HCM Reporting Solutions

Reporting is the backbone solution in HCM. It is the analytical engine that drives insight and decision-making across all areas of the solution. A strong reporting system should be flexible, customisable, visual, and most importantly, insightful. As AI continues to develop, reporting will evolve to an entirely new level, but for now, let’s focus on the fundamentals of what makes a great reporting system.

Book a demoContact us

The Purpose of Reporting

Reporting is the tool that turns raw data into actionable insights. Every piece of data in an HCM solution is tied to a field, and those fields form the foundation of reports. Some reports are feature-specific, while others pull data from across multiple modules. For example:

  • If you want to know how much Sally was paid last May and the tax she paid, you would look at Payroll reports.
  • If you also want to know how her salary changed after a performance review that same month, you would need data from both Payroll and Performance Management.

A good reporting system will give you the ability to pull data from individual modules, while a great reporting system will allow you to customise reports to pull data across modules, saving you time and providing comprehensive insights.

management-payroll-software

Ready to Simplify Payroll?

Eliminate manual payroll, spreadsheets, and compliance risks with our fully managed payroll solution.
Gain expert support from our UK-based CIPP professionals and ensure accuracy every time.
Book a demo today and see the difference.

Book a demo

Key Reporting Features

1. Standard Reports: Every module (e.g., Payroll, T&A, Performance Management) should come with a library of standard reports.These reports provide essential insights, such as payroll summaries, absence trends, or performance review outcomes.
2. Report Builder: The ability to build custom reports is critical. This feature allows you to select specific fields from across the solution and compile them into a single, cohesive report. Example: Combine payroll data with performance metrics to see how pay increases align with employee performance.
3. Saving and Exporting Reports: Reports should be savable and reusable. Export options should include multiple formats, such as Excel, PDF, and CSV, with the ability to brand reports with your company logo, dates, and author details.
4. Automation: Automate report generation and distribution. For example, set a report to run monthly and email it automatically to managers or teams. This ensures key stakeholders receive regular updates without requiring manual intervention.
5. Visual Reporting: Reports should support visual elements like charts and graphs, which are ideal for presenting data at a glance. Dashboards should display real-time graphs and charts that are drillable, allowing users to click and navigate directly to the underlying data within the system.
4. Automation: Automate report generation and distribution. For example, set a report to run monthly and email it automatically to managers or teams. This ensures key stakeholders receive regular updates without requiring manual intervention.

Drillable Dashboards Examples

Consider a graph on your HR dashboard showing employee turnover by department. Clicking on a department should take you to a detailed report of leavers, including reasons for leaving, tenure, and costs associated with replacing them.

Drillable Dashboards Examples

Integration with External Tools

Power BI and Other Tools

For larger businesses, integrating HCM reporting with tools like Power BI can unlock even greater insights. This allows you to cross-reference HCM data with other systems, such as:

  • Finance: Compare payroll costs with revenue.
  • Manufacturing: Analyse T&A data against production output.
  • Operations: Track employee performance in relation to project delivery times.

Smaller businesses may find extracting data into Excel sufficient for their needs. However, as mentioned earlier, great reporting can deliver transformative value.

Optimising workforce management with Reporting

Reporting is crucial for optimising workforce management in both small and large businesses. Small businesses focus on essential reports and use affordable tools for additional analysis.

Large businesses, on the other hand, require sophisticated integrations and predictive analytics to handle large datasets and make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and future planning.

Good Reporting Systems: Offer standard reports for each module and basic customisation.

Great Reporting Systems: Allow cross-module reporting, real-time dashboards, advanced visualisations, and automated distribution.

Future of Reporting: AI-driven insights will revolutionise reporting, making it predictive and proactive.

Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, investing in a reporting system that meets your needs will deliver measurable value across the HCM cycle.

Reporting for Small vs Large Businesses

Small Businesses Reports

Small businesses primarily use the essential reports built into their HCM system, such as payroll, attendance, and HR metrics, to manage day-to-day operations. Since resources are often limited, additional analysis is typically handled using tools like Excel or Google Sheets. This approach ensures businesses can extract meaningful insights without the need for expensive, complex software. It provides enough flexibility to manage HR functions while keeping costs low.

Large Businesses Reports

Large businesses require more advanced tools to manage the complexity and volume of data they generate. They often integrate HCM systems with business intelligence platforms like Power BI or Tableau, which allows for comprehensive reporting across multiple systems and departments. These integrations help create centralised dashboards and automate reporting processes, providing a unified view of key metrics. Predictive analytics also play a significant role in large businesses, enabling them to forecast trends, optimise workforce management, and uncover potential inefficiencies at a larger scale. This level of reporting and analysis supports more informed strategic decision-making across the organisation.

