Introduction

Choosing the right Human Resources Information System (HRIS) is crucial for businesses aiming to streamline their HR processes and improve overall operational efficiency. In this detailed comparison, we will examine two leading HRIS tools: Breathe and Sapling. 

​

Breathe is a multi-award-winning simple and secure people software that helps UK and Australian SMEs move their core people processes online – saving time, providing peace of mind, and enabling businesses to operate efficiently wherever they are working. 

​

As a Kallidus product, Sapling’s capabilities in onboarding, offboarding, core HR, and people operations are further elevated by Kallidus’ expertise in learning, performance, talent management, and learning content. 

​

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each HRIS tool can help businesses determine which is the best fit for their specific needs.

​

Breathe Overview

Breathe is designed to make core HR processes straightforward for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by moving them online. Its primary aim is to save time and reduce the burden on HR departments.

​

Key Features

• Employee Records Management: Centralized database to store and manage employee information securely.
• Leave Management: Simplified holiday and leave request processes integrated with calendars.
• Performance Management: Tools for setting objectives, conducting appraisals, and tracking progress.
• Document Storage: Secure storage for critical HR documents with customizable permission levels.
• Reports and Analytics: Generate various HR reports to gain insights into employee metrics.
• Employee Self-Service: A portal where employees can update personal details, request leave, and access documents.
• Payroll Integration: Seamless integration with payroll systems to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Compliance Management: Tools to help ensure compliance with local employment laws and regulations.

​

Sapling Overview

Sapling leverages Kallidus’ extensive experience in learning and talent management to deliver a robust HRIS solution, particularly strong in onboarding and offboarding.

​

Key Features

• Onboarding: Streamlined processes to welcome new hires, including task management and automated workflows.
• Offboarding: Structured offboarding processes to ensure departing employees leave smoothly and securely.
• Core HR Management: Comprehensive tools for managing employee data, HR documents, and compliance.
• People Operations: Functions for managing promotions, role changes, and other HR-related tasks.
• Learning and Development: Integration with Kallidus’ learning solutions to provide training and development opportunities.
• Performance Management: Tools for setting performance goals, conducting reviews, and managing employee development.
• Time and Attendance: Track employee attendance and manage leave efficiently.
• Analytics and Reporting: Extensive reporting capabilities to provide insights into HR operations and employee performance.

​

Similarities

Both Breathe and Sapling offer comprehensive HRIS solutions designed to streamline core HR functions and improve efficiency. Key similarities include:

• Centralized Employee Management: Both tools provide a centralized database for managing employee records.
• Performance Management: Each platform includes features for setting goals, conducting reviews, and tracking employee performance.
• Leave Management: Simplified processes for managing holiday requests and other types of leave.
• Employee Self-Service: Portals that allow employees to update personal information and request leave.
• Compliance Features: Tools to help ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Document Management: Secure storage and easy access to important HR documents.
• Payroll Integration: Seamless integration with payroll systems to facilitate accurate payroll processing.

​

Differences

Despite their similarities, Breathe and Sapling have differences that may make one more suitable for certain businesses than the other:

• Onboarding and Offboarding: Sapling has a more comprehensive and structured approach to onboarding and offboarding, leveraging Kallidus’ expertise in these areas.
• Learning and Development: Sapling integrates more deeply with learning and development tools provided by Kallidus, offering broader training opportunities.
• Focus Region: Breathe is particularly tailored for SMEs in the UK and Australia, whereas Sapling has a more global focus.
• People Operations: Sapling offers extensive features specifically for managing people operations, such as managing promotions and role changes, which may not be as pronounced in Breathe.
• User Interface: The user interface and overall experience can differ, with some users finding one platform more intuitive than the other depending on their specific needs and preferences.

​

Pros and Cons

Breathe

Pros:

• User-friendly interface which simplifies navigation and use.
• Strong focus on core HR functionalities ideal for SMEs.
• Customizable permission levels for document storage enhancing security.
• Simplified compliance management features.

​

Cons:

• Limited onboarding and offboarding capabilities compared to Sapling.
• Less integrated learning and development features.
• Primarily tailored for UK and Australian markets, possibly less adaptable for other regions.

​

Sapling

Pros:

• Comprehensive onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Integration with Kallidus learning solutions enhancing training and development.
• Extensive features for people operations management.
• Broader focus on global markets.

​

Cons:

• Potentially steeper learning curve due to extensive features.
• May offer more functionalities than necessary for very small businesses.
• Higher cost compared to simpler HRIS solutions like Breathe.

​

Use Cases

Breathe

Ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly in the UK and Australia, looking for a straightforward and secure HRIS solution to streamline core HR processes without the need for extensive learning and development tools.

​

Sapling

Best suited for companies that require robust onboarding and offboarding processes and those that benefit from integrated learning and development tools. This can be particularly useful for businesses with a global presence and in need of comprehensive people operations management.

​

Conclusion

In comparing Breathe and Sapling, the choice between these HRIS tools ultimately comes down to the specific needs and priorities of your business.

​

Breathe offers a user-friendly, secure solution perfect for SMEs in the UK and Australia, focusing on core HR functionalities and compliance. It simplifies essential HR tasks, making it particularly suitable for businesses looking for straightforward HR process management.

​

Sapling, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive suite of tools especially strong in onboarding, offboarding, and learning and development, thanks to its integration with Kallidus. This makes it ideal for businesses with more complex HR requirements and those seeking to enhance employee training and development.

​

When choosing between the two, consider the size and location of your business, the complexity of your HR processes, and the importance of learning and development integration. Sapling's extensive features make it a powerful tool for large or globally dispersed teams, while Breathe's simplicity and focus on core functionalities offer a robust solution for smaller businesses aiming to streamline their HR operations efficiently.