TOP 16+ Best HRM Software for the Design Industry Today

10/05/2026

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Effective human resource management helps design companies operate smoothly and optimize creativity. HRM software for the design industry today not only automates HR processes but also tracks performance, trains, and develops talent, helping creative teams focus on their work. In this article, let’s explore the best HRM software for the design industry with 1Office.

HRM Software (Human Resource Management) is a solution that helps businesses automate and digitize HR processes such as recruitment, timekeeping, payroll, records management, performance evaluation, and benefits. Data is managed centrally, reducing errors, saving time, and improving administrative efficiency. Additionally, the software supports tracking, evaluating, and developing human resources through detailed reports, helping to increase productivity and work efficiency.

1. Top 16+ Popular HRM Software for the Design Industry Today

Below is a list of popular HRM software trusted by many businesses in the design industry today:

1.1. TOP 10 Domestic HRM Software for the Design Industry

1.1.1. 1Office HRM Software for the Design Industry

1Office HRM software for the design industry is a product of 1Office Vietnam Joint Stock Company – a pioneer in developing the “Make in Vietnam” comprehensive management platform since 2015. The solution is suitable for businesses with 10 or more employees, and is especially optimized for studios, agencies, and design companies with flexible personnel structures, multiple projects, and diverse work shifts.

Some outstanding features of 1Office – HRM Software for the Design Industry:

Personnel Management: Store complete employee information, contracts, salaries, positions, insurance, and leave schedules on a single platform. Helps effectively manage teams of designers, developers, and project personnel, replacing traditional management methods.
Recruitment Management: The software automates the process from proposal to onboarding. AI screens CVs based on design skills such as Adobe Suite, layout thinking, color creativity, and teamwork ability. An intuitive dashboard helps evaluate candidates quickly, integrates with LinkedIn and TopCV, schedules interviews, sends automatic reminders, and tracks recruitment budgets, helping studios choose the right person for the right position.
Timekeeping & Automated Payroll: Connects with time clocks or allows remote timekeeping via GPS, assigns flexible shifts based on projects, manages leave, compensatory time off, and automatically calculates payroll based on set formulas. Helps make the operational process fast, accurate, and reduces manual errors.
Comprehensive Performance Evaluation with KPI & OKR: An intuitive dashboard, dynamic reports, and smart filters help track the work performance of designers, teams, and departments, allowing for the adjustment of evaluation criteria to suit each project.

Pros and Cons of 1Office human resource management software:

Advantages

Disadvantages

All-in-one Management: Digitize and centrally manage all personnel, projects, work shifts, timekeeping, payroll, KPIs, and design performance on a single platform. This helps designer, developer, and project management teams connect closely, synchronize data, and operate efficiently without needing additional software.
User-friendly Interface: Intuitive design, easy to use, suitable for all types of personnel, including freelancers or employees with limited tech experience.
Reasonable Cost: Deployed on a cloud-based subscription model, with pricing based on the number of users, saving infrastructure and operational costs for studios or agencies.

Learning Curve: With many in-depth features, studios/companies will need an initial period for personnel to adapt and fully leverage the software’s effectiveness.

>>> See more: 1Office Review: Detailed review of 1Office business management software

Cost of 1Office HRM software for the design industry:

Starting price from 5,000,000đ for businesses with under 50 employees, increasing with scale. Implementation time is from 1-6 weeks, including online/offline training packages suitable for each studio or design company.
Businesses can register for a consultation and experience a free demo of the 1Office software HERE to get a detailed introduction to the features and optimal solutions for the specific needs of the design industry before implementation.

1.1.2. Base HRM+

Base HRM+ is a comprehensive human resource management platform developed by Base.vn, suitable for medium & large design studios, agencies, and businesses. The software features flexible, easily expandable modules, helping to optimize human resource management based on projects, work shifts, and the creative capacity of the design team.

Key features of Base HRM+ for the design industry

Personnel information management: Store employee profiles, departments, roles, contracts, and work history, suitable for diverse creative teams.
Timekeeping & payroll: Supports flexible work shifts, integrates GPS, Wifi, and automatically syncs with the payroll system based on projects or actual hours worked.
Performance management: Track KPIs, OKRs, and project progress for individuals, teams, or the entire studio, helping to evaluate creative capacity and work efficiency.
Real-time reporting: Provides visual data, supports quick management decision-making, and optimizes resource allocation for design projects.

