WFM Software Vs HRIS: What’s The Difference?

 

You may already use HR or operational software and ask yourself, “Is this a WFM tool or an HRIS?”

Or perhaps your team is growing, processes are more complex, and you want to avoid investing in the wrong system.

Understanding the differences and overlaps between WFM software and HRIS could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• What WFM software and HRIS are, and how they differ

• How they overlap and why integration matters

• When you might need one, the other, or both

• How to evaluate ROI and pick the best system for your organisation

Let’s dive in!

What is Workforce Management (WFM) Software?

WFM software helps you manage scheduling, attendance, labour forecasting, shift planning, and compliance with labour rules.

The purpose of WFM software is to ensure you have the right people, at the right time, doing the right things – with minimal waste and conflict.

Key Features

A good WFM tool will include:

• Automated scheduling (you define rules, and the system generates rosters)

• Time & attendance tracking (clock-ins, clock-outs, absences)

• Labour forecasting & budgeting (predict staff needs, allocate cost)

• Compliance rules (overtime, maximum hours, rest breaks)

• Employee self-service (staff can see shifts, swap shifts, request leave)

In modern suites, you may also see mobile apps, payroll integration, shift trading, and analytics.

Who Uses It

Typically, operations or line managers are the primary users. In shift-driven industries (retail, hospitality and manufacturing) WFM software is critical.

Benefits of WFM Software

When your WFM is solid, you’ll see improvements like:

• Lower labour costs (less overtime, fewer gaps)

• Better adherence to schedule rules

• Higher employee satisfaction (fair rosters, fewer manual changes)

• More visibility into real-time workforce needs

What is a Human Resource Information System (HRIS)?

HRIS stands for Human Resource Information System.

It’s a comprehensive system for storing and managing all your employee data, HR processes, payroll, benefits, performance, and reports. In essence, HRIS is your HR database and workflow engine.

Key Features of HRIS

Typical HRIS capabilities include:

• Employee records & personal data

• Payroll and benefits administration

• Onboarding/offboarding workflows

• Performance reviews, appraisals, talent management

• Reporting, analytics, compliance

• Leave & absence management, training modules

Modern HRIS often adds self-service portals, integration with other systems, and analytics dashboards.

Who Uses It

HR teams, payroll managers, talent or learning managers, and leaders who rely on people data will use HRIS heavily.

Benefits of HRIS

A robust HRIS helps you:

• Centralise HR data (no more spreadsheets scattered everywhere)

• Automate core HR tasks (less manual work)

• Reduce errors (consistent records, audit trails)

• Gain insights (reports, dashboards, trends)

• Ensure compliance and governance

Your Next Step

Choosing the right system doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Start small, prioritise your biggest challenges, and partner with a vendor that offers flexibility.

If you’re ready to explore a system that delivers both HR and workforce management in one platform, consider Sentrient’s Workforce Management Software. It brings together scheduling, attendance, HR records, and compliance in a single, easy-to-use interface – helping you manage people, time, and performance without switching between multiple tools.

Take the next step: Book a free demo with Sentrient today and see how effortless people management can be when everything you need lives in one place.

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