 Human Capital Management Buyers Guide Index

Below, you’ll find an overview of each section, with links to the full content for deeper insights.

Introduction & Planning

Below, you’ll find an overview of each section, with links to the full content for deeper insights.

HCM Core Components

Find out all you need to know on the essential elements that make up a comprehensive HCM system.

HCM Functionality

Exploring the key features that drive workforce efficiency and engagement.

Learn More

Time & Attendance

Payroll

Access Control

Scheduling and workforce management

Recruitment and onboarding

Performance management and succession planning

Selecting an HCM Provider

Choosing the right provider is just as important as selecting the right software.

Learn More

Sales process and RFQ/RFP considerations

Sign off

Implementation & Success

Rolling out your HCM system smoothly and ensuring long-term success.

Learn More

Building an implementation team

Training

Budgeting and timeline considerations

Employee adoption and change management

Transitioning to Accountability: Change Management

Cloud-based Payroll Services

Cloud-based software to manage all aspects of your payroll

HR Management Software

Professional, and confidential support tailored to your business needs

Time & Attendance Software

Technology and tools to streamline time and attendance

Discuss Pricing
Options Today

Need help to understand what solution is best for your business? Speak with our expert team today on 028 2764 1060

"*" indicates required fields

*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

What our customers are saying

“As a customer I felt fully supported, valued and confident that Timescape & Payescape were the right provider for our needs. I would have no trouble in recommending both services to friends, customers and suppliers. With their support all of our staff were paid and on time.”

Kelly Alison

“We've had a fantastic experience with PayEscape. Their platform is user-friendly, and payroll processing is quick and accurate every time. The team is always responsive and helpful, addressing any questions promptly. Highly recommend to any business looking for a reliable payroll solution!”

Cara McIntyre

“Kerry Anne is always a pleasure to work with, a great support and always friendly and happy, resolving all issues I throw at her ! even if its in her own time, which is most appreciated.”

Venetia Heaney

“Our transition to Payescape was seamless. The implementation team were amazing. Would highly recommend this company if you are thinking of outsourcing your payroll.”

Gemma McLoughlin

“PayEscape are one of the best! Having used some of the many other payroll companies out there over the years, I can honestly say they are without a doubt one of the most attentive, helpful and inventive. There is always someone on hand to help and quickly get any issues resolved in good time!”

Yves Mathurin

“Payescape is a valuable asset to any firm. The instant support with high quality technical knowledge has been a key partner to our fast growing firm. Cannot recommend Payescape enough!”

Georgio Anastasi

“witching to Payescape was a smooth and hassle-free process from start to finish. The whole setup was straightforward, and the transition went off without a hitch. I have to give special thanks to Shannon, my implementation account manager, who was absolutely excellent throughout. She was responsive, knowledgeable, and made the entire onboarding experience feel easy and stress-free.”

Above Line Ltd

“Set up and onboarding was relatively easy with a great team always available to support and guide along the way. System is easy to navigate and use even for someone like me who has not previously had any experience of processing payroll”

Robert Baillie

“My experience with Payescape has been, and continues to be, outstanding. Having first used their services in a previous employment, Payescape were the 'goto' Payroll & HR provider for my new company. All the staff are knowledgeable, helpful and professional and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Ann Harding
Data Security and Payroll Payroll
27/06/2025

Data Security and Payroll

Payroll Data Security in 2025: Why It’s a Business Priority Payroll data security is no longer just a back-office concern, it’s a core business issue. With the rise in cyberattacks,…
How Does Payroll Software Store Data Payroll
26/06/2025

What Are the Activities Carried Out by Payroll Software?

As one of the leading payroll providers in the UK, we often get asked: what are the functions carried out in payroll software? Below, we’ve written a detailed guide on…
Making Physical Workspaces More Accessible HR
20/06/2025

Managing Disability in the Workplace

Creating an inclusive and accessible workplace is no longer just a nice-to-have. It’s a legal, ethical, and commercial imperative. HR professionals are at the heart of ensuring that disabled employees…
Mental Health Awareness Programs for Your Employees HR
15/06/2025

Mental Health Awareness Programs for Your Employees

15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in the last five years, and with more and more people opening up about it, it’s becoming more widespread…