Pros and Cons of Base HRM+ software

Pros	Cons
Diverse modules, easy to deploy flexibly according to the needs of a studio or design company. Modern, intuitive interface, supports mobile applications, helping staff work flexibly, anytime, anywhere. Easy to integrate with other platforms like Base Workflow, Base Wework, Base Office, supporting synchronized project management and design processes.	Not yet fully optimized for very small studios. Depends on a stable Internet connection. Requires initial configuration and implementation time to fit the design process.

Pricing for Base HRM+ HRM software for the design industry

Starter Package: From 450,000 VND/month for 30 accounts, suitable for small and medium-sized design studios and companies.
Expansion Package: Flexible pricing, adjusted according to the number of employees and required modules, suitable for larger design companies.
Free Trial: 14 days, allowing businesses to experience all features before implementation.

1.1.3. MISA AMIS HRM

MISA AMIS HRM is a human resource management software developed by MISA Joint Stock Company – a Vietnamese technology unit with over 30 years of experience. The solution is suitable for all design studios and companies, from small to large, helping to optimize the management of creative teams, automate HR processes, and improve operational efficiency.

Outstanding features of MISA AMIS HRM for the design industry:

Manage the entire employee lifecycle: From recruiting designers, planning training, and evaluating performance, to offboarding, all on a single platform.
Flexible timekeeping: Supports fingerprint, GPS, Face ID, QR code, and connects with existing devices, suitable for studio, remote, or project-based work environments.
Specialized performance & KPI evaluation: Set project-based goals, track progress, and monitor the work efficiency of each designer in real-time.
Seamless integration with the AMIS ecosystem: Connects with Accounting, Project Management, and CRM software to manage personnel, projects, and costs uniformly.

Pros and cons of MISA AMIS HRM software

Pros

Cons

Intuitive, user-friendly interface, suitable for HR departments and designers with limited tech experience.
Optimizes project-based human resource management, ensuring transparency in salary, bonuses, and leave.
Integrates with the full AMIS ecosystem: Finance, Project Management, Task Management, helping to synchronize data between HR and design projects.
Continuously updated according to labor laws and has a 24/7 support team.

The investment cost is relatively high for small-scale studios or agencies.
Requires initial training time for employees and designers to familiarize themselves with and fully utilize the software’s effectiveness.

Implementation costs for MISA AMIS HRM in the design industry

Basic package: Starts from 5,100,000 VND/year for about 30 users, suitable for small studios or design teams.
Extended package: Flexible pricing based on the number of employees and modules used, suitable for medium and large design companies.
Free trial: Experience the software for 15-30 days before deciding to implement.

1.1.4. Fast HR Software

Fast HRM Online is a comprehensive web-based human resource management solution developed by Fast Joint Stock Company. The software is suitable for studios and medium to large design companies, helping to manage detailed employee records, automate processes from recruitment and training to performance evaluation, while providing a flexible multi-platform experience for both creative staff and managers.

Key features of Fast HRM Online for the design industry

Comprehensive management of creative personnel: store records, recruitment, timekeeping, payroll, insurance, and Personal Income Tax (PIT), suitable for studio, agency, or design company environments.
Flexible connection with timekeeping devices: ensures accurate data, tracks the working hours of creative staff anytime, anywhere.
Employee self-service: look up payslips, timekeeping records, and apply for leave online, helping the team focus on creative work.
Customization for design specifics: supports data import from Excel, sends approvals via email/SMS, suitable for projects, flexible work shifts, and the company’s unique internal processes.

Pros and cons of Fast HRM software for the design industry

Pros	Cons
Supports Web, Mobile web, and Mobile app, making it convenient for design teams to work flexibly anytime, anywhere. Fully meets basic operational needs: employee records, timekeeping, and payroll, making it suitable for studios, agencies, or design companies.	Lacks a feature for managing performance reviews based on projects or creative capabilities. Implementation and usage costs are relatively high for small design businesses or startups.

Fast HRM Online software cost for the design industry:

Software license: 10,000 USD, with an additional 200 USD per user.
Supports free demo registration and consultation to experience features before implementation.

1.1.5. Tanca HR software

Tanca is a cloud-based human resource management solution developed by Green Mobile Application Joint Stock Company. With an intuitive interface and a convenient mobile app, Tanca is suitable for studios, agencies, or design companies with flexible working environments, helping to optimize personnel management, shifts, and operational efficiency.

