I believe it is important to consider the number of years in business and installs with regard to HRMS systems applications. Frankly, it’s an important consideration with any purchase you make.
There is no such thing as a bug free system. However, the HRMS systems that have been tested the most will have provided the vendor with the greatest ability to clean out as many bugs as possible. A system that has been on the market for a year and has fifty installs has not been tested enough for the vendor to have encountered every problem that can occur and will occur.
Software applications, like HRIS or HRMS systems, are a growing entity. The vendors continue to make additions and improvements to their systems over time. Thus, in most cases an HRIS system that has been on the market should have more capabilities than a new product. Don’t assume this is always going to be the case. One particular product I have worked with, in the past, has more installs and has been in business longer than most systems on the market and in my opinion, is one of the most poorly updated systems on the market. So as a note, pay attention to years in business and number of installs but realize that no rule of thumb is absolute.
Clay C. Scroggin has over fifteen years of experience in the human resource software industry. Clay is currently the President and owner of CompareHRIS.com, a web site dedicated to assisting HR professionals with their search, selection, implementation and use of HR software. CompareHRIS.com offers an extremely comprehensive HRIS selection tool to assist you with your HRIS, HRMS or HR software selection process. Make sure to download CompareHRIS.com’s free HR and Payroll Software Buyer’s Guide.
