If you’re looking for new HR software, obviously you’re looking for something that works for you and your department. But if you don’t involve other stakeholders, the project might not even get off the ground.

You’re looking for HR software, but you and your staff won’t be the only ones using it. Of course, HR and IT will be closely involved in the selection process. But you’ll also need to get input from other managers and key people throughout the company.

Why? First of all, you’ve got to get the funding approved. Involving whoever holds the purse strings will make them feel better about signing the check, as well as get them better acquainted with the system you’re looking for and why it’s worth paying for.

Also, a big obstacle to any technology project is resistance on the part of the end users. With an HRIS, end users aren’t just in the HR department. Many systems include talent management tools, which’ll be used by all your managers, and self-service portals for requesting leave and choosing benefits, which’ll be used by most employees. Other functions might include payroll and benefits administration.

So who should pick the solution? A team made up of HR and IT staff, as well as some payroll/finance folks, department managers and a few of your employees. They should be able to give their input while your researching vendors, viewing demos, using free trials, etc. That’ll ensure you end up with the product that’s best for everyone.

Tags: HR software, HRIS, input, IT, manager