This HRIS software checks ALL the boxes!!
Every HR leader indulges in wishful thinking about that perfect HRIS software—the one that integrates seamlessly, aligns effortlessly with workflows, and produces amazing dashboards and visualizations!
As someone who has spent years navigating the HR Tech landscape, I can confidently say this: that software DOES NOT exist.
Olden Day Story:
Let me take you back to my early days in HR when I was on the customer side of the fence. I vividly remember spending months preparing a business case—and then months of meetings and approvals. Then, the procurement phase kicked in: drafting RFPs, distributing them to vendors, waiting for responses, and scheduling demonstrations.
Hundreds of hours were spent watching vendor demonstrations and then vendor evaluations, mapping their features to the business requirements and debating who could do it better, faster, or cheaper.
For medium-sized companies, this process can easily stretch 3–5 months. For large-scale enterprises? It could take half a year—or more. And yet, even after all this effort, finding a vendor who checked all the boxes was rare.
There was ALWAYS something missing—features that didn’t quite fit, integrations that weren’t seamless, or a roadmap that meant waiting months for critical updates.
This was a common consistent theme - A software that looked shiny during demos often revealed its limitations when put to work.
Let’s be honest - HR leaders have settled for cookie-cutter, generic software forever and we can change this now with AI!
Why This Matters: Moving Beyond Cookie Cutters
Like a tailor-made wedding gown that fits perfectly or a gourmet dessert made with love, custom-built software resonates with the people who use it. It reflects the organization’s culture, empowers teams, and delivers real value.
The Future of HR: Tailored, Gourmet, and Built to Last
The choice is clear: HR and analytics software doesn’t have to be a cookie-cutter product from a vendor. It can be as refined as a tailor-made wedding gown or as thoughtfully crafted as a gourmet dessert. And thanks to AI and low-code/no-code platforms, building your own tools has never been easier or more empowering.
The Case for Tailor-Made Tools
Let me share a story. A company I worked with wanted to overhaul its onboarding process. The vendor solutions were overly complicated and didn’t align with our company’s values or workflows. Instead of settling, we decided to build our own version!
Using low-code tools (Microsoft Power apps) and running a Hackathon in collaboration with the IT team we designed a solution that:
Made the Leader and New Hire journey smooth and seamless.
Automatically created Service Desk tickets to procure laptop, set up access, office space and Company-wide new hire communication.
Within a couple of weeks, we had built a prototype that we all loved—simple, personalized, and effective. It wasn’t just software; it was a reflection of our culture and the spirit of collaboration!
Why Isn’t Everyone Doing This?
Building in-house tools is a shift, no doubt about it. It’s natural to wonder:
Do we have the time and resources for this?
What about technical expertise—won’t this fall on IT?
How do we ensure it works as intended without delays or risks?
These are valid concerns, but the answer lies in reframing how we approach the challenge:
Start Small: Begin with a specific, high-impact tool—a recognition app, PTO tracker, or onboarding portal. Focus on quick wins to build momentum.
Leverage Low-Code Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Power Apps or Airtable make development accessible, even for non-technical teams.
Collaborate Across Functions: Partner with IT and end-users to ensure both technical feasibility and business alignment.
Iterate Quickly: Build prototypes, gather feedback, and refine—avoiding the months-long wait for vendor updates.
The Future is Tailored
The truth is, the perfect HR software isn’t something you find—it’s something you create. It’s a shift in mindset, but one that’s becoming increasingly accessible thanks to AI and low-code platforms.
By moving beyond cookie-cutter solutions, you’re not just solving a problem—you’re leading your organization into the future with tools that reflect your culture, values, and needs.
It’s time to take ownership, get creative, and build something your employees will love.
In my upcoming articles, I will unpack some low-code, no-code tools that are changing the way we approach HR technology!
Until then, Stay Curious and Keep Learning!