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HR Glossary

Onboarding software

HR technology
What is onboarding software?

Onboarding software runs a new starter's first weeks in one place: contracts and forms before day one, induction and compliance training, role-specific learning, tasks for the manager and check-ins along the way. Its job is to get people productive sooner and stop the early exits that cost the most.

What it covers

The paperwork comes first: the contract, tax and super details, policies to read and acknowledge, and the Fair Work Information Statement every new employee in the national system must receive. Then the induction: who is who, how things work, the safety and compliance training the role requires. The better systems keep going after week one, with role-specific learning, manager tasks and scheduled check-ins through to the end of probation.

Why it matters

New starters decide early whether they made the right call, and early leavers are an expensive kind of turnover, because the hiring cost is spent and the productivity never arrives. Onboarding software shortens the time to productivity by removing the waiting for access, equipment and someone to explain how things work and makes sure nothing in the induction depends on one busy manager remembering it.

Onboarding software, HRIS or LMS?

Many human resource information system (HRIS) products include basic onboarding forms and checklists. A learning management system (LMS) handles the training side: induction modules, compliance courses and the record that each was completed. Where onboarding lives matters less than whether it is structured by role, so a new site supervisor and a new accountant get the induction their jobs need.

Where
Compono Develop fits.

Compono Develop is a learning management system (LMS) that tracks what people need to be capable of, rather than what they completed.

See an onboarding path built for one role, from induction through to an assessment and a manager's sign-off.

See how it works

Keep exploring

Free checklist

Employee Onboarding Checklist

Every step from offer to the end of probation, ready to use. Free, no sign-up.

Open the checklist →Related term

Applicant tracking system (ATS)

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that runs the hiring process from job ad to offer: it posts roles, collects applications, moves candidates through stages and keeps the record of every decision.

Read the definition →Related term

Learning management system (LMS)

A learning management system (LMS) is software that delivers training to employees, tracks who completed what and reports on it.

Read the definition →Related term

Time to productivity

Time to productivity (or ramp time) is how long a new hire takes to reach full expected output in their role, commonly around three to six months for professional roles.

Read the definition →Related term

Probation period

A probation period is a contractual trial period at the start of employment, commonly three to six months, used to assess whether a new hire suits the role.

Read the definition →HR Glossary

All terms

Every definition, with the local rules, rates and thresholds attached.

Browse the glossary →

Common questions

How long should onboarding last?

Longer than most organisations plan for. Paperwork and induction take days, but reaching full productivity in a role takes months, so structured onboarding usually runs to the end of the probation period.

What should onboarding software measure?

Completion of the required steps, time to productivity, and early turnover. The first proves compliance; the other two tell you whether onboarding is working.

This page is general information, not legal advice. We check figures annually and update them on a best-efforts basis, but employment rules change and we cannot promise everything here is current or complete. Before you act on it, confirm the detail with the official source for your jurisdiction or your own adviser. Last reviewed October 2026.