An HRIS is a computer software used to store and track employee data, automating tasks such as payroll processing, time-off tracking, and benefits management. It provides a top-down view of the organization's structure, allowing HR teams to analyze performance data and make strategic decisions. An HRIS platform improves HR management processes by collecting employee data, organizing it, and using it to make HR processes more efficient through automation and accessible interfaces. The key features of an HRIS include an employee contact manager, payroll processing, time-off tracking, benefits management, employee performance management, legal compliance management, recruitment and onboarding tools, tax reporting, and additional extras such as automatic charitable deductions and discount programs. There are five main types of HRIS platforms: operational, strategic, tactical, limited-function, and comprehensive. An HRIS offers several benefits, including improved efficiency, accuracy, transparency, security, refined HR strategy, scalability, and compliance assistance. However, implementing an HRIS can be challenging due to balancing accessibility and security, keeping up with regulatory changes, aligning with business goals, employee adoption, compatibility, and evaluating vendors. Some popular HRIS software options include BambooHR, ADP Workforce Now, Gusto, Access People HR, Zenefits, and Workday. To choose the right HRIS, identify business objectives, assess resources and needs, write a feature requirements list, evaluate vendors, schedule demos and trials, and consider automation workflows with tools like Zapier.