Key features of Tanca – HRM software for the design industry:

Flexible timekeeping: GPS, Wifi, facial recognition, AI camera, suitable for studio or creative office environments.
Payroll and compensation management: Create flexible payrolls, calculate daily wages, and view payslips directly on your phone.
Automated procedures: Process requests for leave, business trips, payments, etc., reducing administrative paperwork by up to 90%.
Performance evaluation: Link KPIs/OKRs to compensation, track project progress and work quality.
Shift management: Approve shifts remotely, track employee locations via map, suitable for flexible creative environments.
Reporting & analytics: Quickly export HR reports, helping managers make timely decisions and optimize resources for projects.

Pros and cons of Tanca HRM software

Pros	Cons
Reasonable cost, suitable for creative studios and businesses in Vietnam. Supports various timekeeping methods across multiple devices, flexible for creative work environments and short-term projects. Intuitive, bilingual (Vietnamese – English) interface, easy for both in-house staff and freelancers to use.	Using advanced features like specialized recruitment and training requires purchasing an add-on package.

Tanca HRM Software Pricing – for the Design Industry

Free for design studios and businesses with under 25 employees, with some limited features.
Flexible paid plans, suitable for different scales and management needs:
- Basic: 49 USD/month
- Standard: 99 USD/month
- Professional: 199 USD/month
- Enterprise: 299 USD/month

1.1.6. IHCM HR Software

IHCM is an HRM software for the design industry, developed by Hyperlogy and operated on a cloud platform that meets ISO 27001 security standards. This solution helps medium and large enterprises digitize HR processes, manage creative goals, and optimize the development efficiency of their design teams.

Key features of IHCM for the design industry:

Comprehensive HR management: Centralized storage of profiles, contracts, insurance, and rewards on a cloud platform, helping to effectively manage creative teams.
Project tracking and team collaboration: Assign tasks, monitor progress, and collaborate in real-time, suitable for a flexible design environment.
Visual reporting: Analyze HR and performance data, helping managers make quick decisions and optimize creative productivity.

Pros and cons of IHCM HR software

Advantages

Disadvantages

In-depth performance management via KPI, BSC, OKR, helping to evaluate productivity and develop creative teams.
Fully integrates all HR modules, easily connects with CRM, ERP, and design project management tools.
Intuitive, user-friendly interface with multi-platform support, enabling flexible management of design teams.
Supports medium and large enterprises in standardizing and making HR processes transparent, improving operational efficiency.

Complex system; implementation and training are time-consuming.
High investment cost, not optimized for small businesses.
Requires support from an IT team to customize for the specific needs of design companies.

IHCM HRM Software Pricing for the Design Industry

Businesses with 1-60 employees: 1,500,000 VND/month
Businesses with 61-90 employees: 3,000,000 VND/month
Over 90 employees: Contact the provider for a consultation and detailed quote.
Currently, IHCM does not provide information about a free trial.

1.1.7. Lotus Pro HR Software

Lotus Pro is an HRM software developed by Hosco Joint Stock Company, designed to be flexible and multi-platform. The solution is suitable for studios, medium to large design companies, or creative corporations, helping with comprehensive human resource management, from profile management, timekeeping, and compensation to performance tracking and team competency development.

Key Features of Lotus Pro HRM Software for the Design Industry

Centralized management of personnel records, project information, roles, and work history in a scientific manner suitable for a creative environment.
Flexible permission settings by department, project, or design team, helping to control access and secure information.
Easily connects with tools in the HOSCO ecosystem and timekeeping devices, supporting automated payroll calculation and employee performance tracking.

Pros and Cons of Lotus Pro HRM Software for the Design Industry

Advantages	Disadvantages
Vietnamese-native, intuitive interface, easy for creative personnel and design teams to use. Supports flexible customization of payroll, KPI, and evaluation configurations by project, department, or team. Offers a free trial to experience features before implementation. Has a mobile app, convenient for managing flexible or remote teams.	Installation is only via a .exe file, which may lead to compatibility issues or difficulties in synchronizing data between devices and branches.

HRM Lotus Pro software cost for the design industry: Businesses can experience a free trial for a limited time and need to contact the provider directly for a detailed quote, depending on the scale and number of personnel.

1.1.8. HR-Manager Human Resource Management Software

HR-Manager, developed by Lac Viet Company, is a comprehensive HR management solution optimized for medium and large design companies. The software supports automation from recruitment and training to performance evaluation and leave management, suitable for organizations that want in-depth HR administration while ensuring their creative teams operate effectively.

