As an HR technology expert with over a decade of experience in cloud-based HR software, I have noticed firsthand how Indian businesses, from startups to large enterprises, continually adapt to tools that drive efficiency. These HR management software in India bring about efficiency in human resource functions, even making payroll and compliance easier.
These tools streamline HR functions, significantly reducing manual exertion and repetitive tasks. In 2025, a clear winner is emerging: Craze, followed by several powerful tools. This blog explores how this tool stands in relevance to upgrading HR technology as well as why Indian companies are adopting these tools.
Why Indian Companies Are Upgrading HR Technology
Indian companies are rapidly moving to cloud HRMS tools. The India HRMS market hit USD 1.1 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow at a 14.6 % CAGR from 2025 to 2033. Another estimate projects the market at USD 870 million in 2025, reaching USD 2271.52 million by 2031 with a 17.3 % CAGR.
These numbers show why companies are reevaluating their HR management strategies. The shift is driven by demands for better compliance, remote work support, automation, and enhanced employee experience. In India’s dynamic business scene, flexible, user-friendly software is non-negotiable.
Top HRMS Tools That Indian Companies Are Switching To In 2025
These HR management software in India are making companies switch in 2025 due to their excellence and streamlining features:
Craze: Smart, Scalable HR for Indian Businesses
Craze is a modern cloud HRMS built for Indian startups and growing companies with 20 to 500+ employees. It’s simple to roll out, easy to use, and built for local compliance. Core features include:
- Payroll: Fully automated payroll with PF, ESI, PT, and TDS compliance.
- Attendance & Leave: Policy-based tracking with biometric, GPS, or IP punch-ins, auto-synced to payroll.
- Performance Management: OKRs, review cycles, and 360° feedback to drive performance.
- Core HR: Centralized employee data, digital records, and workflow automation.
- Employee Self-Service: Leave applications, payslip access, and info updates—all in one place.
Other modules include IT asset management, identity and access controls, employee engagement tools, and more.
What Makes Craze Stand Out in 2025
Craze connects HR, payroll, IT, and performance into one seamless, compliant platform. With faster rollouts, minimal training, and affordable per-employee pricing, it’s built for Indian teams to scale with ease—backed by local support that truly understands your business.
Zoho People: Scalable for IT & Services
Zoho People is a strong runner-up. With excellent cloud infrastructure and mobile-first apps, it caters well to India’s thriving IT and BPM sectors. It handles HR essentials like attendance, performance, and onboarding, with additional modules for surveys and shifts. Its integration with Zoho ecosystem apps (CRM, Projects) is a major plus.
Ramco Systems HRMS: Payroll Compliance Made Easy
Ramco is known for its payroll and compliance expertise. Its strengths lie in real-time statutory updates and multi-country payroll setups. For companies operating across India, with union zones and varying labor laws, this is crucial. Ramco also offers voice-biometric attendance, which is compelling for distributed teams.
Akrivia HCM: Enterprise-Focused and Comprehensive
Akrivia HCM has gained traction in mid-to-large firms. It offers a full suite, including recruitment, LMS, analytics, and multi-country payroll. Over 20 modules and a focus on the EPIC user framework (Enablement, Product Innovation, Customer-centricity) make it appealing. Indian enterprise customers appreciate its end-to-end capabilities.
SAP SuccessFactors: For Global Indian Firms
SAP SuccessFactors remains a go-to for large multinationals in India. It excels at global HR operations, talent management, and deep analytics. Though implementation is more complex and expensive, it’s hard to beat if you need tight ROI tracking and global workflows.
Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM: Robust, But Heavyweight
Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM is another big player choice. It offers full HR suite capabilities with strong integrations and analytics. However, its complexity, cost, and implementation time mean it’s best suited for mature organizations with internal IT and lots of modules to deploy.
uKnowva HRMS: AI‑Integrated Employee Hub
uKnowva is an AI-powered HRMS platform widely used by Indian enterprises and mid-size firms. It offers features like automated payroll, chatbot-based query resolution, and employee sentiment analytics. It combines core HR, time & attendance, leave tracking, payroll, and performance into one unified system with AI‑driven automation and insights.
Pagarbook
PagarBook is a mobile-first HR tool designed specifically for Indian SMEs to simplify attendance, payroll, and loan tracking. It allows managers to record biometric or selfie-based punch-ins and automates salary calculations, while including overtime, deductions, and advances. It even generates payslips in just a few clicks
How to Choose the Right HRMS Tool
Selecting an HRMS is not just about features; it’s about fit:
- Business size & sector: Startups may find Craze or Pagarbook enough. Multinational legal teams may require Oracle or SAP.
- Growth plans: Look at scalability, international payroll, university hiring, or multilingual needs.
- Budget & deployment speed: Craze and Zoho People save time and cost vs enterprise-heavy setups.
- Integration needs: Choose tools that connect well with finance, project, or CRM systems.
- User experience: Indian work culture values mobile, self-service, and low friction.
Looking Ahead: Future Trends in 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, we can expect the following future trends in HR management software and tools:
AI and Automation
AI-driven tools will go from spotting anomalies to suggesting actions, like burnout risk warnings or hiring forecasts.
Remote and Hybrid Readiness
Mobile apps, biometric attendance, and digital onboarding will become standard. Cloud tools enable seamless HR services anywhere.
DEI and Employee Engagement
HRMS will embed DEI tracking and sentiment maps, supporting more inclusive workplaces.
Conclusion
In 2025, Indian companies across scales are making smart moves in HR management software. Craze stands out for its combo of simplicity, compliance, and smart automation. Other tools like Zoho People, Ramco, and Akrivia cater to specific needs, scale, payroll, or enterprise breadth. SAP and Oracle, on the other hand, are designed for large, global operations.
Choosing the right tool means looking beyond bells and whistles. Evaluate your team size, operational needs, budget, and strategy to select an HRMS that helps you work smarter, not harder.
