Why buying ERP with HCM modules from one provider is the smart choice for your organization
When organizations evaluate their enterprise technology stack, selecting both an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Human Capital Management (HCM) system ranks high on the priority list.
These tools are fundamental for managing critical processes, from financial tasks to the employee lifecycle, but the decision of whether to purchase these systems separately or from a single provider can impact everything from operational efficiency to cost savings.
Here’s why opting for an ERP solution with HCM modules from a single provider, like Unit4, is a strategic move for forward-thinking organizations.
The benefits of an ERP solution with built-in HCM capabilities
1. Streamlined processes and efficiency
When ERP and HCM systems come from the same provider, integration isn’t just an afterthought; it’s built into the very foundation of the solution. Data can flow securely and seamlessly through functions, which improves process efficiency and eliminates data silos.
For example, employee data entered into the HR system (e.g., job title, salary, and hours worked) is automatically fed into the payroll and financial management functions. This ensures no duplication of effort, a significant reduction in manual errors, and faster insights.
2. Enhanced data accuracy and insights
A unified solution creates a single source of truth for your organization’s operations. This means data from HR, payroll, and finance is not only more accurate but also more accessible for informed decision-making.
Having visibility into real-time key metrics will allow leaders to track workforce costs alongside revenue data, enabling more proactive workforce planning and resource allocation.
3. Reporting
Combining ERP and HCM systems from a single provider offers huge benefits in terms of unified reporting and enhanced compliance, achieved through streamlined processes, automated updates, and easy access to audit trails. Ensuring you can reduce the risk of human error and meet regulations such as the Gender Pay Gap & PAYE.
Research by Gartner shows that organizations with integrated HR systems have a 20% reduction in data entry errors and a 30% decrease in compliance-related issues.
4. Cost savings
Purchasing a unified solution from one provider can lower the total cost of ownership (TCO). Why? Reduced licensing fees, fewer implementation hurdles, and minimized IT maintenance costs.
Instead of managing two separate systems and paying for custom integrations or support contracts, a single vendor simplifies billing and reduces administrative overhead.
A recent study conducted by Gartner reported that organizations that integrate their ERP and HR systems experience a 20% increase in overall efficiency and a 15% decrease in operational costs.
5. Better user experience and talent retention
A shared interface across the entire platform makes it easy to adopt and roll out, providing a consistent and intuitive user experience. Employees, managers, and administrators alike can easily learn and use the system without having to juggle multiple logins, portals, or navigation architectures.
A Forrester Research report found that companies with integrated ERP and HR systems see a 25% reduction in employee turnover rates and a 30% boost in employee satisfaction scores.
6. Simplified vendor relationship management
Managing relationships with multiple vendors can be complex, but a unified solution simplifies this process by reducing points of contact and streamlining vendor management.
Choosing Unit4 for your organization
Why Unit4?
Unit4 provides an integrated ERP and HCM solution tailored for people-centric organizations, with a strong heritage in working with Public Sector, Non-Profit, and Higher Education customers. Unlike generic tools, our platform prioritizes user experience, integration, and functionality, offering a flexible, scalable solution that evolves with your organization.
From evaluating your needs and selecting services, to adoption and optimization, our team is here to help you discover the true value and possibilities of the Unit4 portfolio.
We work closely with your organization to get you up and running quickly, realize value, and enhance and expand capabilities that drive continuous business efficiencies.
Key features of Unit4’s ERP solution with HCM built in
- Robust and scalable Cloud platform: Fully web-based, cloud-native SaaS ERP leveraging Microsoft Azure platform integration capabilities, designed to help service-centric organizations like yours adapt, scale, and innovate at a much faster rate.
- Real-time data exchange: Immediate, seamless connections between HCM functions like payroll, talent management, and ERP functionalities such as financial tracking, project resourcing, and reporting.
- Empowering people and driving real results with AI-powered tools: Unit4’s unified platform is designed with the end user in mind. It employs a modern, intuitive interface and natural language processing (NLP) features, ensuring that users focus more on strategic tasks and less on struggling with complicated technology.
- Industry-specific focus: Pre-configured Industry Models enable you to reduce implementation timeframes and gain quicker time to value. Our model offering enables you to leverage the core foundation we’ve established for you, built on years of experience working with your sector.
- Personalized experiences: Technology is only impactful if your people can easily use it. The Unit4 solution is accessible seamlessly across multiple devices. With collaboration tools and a smart agent, work can happen where your people perform best.
- Service provision is at the heart of everything we do. Success4U is our subscription-based wrapper that encompasses our customer success. You benefit from adaptable support that aligns seamlessly with your strategy. Craft a success plan that empowers you to optimize processes, achieve impactful business outcomes, and evolve alongside your journey, continually enhancing overall value.
A centralized employee master record provides operational teams with a core, single source of truth on employees, as all their data is in one place. Data integrity and fidelity are further strengthened by opening up, where possible, ownership of maintaining that data to the employee via self-service.
Minimize manual interactions with AI-powered capabilities, continuously revolutionizing workflows and enhancing people experiences.

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Proven impact on organizations
Unit4’s customers consistently outperform their peers in terms of operational efficiency, cost management, and talent retention.
Southampton City Council
Unit4 is making the council smarter and more agile. By automating and streamlining processes in the cloud, as well as introducing self-service, Southampton City Council can direct more resources to front-line services.
Helen Baker
ERP Support and Development Manager, Southampton City Council
Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS)
Talent Management gives people a sense of empowerment and ownership about their careers. NRS has listened to feedback, and by using talent management is supporting people to hold regular, collaborative, one-to-one conversations to develop their careers.
Carina Care
Project Manager, NRS
A competitive advantage for IT and business leaders
IT, CFOs, and HR leaders continually balance mandates for efficiency, compliance, and innovation. The Unit4 ERP solution, with its HCM capability, empowers them to achieve all three while providing their organization with a competitive edge.
Instead of navigating the challenges of disconnected systems, reduced data visibility, or overly complex IT environments, leaders can focus on driving growth and organizational success.
Next steps
Investing in an ERP solution with native HCM capabilities isn’t just a trend; it’s a practical move for organizations looking to remain competitive. With enhanced efficiencies, smarter insights, and reduced costs, the advantages are hard to ignore.
Are you looking for an ERP solution that also offers HCM capability? Consider Unit4. Discover how our unified solution can transform your business processes – talk to our sales team or watch a demo today.
