ADP Workforce Now vs. Paylocity: Which HRIS System Offers The Best Value

Explore the differences between ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity to find the perfect solution for your business. Uncover key features, benefits, and user experiences in this comprehensive comparison.

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
July 4, 2023
user comparing HRIS systems

As businesses grow, so do their human resource management needs. Companies often turn to HRIS (Human Resource Information System) solutions to keep up with the demands of an expanding workforce. ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity are two popular options in the market that offer a wide range of HRIS functionalities, including process payroll, benefits administration, and talent management. However, with so many features and options, choosing between the two can take time and effort.

In this article, we'll compare ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity to help you decide which system offers the best value for your business. We'll examine the key features, pricing, and overall user experience to overview each platform comprehensively. By the end of this article, you'll better understand which HRIS system is right for your company.

Key Features:

ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity are comprehensive HRIS systems that offer a range of features to manage employee data, payroll, benefits, and other HR tasks. In this section, we will compare and contrast the key features of both platforms to help you decide which one is best for your business.

Payroll Management:

Both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity offer robust payroll management capabilities. ADP Workforce Now provides payroll processing, tax filing, and direct deposit options. It also allows for the customization of earnings and deductions and integration with time and attendance systems. Paylocity, on the other hand, offers similar features but includes advanced payroll reporting and compliance tools. With Paylocity, you can generate payroll reports and track compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

HR Analytics:

ADP Workforce Now offers powerful HR analytics tools to help you track employee performance and analyze data related to workforce management. The platform provides real-time data on HR metrics such as turnover, retention, and workforce diversity. ADP Workforce Now also enables you to create custom reports and dashboards to visualize data and identify trends. Paylocity also offers HR analytics tools, but its capabilities focus on workforce planning and forecasting. The platform allows you to generate reports on headcount, labor costs, and other workforce metrics.

Employee Self-Service:

Both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity provide self-service portals that support employees in viewing and updating their personal information, requesting time off, and accessing pay stubs and W-2 forms. ADP Workforce Now also includes a mobile app that allows employees to perform these functions on their smartphones. The app also lets employees view their schedules and clock in/out. Paylocity’s mobile app includes similar features and integration with a GPS-enabled time clock for remote employees.

Mobile App:

Both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity offer mobile apps that enable employees to access HR information and perform certain functions on the go. ADP Workforce Now’s mobile app provides access to pay statements, time off requests, and benefits enrollment. It also includes a directory of employees and a company newsfeed. Paylocity’s mobile app offers similar features and a GPS-enabled time clock for remote employees.

Other Important Features:

ADP Workforce Now offers a range of additional features, including benefits administration, performance management, and onboarding tools. The platform also integrates with various third-party applications, such as QuickBooks and Salesforce. Paylocity provides benefits administration and onboarding tools, a learning management system, and HR document management capabilities. Additionally, Paylocity offers a variety of integrations with other HR software providers, such as JazzHR and Lattice.

Overall, both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity offer robust HRIS systems that provide a range of features to manage employee data, payroll, benefits, and other HR tasks. The main difference between the two platforms is their emphasis on certain features. ADP Workforce Now provides more comprehensive HR analytics tools and a wider range of integrations. At the same time, Paylocity focuses on advanced payroll reporting, compliance tools, learning management, and HR document management capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity will depend on your business’s specific needs and priorities.

Pricing:

ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity offers different pricing models depending on the size and needs of your business. ADP Workforce Now does not publish its pricing on its website, so you must contact a sales representative to get a custom quote. However, users of ADP Workforce Now can expect to spend somewhere around $15-25 per employee per month for the suite of HR & payroll functionality.

In Paylocity, employees pay a monthly fee based on their employee number. It can cost anywhere from $18 to $25 per employee per month to subscribe to Paylocity, according to the scope of your subscription.

