If you've ever tried to research HRIS vendors, you know how quickly it turns into a mess. There are hundreds of platforms out there, they all update constantly, and everyone has an opinion about what you should buy. It's a lot.
But here's the thing — good market research isn't about finding the most popular tool. It's about cutting through the noise to find what actually fits your organisation.
Start with your requirements, not the market
This sounds obvious, but it's where most teams trip up. They dive into vendor websites before they've properly nailed down what they need. And when you do that, every platform looks like it could work — which really means none of them stand out. Get your requirements locked in first. They're the filter that saves you from wasting time on vendors that were never going to be the right fit.Think in categories, not brand names
Before you start Googling specific vendors, take a step back. Are you looking for a core HRIS? A payroll-led platform? A modular ecosystem? An enterprise suite? These solve very different problems, and knowing which category you're shopping in makes everything easier from that point on.
Look beyond the feature lists
Vendor websites are built to impress you — that's their job. But a long list of features doesn't tell you much about how the platform actually works day to day. What you really want to understand is the architecture, how well it integrates with your existing tech, how configurable it is, and where the product is heading. That stuff matters far more than a flashy feature page.
Validate what you're hearing
Don't take any single source at face value. Analyst reports, peer networks, independent consultants — use them all, and look for where the stories line up. If a vendor's claims sound too good to be true, they probably are.
Write down your reasoning
This one's simple but powerful. Document why you shortlisted certain vendors and why you ruled others out. It keeps the process transparent and stops people from reopening the list every time someone hears about a new platform at a conference.
Good market research creates focus. It means your selection process is driven by evidence and fit, not hype or whatever your CEO's mate recommended at dinner.
The HRIS Buying Guide walks you through a structured approach to researching the market and avoiding the traps that slow teams down.
