Rippling

Overview

Rippling offers a natively integrated platform that combines Applicant Tracking (ATS), Payroll, and Identity and Access Management (IAM) modules, all built upon a single, shared employee database. This architecture, which Rippling refers to as a 'Single Source of Truth' or 'Employee Graph,' is a core design principle that allows data to flow seamlessly across HR and IT functions without requiring third-party middleware or custom API integrations for core operations. The platform includes 'Rippling Recruiting' as its native ATS, a full-service payroll engine, and a comprehensive IT Cloud for managing user identities, application access, and devices. Because these modules are developed in-house and share the same data foundation, actions in one module can automatically trigger processes in others.

Key Features

Rippling's identity management capabilities extend to dynamic Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), which is managed through a feature called 'Supergroups.' These are rules-based groups that automatically grant or revoke access to applications and resources based on an employee's attributes in the HRIS. For example, a promotion from a junior to a senior role can automatically trigger the system to grant access to additional software or sensitive data. This ensures that permissions are always aligned with an employee's current status. This automation is equally critical during offboarding. When an employee is terminated in the HRIS, a single click can initiate a complete deprovisioning workflow, instantly revoking access to all applications, locking their devices, and disabling their Single Sign-On (SSO) credentials. This rapid, comprehensive offboarding process is a critical security feature that prevents unauthorized access by former employees.

Technical Specifications

While Rippling's strength lies in its unified native modules, the platform is not a closed system. It is designed to be flexible and acknowledges that many organizations have existing investments in other tools. Rippling supports integrations with over 70 third-party HRIS platforms, including Workday, BambooHR, and ADP, allowing companies to use Rippling's IT and identity management capabilities even if they keep their existing HR system as the primary source of record. Additionally, it integrates with over 600 third-party applications using industry standards like SCIM and SAML, enabling automated user provisioning and deprovisioning across a wide ecosystem of business tools. This hybrid approach allows companies to either consolidate fully onto the Rippling platform or use its modules to connect and automate their existing, disparate systems.

How It Works

The automated data flow begins at the earliest stage of the employee lifecycle. When a recruiter uses Rippling Recruiting to manage candidates, all the information captured—from personal details to offer letters and compensation packages—is stored in the central database. Once a candidate accepts an offer, the system automatically converts their candidate record into an active employee profile. This single action populates the HR Information System (HRIS) and Payroll modules with all the necessary information for employment and compensation, eliminating the need for manual data re-entry and reducing the risk of errors. This same hiring event simultaneously triggers the identity management system. Based on the new employee's role, department, location, and other attributes defined during the hiring process, Rippling automatically provisions user accounts for necessary applications like Slack or Google Workspace, assigns them to the correct email distribution lists, and can even initiate the order for a pre-configured work laptop.

Use Cases

Limitations and Requirements

Comparison to Alternatives

Summary

In conclusion, Rippling provides a deeply integrated suite of ATS, payroll, and identity management tools built on a unified data model. This architecture enables a high degree of automation across the entire employee lifecycle, from initial recruitment and onboarding to role changes and secure offboarding. By eliminating the need for middleware to connect these fundamental business functions, the platform aims to reduce administrative overhead, improve data accuracy, and enhance security. Its extensive integration capabilities also provide a pathway for companies that wish to augment their existing systems rather than replace them entirely.