Key features of HR-Manager for the design industry

Centralized employee profiles: Manage complete personal information, contracts, rewards/discipline, insurance, and taxes, making it easy to look up and track the creative team.
Automated timekeeping & payroll: Connects data from time clocks, calculates salaries and insurance accurately, saving time for employees to focus on creative work.
Transparent performance evaluation: Track KPIs, OKRs, and 360° reviews to improve work efficiency and the quality of design products.
Customizable internal workflows: Flexibly adjust processes such as leave approval, salary increases, and contract signing to suit the specific HR management needs of the design industry.

Pros and cons of HR-Manager software:

Advantages

Disadvantages

Comprehensive integration: Manages the entire HR process from employee records, payroll, and recruitment to performance reviews and reporting, allowing creative teams to focus on their work.
Flexible customization: Allows for the adjustment of internal processes to fit the specific operational needs of a design company.
Suitable for large enterprises: Supports in-depth management, legal compliance, and systematic performance evaluation.
Visual reporting: Provides multi-dimensional data to help leadership make quick decisions and track the progress and effectiveness of design projects.

High investment cost: Not ideal for small businesses or those new to digitalization.
Long implementation time: Requires training due to many in-depth features.
IT dependency: Requires a technical team for customization and operational support.

HR-Manager software cost for design businesses:

Basic package: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/user/month.
Advanced package: 50,000 – 80,000 VND/user/month.
Comprehensive package: Around 100,000 VND/user/month.

HR-Manager human resource management software

1.1.9. DigiiHR HR Software

DigiiHR for the design industry is an HR management software developed by OCD Management Consulting Joint Stock Company (OOC) – a unit with over 20 years of experience in Vietnam. The solution is suitable for medium and large design studios and companies, supporting in-depth project-based personnel management, timekeeping, payroll, competency assessment, KPIs, and human resource planning on a flexible cloud platform.

Key features of DigiiHR for the design industry:

Centralized management of employee profiles, contracts, and work history by project or department.
Automated timekeeping, payroll, bonuses, insurance, and leave management, flexible according to work shifts and project deadlines.
Set up, track KPIs, and assess employee competency, aligned with the performance of creative projects.
Provides visual reports, supporting the management of work progress, personnel performance, and resource allocation by department or project.

Pros and cons of DigiiHR HRM software:

Pros	Cons
Intuitive and easy-to-use interface for both staff & project managers. Quick to implement, suitable for small and medium-sized design businesses. Visual reports that help track project progress and employee performance accurately.	Some advanced management features are limited compared to international software. Simple interface with limited customization for specific design needs. Limited integration capabilities with software outside the ecosystem.

DigiiHR HRM software cost for the design industry:

Basic package: from 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND/year, depending on the number of employees and selected modules.
Businesses can register for a free demo and contact us directly for a consultation on a solution suitable for a creative design environment.

1.1.10. AiHR HR Software

AiHR is an HR management software that applies artificial intelligence (AI), developed by JobTest, and is specifically designed for creative businesses such as studios, agencies, or design companies. This solution is particularly suitable for businesses undergoing digital transformation or having flexible, multi-project work models.

Key features of AiHR HR software

AI-powered intelligent analysis: Automatically aggregates and generates visual reports, helping design managers quickly grasp team performance by project or department.
Creative measurement – performance management: Integrates KPI, OKR, BSC, and 9-Box Magic matrix models to help assess capabilities and guide employee development in line with their creative roles.
Multi-level HR management: Supports building and tracking a flexible organizational structure, suitable for agencies, studios, or design companies with multiple parallel project teams.
AI recruitment & assessment: Analyzes resumes, scores, and suggests candidates who fit the company’s culture and creative style.
Forecasting and resource planning: Uses historical data to propose staffing plans for new projects, helping to ensure deadlines are met and workloads are balanced for the design team.

Pros and cons of AiHR HRM software

Pros	Cons
AI application in human resource management, helping to automate processes and provide intelligent suggestions for recruitment, training, and competency assessment. Easily connects with project management platforms, ERP, accounting software, or internal systems via API – suitable for design businesses that use multiple tools in parallel (like Notion, Trello, Figma, or Slack).	High integration and customization costs, especially when the business needs to sync with multiple design platforms or proprietary systems. Dependent on a web platform, requiring a stable internet connection to ensure work performance.

AiHR HRM Software Pricing

Basic Package: From 48,000 VND/user/month – suitable for small studios or in-house design teams, includes 1 administrator and up to 100 users.
Standard Package: From 58,000 VND/user/month – for mid-sized design agencies, supports 3 administrators and 200 users.
Premium Package: From 68,000 VND/user/month – suitable for design businesses with multiple departments or branches, allows for 5 administrators and 300 users.
Enterprise Package: Flexibly customized according to scale and operational needs; businesses should contact us directly for consultation and a detailed quote.
Businesses can experience a free trial to evaluate the software before official implementation.

