A survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development suggests organisations are failing to make the most of the technology available. Human resource information systems have the potential to alter the way people management and development professionals work to relieve administrative burdens and allow them more scope to play a strategic role. The Survey finds less than one fifth (16%) of systems were integrated with an organisation-wide IT system.One of the main reasons for introducing HR technology systems is to reduce the administrative burden. However a third of employers believe the reduction in the administrative burden is less than they expected. HR Systems are most likely to be used to monitor absence management (85%), training and development (75%) and reward (75%). These functions were also those most likely to form part of an integrated system. Over a quarter (28%) considered that their system was difficult for the HR department to use.

The survey also found that some HR managers could be much more ambitious in specifying requirements for technology systems so that they can play a fuller role in the organisation. They have the potential to provide line managers with the information they need to manage staff costs, develop their staff and report on human capital.

The Survey is available at: http://www.cipd.co.uk/surveys   from the 23 June 2005.