The Human Resource Information Systems Audit

How to assess the value and effectiveness of your HR information system

All organisations use some kind of de facto HR information system. Most have a 'core module', comprising employee and job details, which is surrounded by other modules covering recruitment, training, absence monitoring, etc. Many are linked to payroll and some are jealously guarded by the HR function, while others have been rolled out for use by line managers and even employees themselves.

This 4-step self-assessment is a 'framework' audit, which you will tailor to suit the kind of system in use in your organisation. The audit will help you answer questions like:

  • Is the HR system being used efficiently and effectively?
  • Are there barriers in the way of effective use?
  • How is the HR information system perceived within your organisation?
  • Does the technology you are using empower managers or does it dictate to them how they can and must use the system?

The audit methodology presented here will also enable you to address the fundamentals like: systems users, data flows, data quality, reporting, functionality and system management.

Overall, the audit will be invaluable in helping you to identify negative attitudes towards the existing information system and in helping you to transform those attitudes.