1.2. TOP 6 International HRM Software for the Design Industry

1.2.1. BambooHR HRM Software

BambooHR is an American HRM software for the design industry, developed by Ben Peterson and Ryan Sanders since 2008. This solution is suitable for small and medium-sized studios and design companies (25-300 employees), supporting the automation of recruitment, timekeeping, compensation management, and performance evaluation processes, helping to effectively optimize the management of creative teams.

Key Features of BambooHR for the Design Industry:

Centralized management of employee information, including profiles, contracts, and projects, making it easy to look up and analyze the capabilities of the creative team.
Supports recruitment and onboarding, helping new designers quickly integrate into the studio’s culture and workflow.
Automates timekeeping, payroll, and benefits, ensuring accuracy and saving management time.
Tracks performance, engagement, and employee satisfaction to optimize human resource management in a creative environment.

Pros and Cons of BambooHR HRM Software for the Design Industry

Pros	Cons
Intuitive, user-friendly interface, easy to use for HR staff and designers with little software experience. Covers all HR management features, from employee records, timekeeping, and payroll to performance reviews.	Limited customization and scalability, making it difficult to adapt to the specific workflows of a design studio. High implementation cost, especially for businesses in Vietnam. Some regulations on salary, tax, and insurance are not fully compliant with Vietnamese law.

Cost of BambooHR HRM software for the design industry

BambooHR offers two main packages: Core (basic features) and Pro (adds performance management and employee community connection).
For small design studios and companies with fewer than 25 employees, the fee is charged monthly; for businesses with 25 or more employees, the fee is charged per person per month. Detailed pricing is provided upon requesting a direct quote from BambooHR.
The software offers a free trial, making it convenient to experience before implementation.

1.2.2. Cloud HR Software

Cloud HR (OpenHR) is a human resource management solution developed by Cong ty CP Giai Phap Tinh Hoa, suitable for medium and large design studios and companies. The software supports in-depth management, flexible permission delegation, and multi-platform operation, helping to optimize HR and project processes in a creative environment.

Key features of OpenHR HRM software for the design industry

Flexible employee profile management: Store and access employee data, project files, contracts, and portfolios anytime, anywhere on the cloud platform.
Automated & transparent payroll: Manage payroll, project-based bonuses, working hours, and comply with tax regulations.
Competency & talent development: Build competency frameworks, track creative performance, and manage design teams, supporting HR development roadmap planning.

Pros and cons of OpenHR HRM Software

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive HR management, from recruitment and employee profiles to performance reviews and creative project management. Offers a free trial, allowing users to experience features before implementation. Suitable for medium and large design firms that require strict permission delegation and management of multi-branch teams.	Complex implementation process, not ideal for small businesses. Some features are not fully tailored to the specifics of the design industry and HR regulations in Vietnam.

OpenHR HRM software pricing for the design industry

OpenHR has not yet announced specific pricing; design studios, agencies, or businesses need to contact the provider directly for consultation and a detailed quote based on their scale and usage needs.
There is no official information about a free trial.

1.2.3. Human Resource Management with Zoho People

Zoho People is a human resource management software within the Zoho ecosystem (India), providing a cloud-based HRM solution, especially suitable for design studios, agencies, and businesses with flexible, remote, or project-based teams.

Key features of Zoho People for the design industry

Centralized management of employee information, contracts, project schedules, and training on a single platform.
Flexible timekeeping via phone, GPS, or facial recognition, suitable for multi-branch or remote teams.
Track and evaluate performance based on KPIs, project progress, and creative goals.
Automate HR processes such as request approvals, new employee onboarding, and transfers between projects.

Pros and cons of Zoho People HRM software for the design industry

Advantages	Disadvantages
Stable cloud-based platform, intuitive operations, suitable for creative teams. Flexible, easy to integrate with project management software, design tools, and CRM. Reasonable cost, suitable for small to medium-sized studios, agencies, and design businesses.	The interface and documentation are primarily in English, requiring an adaptation period. Does not yet provide detailed support for Vietnamese labor regulations. Some advanced features are only available in higher-priced paid plans.

