Performance management process and performance management system are two sides of the same coin. They’re different yet related.

The Difference

The difference between performance management process and system can be shown using these examples

1. Definition

Performance management process (PMP) is step-by-step activities an organization follows to plan, monitor, evaluate, and improve employee performance.

Performance management system (,PMS) is the framework, tools, policies, and technology that support and facilitate the performance management process.

2. Focus

Performance management process focuses on the actual cycle of goal setting, feedback, reviews, development, and rewards.

Performance management system focuses on the software, forms, HR policies, appraisals templates, and rating systems that support performance.

3. Nature

Performance management process is a method or workflow of setting goals, monitoring performance etc.

The nature of performance management system is as an infrastructure that supports PMP.

It includes a company’s online appraisal platform, HR policy manual, rating scales, and reporting dashboards.

How to integrate PMP and PMS

Integrating requires embedding each step of the performance process into the tools. It involves embedding them into the policies and structures that make up the performance system. In so doing the PMP will run smoothly, consistently, and measurably.

How is Integration Done?

The next is a step-by-step way of Integration of the process into the system.

1. Translate Process Steps into System Modules

• In setting of goals during planning performance goals can set using goal-setting forms and online objective-tracking dashboards.

• Monitoring progress can be supported by use of system check-in templates and progress-tracking features in HRIS.

• Performance reviewing can by using system appraisal forms, rating scales and peer review tools.

• Recognition of performance will be supported by the system rewards database and automated recognition alerts.

2. Use Technology to Automate and Standardize

Technology is key in integration of PMC into PMS.

• The performance process can be integrated into a Performance Management Software (PMS) like the HRIS module.

• Reminders can be automated for goal reviews, appraisal deadlines, and feedback sessions.

• Templates and workflows can be used to help managers to follow the same structure across departments.

3. Align Policies with Process

Policies fuel the Implementation of PMC. For policies to be integrated:

• Write clear HR policies that mirror the process. Be specific on how often reviews will happen, how feedback will be given, and what improvement plans will look like.

• Include the process steps in the employee handbook so that expectations are transparent.

4. Create a Data Flow.

Data play critical roles in PM. To integrate PMC and PMS ensure the system collects data at each stage. For example:

• Planning- collect data on goal achievement rates.

• At the monitoring stage collect data on feedback logs

• From the review stage data on appraisal scores will be collected.

• In the rewarding stage data on recognition records need to be collected.

• The collected data should be linked to organizational KPIs to make performance outcomes inform strategy.

5. Train Users

Training and Development play a role in the integration of PMC and PMS. There is need to:

• Train managers and employees not just on how to use the system but also why each process step matters.

• Simulate the full PM cycle in the system so staff understand how planning, reviewing, and rewarding work together.

6. Continuous Improvement

Performance should not be left at that. It needs to be improved. Improve performance by:

• Using the system-generated analytics to identify bottlenecks like delays in reviews and lack of feedback frequency.

• Adjusting both the process and the system based on insights.

Conclusion

In performance management think of the process as the recipe and the system as the kitchen. Integrating PMC and PMS involves ensuring the kitchen is stocked. It should be organized and automated. This way, the recipe can be followed consistently for better results.