Human Resources Management System [HRMS]

A method where you purchase the best product for each application, often from different software providers. The intent is to get the best functionality for each process regardless of where you purchase it. For example, if the HRMS is purchased from one vendor, the recruiting system form another and a performance management system from yet a third vendor. A term used in relation to software products from different vendors. Usually used to describe options at the enterprise level and implies the integration of the best products within a market segment. For example, the best financial system, the best HR system, etc.

Software that combines several application processes into one and typically shares common data elements across processes without the need for interfaces. For example, an integrated HRMS would have the core HR processes and data along with one or more talent management processes and the employee data would be shared among each application process without the need to transfer data between components of the software.

A program used to provide an automated link between the HRMS and other programs or third party entities that require use of the data for various processes (general ledger interface, payroll system interface, medical insurance, 401k administration, etc.). Internal interfaces connect systems and entities within the company (departments, buildings, plants, other functional systems). External Interfaces connect the system with outside entities (banks, health care providers, vendors, customers). A description of what a component does to communicate with another component using an established communication mechanism. The details are usually published externally so that developers know what is needed in order to achieve a connection.