Typical Paylocity fees include software installation, setup, and implementation charges. The implementation fees for Paylocity work out to about 10-20% of the annual software fee (e.g., $10-20K on a $100K purchase). Paylocity does not generally offer free trials.

Integrations:

Both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity offer integrations with various third-party applications to streamline HR processes and improve efficiency. Here are some examples of the integrations that each platform offers:

ADP Workforce Now integrates with various third-party applications, including time and attendance systems, accounting software, and applicant tracking systems. Some of the most popular integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Concur. ADP Workforce Now also provides an open API that allows businesses to develop custom integrations with other software providers.

Paylocity also offers a variety of integrations with third-party applications, including applicant tracking systems, background check providers, and learning management systems. Some of the most popular integrations include JazzHR, Checkr, and Bridge. Paylocity also provides an open API that allows businesses to develop custom integrations with other software providers.

Overall, the integrations offered by both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity can help businesses streamline HR processes and improve efficiency by integrating with other software systems that are already in use. The specific integrations that are most beneficial will depend on the needs of your organization and the software systems you are currently using.

User experience:

Regarding user experience, both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity aims to provide easy-to-use, intuitive platforms that HR teams can quickly adopt.

ADP Workforce Now offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and provides access to all of the system's features and functions. ADP also offers a variety of training options, including live and recorded webinars, as well as in-person training sessions. Customer support is available through phone, email, and chat, and there is also a community forum where users can ask questions and share ideas with other users.

Paylocity also offers comprehensive training resources for new users, including online training modules and a library of user guides and tutorials. However, some users have reported that the interface can be somewhat difficult to navigate, particularly for less tech-savvy employees. Additionally, Paylocity offers 24/7 customer support to help users troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity offer a range of features and integrations to help businesses streamline HR processes and improve efficiency. ADP Workforce Now may be a better fit for larger businesses requiring a more customized solution and higher support. Paylocity may be a better fit for smaller businesses that need a more affordable and scalable solution.

Ultimately, the choice between ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity will depend on your business's specific needs and budget. We recommend that businesses carefully evaluate each system's features, pricing, and user experience before making a decision. It is also helpful to take advantage of free trials or demos to better understand how each system will work in practice.

FAQs
What are the main differences between ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity?

ADP Workforce Now focuses more on comprehensive HR analytics tools, a wider range of integrations, and customizable solutions. Paylocity, on the other hand, emphasizes advanced payroll reporting, compliance tools, learning management, and HR document management capabilities.

How does the pricing structure of ADP Workforce Now compare to Paylocity?

ADP Workforce Now typically charges around $15-25 per employee per month, with additional implementation fees. Paylocity's pricing ranges from $18 to $25 per employee per month, with installation, setup, and implementation charges. Understanding the specific needs and scope of your business will help in determining which pricing model aligns best with your budget.

What integrations are available with ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity?

Both platforms offer integrations with various third-party applications, such as time and attendance systems, accounting software, applicant tracking systems, and learning management systems. Some popular integrations for ADP Workforce Now include QuickBooks and Salesforce, while Paylocity integrates with JazzHR and Checkr, among others. Evaluating the compatibility of these integrations with your existing software systems is essential in selecting the most suitable platform.

How do the user experiences of ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity compare?

ADP Workforce Now provides a user-friendly interface with comprehensive training options and various support channels, including phone, email, chat, and a community forum. Paylocity also offers training resources and 24/7 customer support but may have a slightly steeper learning curve for some users. Assessing the ease of navigation and available support resources can help determine which platform better suits your organization's user needs.

Which businesses are better suited for ADP Workforce Now or Paylocity?

ADP Workforce Now may be preferable for larger businesses requiring extensive customization, advanced HR analytics, and higher levels of support. Paylocity may be more suitable for smaller businesses seeking a more affordable and scalable solution with a focus on payroll reporting, compliance, and document management. Considering your organization's size, industry, and specific HR requirements will aid in selecting the most appropriate platform.

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Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

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