HR Systems · Glossary

HRIS (Human Resources Information System)

System of record for employee data — directory, time off, payroll-ready data, performance.

HRIS is the post-hire equivalent of an ATS — it owns the employee record from day 1 to last working day. Core HRIS modules include directory, time off, performance, basic compensation, and the org chart.

HRMS is a broader term that often includes payroll and learning. The boundary is fuzzy and most modern platforms cover both. The practical question is whether one record carries the person from application through offboarding without re-keying.

A well-implemented HRIS is the source of truth that every other system reads from: identity providers for SSO, payroll for pay, finance for headcount, and engineering tools for access provisioning.

The platform
behind the definitions.

Screeq is the only ATS with a full HRMS built in. 14-day free trial.