Zoho People HRM Software Pricing for the Design Industry

Free Plan: Free for the first 5 users, suitable for studios or small teams.
Essential HR Plan: From $1/user/month, includes basic HR management features.
Professional Plan: From $2/user/month, adds performance management and advanced reporting.
Enterprise Plan: From $5/user/month, optimized for large design firms with multiple projects.
A 15-day free trial with full features is available, allowing studios to experience the software before implementation.

1.2.4. CakeHR HR Software

CakeHR is an HRM software for the design industry developed by HR Bakery (UK). It helps businesses automate the entire HR process—from recruitment and timekeeping to performance reviews and employee profile management on a cloud-based platform. This solution is particularly suitable for design studios, creative agencies, or small and medium-sized enterprises that need flexible, intuitive, and efficient remote HR operations.

Key Features of CakeHR – Suitable for Creative Design Companies:

Automated Timekeeping & Payroll: Easily track the flexible working hours of design staff, supporting accurate payroll whether they work in the studio or remotely.
Anonymous Surveys: Create an open space for the creative team to share their opinions, helping to build an inspiring work environment.
Employee Profile Management: Store portfolios, freelancer contracts, project information, and automatically send contract renewal reminders.
Performance Reviews & OKRs: Track creative progress by project or team goals, helping managers easily balance workloads and design efficiency.

Pros and Cons of CakeHR HRM Software

Pros

Cons

Automated timekeeping, time, and leave management: Suitable for the flexible working nature of design studios, helping to reduce errors and save operational time.
Anonymous surveys & transparent performance tracking: Helps managers understand the mindset of the creative team, fostering an open work environment and encouraging creativity.
OKR-based goal management: Easily link design project progress with the team’s overall goals, ensuring efficiency and synchronization across departments.
Intuitive, user-friendly interface: Easy to use for both designers and managers, accessible anytime, anywhere on the web or mobile devices.

Primarily suitable for small and medium-sized design businesses; not yet optimized for large agencies with multiple departments and complex projects.
Some advanced features (such as project management software integration or cost allocation per client) require a service plan upgrade.
Requires an initial learning curve, especially for studios that have never used HR management software before.

CakeHR HRM Software Pricing for Design Businesses

CakeHR’s pricing starts at around $4/user/month for the basic plan, suitable for small design studios looking to digitize their basic HR processes.
The full-featured plan can cost up to $16/user/month and includes advanced tools like performance reviews, OKRs, and employee surveys—useful for creative agencies that need flexible team and project management.
Businesses can get a 14-day free trial to experience the interface and features before making a final implementation decision.

1.2.5. Odoo

Odoo HRM is an HR management software within the Odoo ERP ecosystem (Belgium), trusted by many design agencies and studios for its flexible customization capabilities tailored to creative operations. This software is a suitable choice for design businesses aiming for lean, transparent operations and a seamless connection between HR and creative activities.

Key Features of Odoo HRM for Design Businesses

Creative Talent Management: Centralized storage of employee profiles, contracts, professional skills, and roles in each design project.
Flexible Time Tracking: Records time attendance, actual working hours, and leave schedules suitable for the unique nature of project deadlines.
Automated Payroll: Automates the calculation of salaries, allowances, and project commissions, saving accountants processing time.
Performance & Competency Appraisal: Tracks progress, KPIs, and work efficiency by design team or individual, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Project Expense Management: Controls personal expenses, business travel costs, and other expenses incurred for each creative item.
Visual Reporting & Analytics: Provides summary reports by department, project, or individual, helping leadership make quick and accurate decisions.

Pros and Cons of Odoo HRM Software

Pros

Cons

Full lifecycle HR management: From recruitment and timekeeping to payroll and performance evaluation – everything is automated, helping the management team save time for creative work.
Seamless integration: Easily connects with other modules in the Odoo ERP ecosystem, such as accounting, projects, and sales – suitable for multi-department design studios or agencies.
User-friendly, multi-device interface: Allows for flexible access, convenient for remote or project-based teams.
Highly customizable: Easy to configure according to each business’s specific processes, whether it’s a small studio or a large-scale design company.

Complex ERP structure: Requires time to get accustomed to, especially for businesses that have never used an integrated management system.
High implementation and maintenance costs: Additional costs may arise when expanding or customizing features.
Technical dependency: Businesses need an IT team or implementation partner to ensure the system operates stably.
Prone to information overload: Multiple modules can make new users feel overwhelmed during the initial usage phase.

