Recently, at a leading industry conference in South Australia, attended by Solution Minds Consulting’s Jamon Johnston and Mile Dimkovski, a number of discussions focused on critical changes and evolutions in the HCM environment (including systems and processes) for organisations in Australia. Corporations, not-for-profit organisations, and government agencies were all in attendance, highlighting that HR and payroll transformation is a priority across sectors.
It became evident that many organisations are facing a pressing need to move away from legacy solutions that are no longer adequately supported, developed, or aligned with modern workforce management needs. One such transition that was mentioned various times involves organisations moving away from CIM (a residential management, accounting and HR software in the Aged Care market) towards more sustainable, scalable, and efficient HR and payroll solutions.
Why Are Organisations Moving Away from CIM?
For many industries, including aged care, disability services, and other workforce-intensive sectors, outdated HR and payroll systems create ongoing challenges, including:
- Limited Integration Capabilities – Many organisations need seamless integration with rostering, workforce planning, and finance systems, which older platforms may not effectively support.
- Compliance & Award Interpretation Challenges – The increasing complexity of payroll compliance, including Fair Work regulations and enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs), requires more sophisticated, automated solutions.
- Scalability & User Experience Issues – With mobile access, remote work, and real-time workforce management becoming essential, legacy systems often struggle to meet modern expectations.
- Outdated or ceased system support and development – Some solutions naturally reach their end of life and are shelved, either when acquired or outpaced by the market.
Finding the Right Alternative: Exploring Modern HR & Payroll Solutions
Organisations transitioning away from CIM are exploring a range of HR and payroll platforms that offer enhanced compliance management, integration, and user experience. Modern solutions provide:
- Real-Time Payroll & Compliance Management – Unlike older batch-based payroll processing, modern solutions offer continuous payroll calculations, reducing errors and ensuring compliance.
- Seamless Workforce Planning & Integration – Newer platforms provide better connectivity with rostering, scheduling, and finance tools, critical for highly regulated sectors.
- Enhanced Employee Experience – Cloud-based, mobile-friendly solutions empower employees with self-service capabilities, improving accessibility and engagement.
Jamon Johnston highlighted the importance of selecting the right system:
“The decision to move away from CIM and other similar solutions isn’t just about replacing a legacy system; it’s about ensuring organisations have a future-proof HR and payroll solution that supports workforce flexibility, compliance, and operational efficiency.”
Mile Dimkovski added:
“Organisations need solutions that grow with them, providing automation, integration, and a better employee experience alongside more constructive partnerships with Vendors. Now is the time for HR leaders to take a strategic approach to review and selection of both systems and partners.”
Supporting the Transition: Selecting the Right HR & Payroll System
With many organisations in South Australia now evaluating alternatives to CIM, there is a strong need for expert guidance in selecting and implementing the right HR and payroll technology. Solution Minds Consulting has extensive experience in vendor evaluation and implementation support, assisting organisations with:
- Needs Analysis & Requirements Gathering
- Shortlisting & RFP Development
- Vendor Demonstrations & Evaluation
- Implementation Roadmap & Change Management
At the recent SA HR Leadership Summit, discussions reinforced the urgency for organisations to modernise their HR technology landscape. Leadership teams are prioritising solutions that not only meet today’s compliance standards but also support long-term workforce adaptability.
Final Thoughts from Jamon and Mile
The transition away from CIM represents a pivotal moment for organisations seeking to modernise their HR and payroll functions. From our conversations, it is clear that many organisations have already made the move quickly and through a DIY approach and most have had less than optimal outcomes. We firmly believe that the lesson here is to take a more hybrid approach – external guidance and DIY where relevant. Those that proactively embrace this change will benefit from enhanced payroll accuracy, compliance confidence, and workforce efficiency.
Solution Minds Consulting is ready to support organisations in South Australia and beyond in making informed decisions about their HR and payroll transformation, ensuring they implement systems that are future-ready and aligned with their operational needs.
Ready to take your HR and payroll systems into the future? Discover fresh perspectives with our expert guides and tailored resources:
- Human Capital Management Software Solutions Guide
- Payroll Software Solutions Guide
- Learning Management System (LMS) Software Solutions Guide
- Workforce Management & Rostering Software Solutions Guide
Or book a free discovery call with one of our directors. Your journey to a future‑ready HR system starts here.
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