When I first entered the world of payroll and HR software at Cyborg Systems back in 1990, the landscape looked very different.
We were installing payroll and HR software mainly on IBM mainframe and Unix platforms, and the cutting-edge innovation of the time was integrated payroll and HR systems that supported single-entry payroll data. For that era, it was truly transformational. It was revolutionary for its time, but looking back, it’s incredible to see just how far payroll technology has come since then.
Remembering my Early Days in payroll
There was no email.
No apps.
No real-time access.
We worked with DOS interfaces, ran batch programs, and collected data via paper forms. We were just beginning to learn Windows, swap word processors for Microsoft Word, and marvel at the power of Excel spreadsheets.
“Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far payroll technology has come in what feels like a short time.”
At the time, there was no such thing as a payroll app—employees didn’t manage their own data on their phones. All information was received on paper forms, and everything was input manually. There were no APIs to streamline data exchanges between systems, and our only option was to run batch programs through DOS, the system that enabled us to install software and perform essential bulk tasks. Over the years we progressed to use Windows, Word, and Excel to process payroll, which, at the time, seemed like cutting-edge tools for the job.
From Forms to Fingerprints: A World Transformed
Over the decades, we’ve seen:
- The rise of self-service portals and mobile apps
- Payroll automation and cloud-based platforms
- Seamless integration with HR and finance systems
- And now, APIs that connect everything in real time
Technology has reshaped not just how payroll is run—but how people experience it.
Fast forward to today, and it’s almost unfathomable to think about how far we’ve come. I never would have imagined the sheer scale of transformation that the payroll industry would undergo in what seems like a relatively short time. The move from manual processes to cloud-based payroll systems, the introduction of real-time data exchanges via APIs, and the widespread use of payroll apps to manage personal data are just the tip of the iceberg. Payroll systems today are faster, more efficient, and far more accurate than ever before, and the technology continues to evolve at an exponential rate.
A Passion That’s Only Grown Stronger
Through all these changes, I’ve remained fascinated by the pace of innovation.
Systems are my thing—and I absolutely thrive on seeing how they evolve. From the early days of single-entry data to today’s automated, integrated systems, I’ve loved staying up-to-date with every new change. Whether it’s the development of APIs that enable seamless communication between payroll, HR, and other business systems, or the implementation of cloud platforms that allow payroll professionals to work remotely and access data from anywhere, I’ve been continuously surprised and excited by the innovative solutions that have emerged.
One of the most exciting developments I’ve seen in recent years is the integration of APIs. These allow systems to seamlessly connect with each other, automating processes that were once manual and time-consuming. Payroll departments can now integrate data from time-tracking systems, HR software, and benefits providers automatically, reducing errors and saving valuable time. The more we move toward real-time data syncing and automated workflows, the more efficient and accurate payroll becomes, benefiting both businesses and employees alike.
What excites me most is how passionate today’s innovators are about making payroll better: more efficient, more intuitive, and more empowering for everyone involved.
The more I’ve seen the industry evolve, the more I’ve realised how passionate the people working on these technologies are about making payroll better. The drive to improve accuracy, speed, and the overall user experience is what keeps me engaged and excited about the future of payroll. It’s not just about adopting new tools—it’s about using them to build better systems, save time, and help businesses run more efficiently.
The Transformation is still on-going!
But what excites me the most is that this transformation is still ongoing. There are so many new technologies on the horizon—artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain are just a few of the innovations that will continue to shape the future of payroll. And as someone who thrives on seeing systems evolve, I can’t wait to see where the next stage of this journey takes us.
Through the Eira Lens
This blog is my way of reflecting on that journey—sharing the insights I’ve gained and continuing to explore what’s possible.
It’s been quite a ride watching this industry evolve—what about you?
What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen in payroll or HR technology?
I’d love to hear your experiences—drop me a message or connect on LinkedIn.
eiraconsulting.co.uk 
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