Odoo HRM Software Pricing for Design Businesses

Standard Package: From 7.35 USD/user/month for the first year – suitable for small studios or agencies wanting basic HR management.
Custom Package: From 10.9 USD/user/month for the first year – for design businesses with multiple departments or needing deep customization according to specific processes.
One App Free Package: Free for any single app, unlimited users, helping new businesses start their HRM system without initial costs.

1.2.6. Sage HR

Sage HR is a cloud-based human resource management software developed by Sage Group (UK), helping small and medium-sized agencies and design businesses automate HR processes – from recruiting and onboarding creative personnel to tracking the performance of individuals and project teams.

Key Features of Sage HR Software

Automatically sends reminders for work schedules, project deadlines, or internal events, helping to reduce manual tasks for the design team.
Tracks and evaluates goals for individuals, creative teams, and the entire company; while also collecting feedback and surveying employee engagement levels.
Provides visual data on performance, workload, and personnel costs, helping management allocate resources and make more accurate decisions.

Pros and Cons of Sage HR Software

Pros

Cons

Automates the entire recruitment, onboarding, and HR management process – suitable for design studios that need to save operational time.
Employees can proactively update their profiles, track workdays, and provide feedback directly on the system, making internal processes more flexible.
User-friendly mobile app supports remote work – suitable for the creative industry’s characteristic flexible work schedules.

Implementation and maintenance costs are quite high, which may not be suitable for small-scale design studios or agencies.
Some features and policies are not yet optimized according to labor regulations in Vietnam.

Sage HR HRM Software Cost

The Sage HR solution starts at $5.5/user/month for the basic package, suitable for design businesses looking for lean HR management.
Add-on modules like timekeeping, leave, and performance management cost an additional $1-3/user/month, while the recruitment module is priced around $150-200/month depending on the scale and usage needs.
Businesses can enjoy a 30-day free trial to experience the interface and features before officially subscribing.

2. Benefits of Specialized HRM Software for the Design Industry

Here are the main benefits that HRM software brings to businesses in the design industry:

Administrative Automation: Supports automated timekeeping, payroll, and leave management, helping design teams focus more on creative work.
Centralized Data Management: Stores all records, contracts, and performance reviews on a single platform, making it easy for managers to track and make quick decisions.
Enhanced Employee Experience: Employees can update their own information, request leave, and look up their income.
Performance Tracking & Talent Development: The software evaluates performance using industry-specific KPIs/OKRs, for example: number of completed publications, client-approved UI/UX mockups. Project progress (logos, UI/UX, videos, etc.) is clearly displayed as a percentage, helping managers identify potential talent and develop creative skills.
Improved Team Collaboration: Integrates communication and project management tools, helping departments and design teams work more seamlessly and effectively.
Cost & Time Savings: Reduces administrative staff, cuts down on paperwork, and enhances management efficiency through automation.

Benefits of HRM software for the design industry

3. Criteria for Choosing HRM Software for the Design Industry

When choosing human resource management software for the design industry, businesses should prioritize the following factors:

Customization and Flexibility: The software should be easily adaptable to creative workflows, supporting project management, task assignment, and design progress tracking.
Collaboration Tool Integration: Must be able to connect with project management software, share files, exchange ideas, and update progress in real-time.
User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design helps designers and managers use it easily without extensive training.
Time & Performance Management: Tracks work hours, project progress, work efficiency, and KPIs to ensure a balance between creativity and productivity.
High Data Security: Protects ideas, designs, and internal data from leaks, meeting the security requirements for proprietary projects.
Scalability & Integration: Easily connects with design tools, accounting software, timekeeping systems, or ERP to synchronize the entire operational system.
Flexible Access Support: Allows for remote work and access on multiple devices like laptops, tablets, or smartphones—suitable for the flexible working style of designers.
Reasonable Cost, Optimized Investment: Choose software with a cost appropriate for your scale, with full technical support, that provides long-term value.

Criteria for choosing HRM software for the design industry

4. Frequently Asked Questions about HRM Software for the Design Industry

Question 1: Is human resource management software for the design industry expensive?

The price of human resource management software for the design industry is often quite flexible, depending on the studio’s size, the number of creative team members, and the level of feature customization. For small studios or freelancers, basic packages can start from a very low monthly cost.

Meanwhile, large design companies or multi-project agencies often invest more to get advanced features like project management, creative performance evaluation, or team-based work progress tracking. Overall, the cost is considered reasonable compared to the long-term value the software provides in optimizing processes and enhancing creative efficiency.

Question 2: Is HR data secure when using HRM software for the design industry?

