The evolution of payroll automation: From manual calculations to AI-Driven Systems

Meenugu, Sadanandam (2025) The evolution of payroll automation: From manual calculations to AI-Driven Systems. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26 (1). pp. 2051-2061. ISSN 2581-9615

Payroll automation has evolved dramatically from its manual origins to today's AI-driven systems. This evolution spans from early computerization that reduced basic calculation time, through the integration phase that connected payroll with broader business systems, to the cloud revolution enabling anywhere access and operational resilience. Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotic process automation are now reshaping payroll functions from transactional processes to strategic assets. Each evolutionary stage has brought improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and compliance while transforming both operational capabilities and employee experiences. The progression of payroll automation reflects broader technological trends toward integration, intelligence, and autonomy, ultimately repositioning payroll from a necessary administrative function to a strategic contributor to workforce management.