect time to make a resolution to get organized in 2011. It is time to get rid of those cumbersome spreadsheets and paper trails and implement a Human Resources Management System in your HR Department.

The HR Data Manager HRIS/HRMS can help your organization to reign in Employee related data and provide numerous benefits over spreadsheets or other manual forms of data tracking. Our software securely stores your data in a central repository putting data retrieval at your fingertips and allowing reports to be generated in minutes. Use of our software reduces data redundancy which often leads to errors and discrepancies within the data. Data entry becomes a breeze with our intuitive interface and dropdown selections for common data elements. Easily retrieve both current and historic data for common information such as positions held, compensation history, training etc.

You can download a FREE 30 Day Trial of the HR Data Manager from our website (www.hrdatamanager.com) and see how easy it can make the New Year for you and your department allowing you to concentrate organizational goals and service rather than data management and manipulation.

Thank you!

HR Data Manager Team

IRCA Compliance in the United States

If you are an Employer in the United States, it is as important as ever to ensure your organization is compliant with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. While the previous Presidential administration conducted more workplace raids to round up and deport undocumented workers, the current Presidential administration has spent more time going after the Employers of undocumented workers and levying hefty fines against those Employers.


It is critical that you have the ability to document I9 related information for your employees and have the ability to know when an employee’s authorization to work in the United States is going to expire.

U.S. users of the HR Data Manager (http://www.hrdatamanager.com/) HRIS/HRMS are able to track detailed Employee information including I9 information and work authorization end dates for those who are not United States Citizens. Reports can easily be created showing upcoming expirations.

Try the HR Data Manager Free for 30 Days - http://www.hrdatamanager.com/FreeTrial/tabid/60/Default.aspx

Access 2010 Has Been Released

While Access 2010 has been available to developers and larger corporations for a while now, it has just been released to retail outlets and is available to the masses.

Why is this important?  The HR Data Manager HRIS/HRMS (http://www.hrdatamanager.com/) software was written in Microsoft Access and the current release was specifically designed for Access 2007.  We have done extensive testing with Access 2010 prior to the retail release and have found our software to be fully compatible with this new version of Microsoft Office.  If you or your organization are evaluating or are current users of the HR Data Manager and were thinking about upgrading your Office version, you can do so without worring about it causing problems with our software.

Thanks!

HR Data Manager Development Team

HR Data Manager HRIS/HRMS

Normally we try to pick an HRIS related “generic” topic to write about as opposed to coming right out and talking about our great HRIS/HRMS product. Today I am going to talk about the benefits of using our software.


The HR Data Manager (www.hrdatamanager.com) is a powerful Human Resources Management System written specifically for small and medium sized businesses. We provide an affordable alternative for organizations who cannot or do not wish to budget for huge HR Systems costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and require a team of IT staff to implement.

Our customers regularly tell us our simple to use and easy to implement software includes features usually only found in larger and more complicated software packages. Our Enterprise and Enterprise Plus Editions include all Source Code as well as customization/programming time allowing the software to be modified to meet your specific needs.

With the ability to run in either SQL Server or Native Microsoft Access, our software is scalable and can grow with your organization and continue to meet your needs well into the future.

What sets us apart from our competitors is the relationship we build with our customers working with them to ensure the HR Data Manager will meet and exceed their needs.

You can check out the HR Data Manager at www.hrdatamanager.com and download a 30 Day Free Trial so you can see firsthand how the HR Data Manager can help your organization.