HR data in the design industry often includes sensitive information such as project contracts, creative ideas, image copyrights, and personnel records. Therefore, HRM software for this field is equipped with multi-layered security mechanisms, including data encryption, detailed access permissions, user authentication, and system activity monitoring.

Additionally, the software complies with current security standards and legal regulations, helping to absolutely protect creative ideas, ensure internal information security, and build trust between the company and its design team.

Question 3: What is the difference between HRIS, HRMS, HCM, and Cloud HR?

In the design industry, each business has unique HR management needs, from freelancers and small studios to large-scale design companies. Therefore, understanding the differences between various types of HR management software is crucial:

HRIS (Human Resource Information System): Manages basic employee data such as profiles, contracts, timekeeping, and recruitment—suitable for small design studios looking to digitize their initial HR administration processes.
HRMS (Human Resource Management System): An extension of HRIS, it adds automation for payroll, benefits, KPIs, and training, helping mid-sized design firms optimize operations and manage their creative teams more effectively.
HCM (Human Capital Management): Encompasses both HRIS and HRMS, while also focusing on strategic HR development, talent management, and fostering creative capabilities—suitable for large agencies or design corporations.
Cloud HR: Operates on a cloud-based platform, allowing design staff to work flexibly, access data remotely, save on infrastructure costs, and ensure the security of creative ideas.

Depending on their scale and needs, design businesses can choose a suitable HR software model to manage personnel flexibly while still promoting creative productivity.

Question 4: Which businesses should use Cloud HR?

Design businesses with multiple branches, flexible work arrangements, or those wanting to synchronize HR data with project management, customer, and accounting systems should consider using Cloud HR. This solution helps manage personnel flexibly, offers high security, and allows data access anytime, anywhere.

Question 5: What are the benefits of AI-integrated HRM software for companies in the design field?

Here are the outstanding benefits of AI-integrated HRM software for companies in the design industry:

Automate HR processes: AI handles timekeeping, payroll, leave requests, and candidate profile screening quickly and accurately.
Intelligent data analysis: Tracks performance and KPIs, helping managers easily evaluate the capabilities of the creative team.
Recruitment & talent development: AI selects suitable candidates and suggests personalized training based on design skills.
Better employee experience: AI chatbots assist with leave registration, viewing salaries, and conveniently updating work schedules.
High security & accuracy: Facial recognition protects design ideas and secures personnel data.
Supports team collaboration: AI allocates tasks reasonably and tracks progress to help creative projects run smoothly.

Question 6: How to choose the right HRM software for the design industry?

To choose the right HRM software for a design business, you need to clearly define the HR management needs and creative processes of your team. Prioritize solutions with features specific to the creative industry, such as design project management, flexible timekeeping, and progress and individual performance tracking.

Additionally, you should evaluate its integration capabilities with design tools, user-friendly interface, high security, and scalability, while also taking advantage of a demo to get a hands-on experience before implementation.

Question 7: What are the popular HRM software for the design industry in Vietnam today?

In Vietnam, some popular HRM software suitable for businesses in the design industry include 1Office, Base HRM+, Odoo HRM, CakeHR, AiHR, Sage HR, etc. These solutions support personnel management, flexible timekeeping, payroll, recruitment, and performance evaluation, and can also integrate with project management and design tools, making them suitable for studios, agencies, or creative businesses of various sizes.

Question 8: What functions does management software for the design industry have?

Below are the main functions that management software for the design industry typically provides:

HRM (Human Resource Management): The software automates timekeeping, payroll, profile management, and leave processes, helping employees focus on creative work. It tracks KPIs, manages recruitment, and handles training and talent development. AI integration supports performance analysis and optimizes HR processes.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Manages customer data, contracts, and interaction history on a single platform. The system automates customer care, sends reminders, and supports multi-channel communication. Customer data analysis helps enhance the experience and maintain long-term relationships.
Project Management: Plan, assign tasks, and track the progress of design projects in real-time. It integrates internal communication and document-sharing tools, helping teams collaborate effectively. Progress reports and budget management support cost and time optimization.

See more:

10 Best Project Management Software for Progress Tracking in 2025

What is CRM Software? Top 11 Most Popular CRM Software

Answering frequently asked questions about HRM software for the design industry

Conclusion:

Choosing the right HRM software will help businesses manage personnel intelligently, optimize work processes, and build an effective creative environment. Suitable solutions not only save time and costs but also enhance productivity and team engagement. If your business is looking for HRM software for the design industry, please leave your contact information HERE. The 1Office team of experts will quickly connect with you and provide a detailed consultation.

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