Introduction

When managing critical HR functions, selecting the right Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is crucial for businesses. Two notable HRIS tools in the market are Breathe and Access PeopleHR. 

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Breathe is a multi-award-winning, simple, and secure people software designed to help UK and Australian SMEs move their core people processes online. This tool emphasizes saving time, providing peace of mind, and enabling business operations regardless of location.

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On the other hand, Access PeopleHR is tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, providing a comprehensive platform for key HR functions, including applicant tracking, personnel tracking, performance reviews, and more. It boasts an employee-tracking database and unlimited document storage, ensuring all necessary paperwork can be attached to each employee profile. 

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Comparing these HRIS tools is vital to identify which best suits a company's unique needs and operational goals.

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Breathe Overview

Key Features

Breathe offers several standout features tailored for SMEs, particularly in the UK and Australia:

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• Employee Database Management: Efficient tracking and management of employee information, ensuring all data is secure and easily accessible.
• Leave Management: Helps manage and automate leave requests, tracking approvals, and keeping records of all time-off requests.
• HR Reporting: Generates detailed reports to help understand employee metrics and trends within the organization.
• Performance Management: Facilitates performance reviews and appraisals, helping track employee progress and identify areas for development.
• Document Management: Securely stores employment contracts, policies, and other critical documents, making them accessible as needed.
• Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to update their personal information, request leave, and access essential documents.

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Access PeopleHR Overview 

Key Features

Access PeopleHR provides a robust platform with key features designed to meet the needs of small to mid-sized businesses:

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• Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Streamlines the recruitment process from job posting to hiring, helping to manage candidates effectively.
• Personnel Tracking: Maintains detailed employee records, including key contact information and employment history.
• Performance Review: Enables structured and regular performance reviews, fostering employee development.
• Unlimited Document Storage: Offers the ability to store an unlimited amount of documents, ensuring all employee-related paperwork is centrally located.
• Absence Management: Efficiently tracks employee absences, leave requests, and ensures compliance with leave policies.
• Employee Self-Service: Empowers employees to manage their HR tasks, like updating personal details and submitting leave requests.

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Similarities

Both Breathe and Access PeopleHR share several key similarities as HRIS tools:

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• Employee Data Management: Both platforms provide robust systems for tracking and managing employee information.
• Leave Management: Each tool offers functionalities for managing leave requests and tracking absences.
• Performance Review Systems: They both include features to facilitate regular performance appraisals and employee development.
• Document Management: Both platforms allow for secure storage of employment-related documents.
• Employee Self-Service: Each tool empowers employees to manage their personal information and HR-related tasks.

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Differences 

Despite their similarities, Breathe and Access PeopleHR have notable differences:

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• Target Market: Breathe predominantly serves UK and Australian SMEs, while Access PeopleHR caters to a more global audience, including small to mid-sized businesses.
• Applicant Tracking: Access PeopleHR includes a comprehensive applicant tracking system, whereas Breathe lacks this feature.
• Document Storage: Access PeopleHR offers unlimited document storage, which may be more suitable for businesses with extensive record-keeping needs.
• Scalability: Access PeopleHR provides more advanced features for mid-sized companies, potentially offering more scalability compared to Breathe, which is more simplified and SME-focused.

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Pros and Cons

Breathe

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface
• Specific focus on SMEs in the UK and Australia
• Excellent leave management and HR reporting features
• Secure document storage with easy access
• Strong employee self-service functionality

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Cons:

• Limited advanced features for larger organizations
• Lacks a built-in applicant tracking system (ATS)
• Primarily focuses on UK and Australian markets

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Access PeopleHR 

Pros:

• Comprehensive applicant tracking system
• Unlimited document storage
• Scalable for small to mid-sized businesses
• Detailed personnel tracking and performance review features
• Extensive absence management tools

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Cons:

• Interface can be complex for smaller businesses
• May offer more features than necessary for very small businesses
• Primarily targets a broader, international market which may mean less specialized support

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Use Cases

Breathe:

• SMEs in the UK and Australia: Especially beneficial for small to medium-sized companies based in the UK and Australia that require a streamlined, easy-to-use HR management system.
• Companies with Focus on Core HR Functions: Ideal for businesses needing reliable employee data management, leave management, and performance tracking without advanced requirements like ATS.
• Organizations Seeking Simplified Solutions: Perfect for businesses looking for a straightforward, user-friendly HRIS tool for everyday HR tasks.

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Access PeopleHR:

• Growing Small to Mid-Sized Businesses: Suitable for companies that foresee growth and need a scalable solution with advanced features such as applicant tracking and extensive document storage.
• Businesses with Extensive Recruitment Processes: Ideal for companies requiring a robust applicant tracking system to manage their recruitment lifecycle.
• Companies Needing Detailed Personnel Tracking: Useful for organizations that need comprehensive personnel tracking, performance reviews, and document management.

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Conclusion

In comparing Breathe vs Access PeopleHR, both HRIS tools offer valuable features for businesses, but their suitability varies based on specific needs and operational goals.

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• Breathe is well-suited for UK and Australian SMEs seeking a simplified, user-friendly solution to manage core HR functions like employee data management, leave tracking, and performance reviews. Its secure document storage and employee self-service features provide added convenience. However, it may not be suitable for businesses needing an applicant tracking system or more advanced HR functionalities.

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• Access PeopleHR, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive platform for small to mid-sized businesses, including those with extensive recruitment needs. With features like an applicant tracking system, unlimited document storage, and detailed personnel tracking, it caters to growing businesses needing a scalable and robust HRIS solution. Nonetheless, its complexity might be a drawback for very small businesses or those not needing all its advanced features.

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Ultimately, the choice between Breathe and Access PeopleHR depends on the size of your business, your specific HR needs, and your preference for simplicity versus a more comprehensive suite of HR tools.