Directory Sync/SCIM Provisioning vs HRIS Integration: Understanding the Difference

When connecting your organization's employee data to the 5mins learning platform, you have two integration options: Directory Sync (SCIM Provisioning) and HRIS Integration (Full Sync). Understanding the differences between these approaches is crucial for choosing the right solution for your organization's needs.

What is Directory Sync (Partial Sync)?

Directory Sync is a lightweight integration that connects to your organization's employee directory system, such as:

  • Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)

  • Google Workspace Directory

  • Okta Universal Directory

  • Other LDAP/SCIM directory services

This integration focuses primarily on user authentication and basic employee information rather than comprehensive HR data management.

Directory Sync Capabilities:

  • Employee names and email addresses

  • User authentication via SSO

  • Active/inactive employee status

What is HRIS Integration (Full Sync)?

HRIS Integration connects directly to your Human Resources Information System, such as:

  • BambooHR

  • Workday

  • ADP

  • PeopleHR

  • HiBob

  • 50+ other HRIS platforms

This integration provides comprehensive employee data synchronization including detailed HR information, organizational structure, and employment details.

HRIS Integration Capabilities:

  • Complete employee profiles with hire dates, roles, and locations

  • Detailed organizational hierarchy and team structures

  • Employment types (full-time, part-time, contractor, intern)

  • Manager relationships and reporting structures

  • Employee lifecycle management (onboarding/offboarding)

  • Historical employment data and changes

  • Custom fields and metadata from your HRIS

Key Differences at a Glance

Directory Sync

FeatureDirectory SyncHRIS Integration

Data Depth

Basic employee info

Comprehensive HR data

Team Structure

Not Supported

Rich hierarchical data

Employment Details

Minimal

Full employment details

Onboarding

Manual setup required

Automatic based on hire date

Offboarding

Manual deactivation

Automatic based on termination

Manager Relationships

Not Supported

Detailed reporting structure

Custom Fields

Not supported

Full HRIS field mapping

Maintenance

Low

Minimal (automated)

Conclusion

While Directory Sync/SCIM Provisioning offers a quick path to basic user synchronization, HRIS Integration provides significant long-term advantages through automation, accuracy, and rich organizational data. For most organizations, the initial investment in HRIS Integration pays dividends through reduced administrative overhead, improved compliance, and enhanced learning analytics capabilities.

The choice between these integration types should be based on your organization's complexity, administrative resources, and long-term learning management goals. HRIS Integration represents the more strategic, scalable approach that grows with your organization's needs.