How to Build a Fully Integrated HR Tech Stack: Connecting HRIS, ATS, Payroll, and More
Introduction
HR technology has evolved rapidly, but many companies still struggle with fragmented systems that don’t communicate with each other. When an HRIS, ATS, payroll, benefits, and performance management tools operate in silos, HR teams face manual data entry, inefficiencies, and compliance risks.
A well-integrated HR tech stack ensures that all systems work together seamlessly, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing the employee experience. But how do you design an HR tech ecosystem that truly integrates?
1. Understanding the Core Components of an HR Tech Stack
A modern HR technology ecosystem typically includes:
| HR System | Primary Function | Key Integration Needs |
|---|---|---|
| HRIS (Human Resource Information System) | Employee records, HR data management | Connects with ATS, payroll, benefits, and performance tools |
| ATS (Applicant Tracking System) | Recruiting and hiring process | Syncs with HRIS and onboarding system |
| Payroll System | Compensation, tax compliance, salary payments | Pulls data from HRIS and benefits platform |
| Benefits Administration | Employee benefits selection and management | Syncs with payroll and HRIS |
| Performance & Learning Management | Goal setting, training, and employee development | Pulls employee data from HRIS |
Each system plays a critical role, but without proper integration, HR teams often find themselves manually transferring data, increasing the risk of errors and inefficiencies.
2. The Importance of Seamless Integration Between HR Systems
Without integration, HR teams face:
- Duplicate data entry – Manually entering the same information across multiple platforms.
- Delayed decision-making – Lack of real-time workforce insights.
- Increased compliance risks – Disjointed systems create data security vulnerabilities.
What a Fully Integrated HR Tech Stack Enables:
- Real-Time Data Flow – Hiring, payroll, and performance updates sync automatically.
- Faster Onboarding – New hire data flows from ATS to HRIS to payroll without manual steps.
- Consistent Employee Experience – Employees can access everything from one platform.
3. How to Build a Connected HR Tech Stack
Step 1: Choose an HRIS That Acts as a Central Hub
The HRIS is the foundation of your HR tech stack, housing employee records, compliance data, and workforce analytics. It must support open APIs and pre-built integrations to connect with other HR tools.
💡 Best HRIS platforms with strong integrations:
- Workday – Enterprise-grade, highly customizable.
- BambooHR – Ideal for mid-sized businesses.
- Kallidus – Strong learning and talent management integration.
- Rippling – Flexible and automation-friendly.
Step 2: Ensure ATS & HRIS Integration for Seamless Hiring & Onboarding
Your ATS should sync with your HRIS to ensure that once a candidate is hired, their details automatically transfer into the HR system, triggering onboarding workflows.
🔗 Key ATS-HRIS integrations to look for:
- Greenhouse → Workday
- Lever → BambooHR
- SmartRecruiters → Rippling
Step 3: Automate Payroll, Benefits, and Time Tracking
Payroll should sync directly with HRIS data to eliminate manual adjustments for salary changes, new hires, and terminations.
💡 Best payroll integrations:
- ADP & Workday – Enterprise payroll for large organizations.
- Gusto & BambooHR – Ideal for growing businesses.
Time-tracking tools like UKG, Paycom, or Rippling should also integrate for accurate payroll processing.
Step 4: Connect Performance, Learning & Development Systems
A well-integrated HR tech stack supports continuous employee growth by linking:
- Performance management tools (15Five, Lattice, or Workday)
- Learning & development platforms (Kallidus, SAP SuccessFactors)
- Engagement surveys (Culture Amp, Peakon)
This ensures performance reviews are informed by real data from employee development programs.
4. Common Integration Challenges and How to Solve Them
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| HR tools don’t communicate | Choose systems with open APIs and built-in integrations. |
| Manual data entry persists | Automate workflows between ATS, HRIS, and payroll. |
| Employee data discrepancies | Implement a single source of truth for all HR data. |
Final Thoughts: Creating an HR Tech Stack That Works for You
A fully integrated HR tech stack does more than eliminate inefficiencies—it enhances decision-making, improves compliance, and creates a seamless experience for employees and HR teams.
By choosing the right HRIS, prioritizing ATS and payroll integrations, and automating processes, companies can build a future-ready HR tech ecosystem.
What HR integrations have been most valuable for your team? Let’s continue the conversation.