Explore Cornerstone with OutSail: A leading talent management platform priced at $6-10 PEPM, offering best-in-class learning, performance, and compensation management tools while integrating seamlessly with market-leading HRIS providers.

As businesses seek comprehensive talent management solutions, Cornerstone stands out as a best-in-breed platform that excels in learning and development, performance management, recruiting, and compensation planning. Unlike traditional HRIS platforms, Cornerstone does not include payroll, benefits, or timekeeping, allowing it to deeply integrate with leading HR solutions like ADP, UKG, and Ceridian. Below, we explore Cornerstone’s pricing, strengths, challenges, and overall value.

Overview of Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a full-scale talent management system designed for mid-sized to enterprise-level companies. Its learning module is regarded as an industry-leading tool, offering engaging training and development experiences. Additionally, Cornerstone’s acquisitions, such as Grovo, have further strengthened its learning management system (LMS) with micro-learning content that enhances employee engagement.

In recent years, Cornerstone has expanded beyond learning and performance management to include employee management tools like organizational charts and personnel files. However, it is still not a true HRIS due to its lack of payroll, timekeeping, and benefits administration.

Cornerstone is a highly configurable and scalable platform, but implementation can be complex, and customer support is ticket-based, often resulting in slow response times.

The Strengths of Cornerstone

1. Best-in-Class Learning & Development Module

Cornerstone’s learning module is its flagship offering, providing:

• Advanced LMS Features: Supports interactive and engaging learning experiences.
• Micro-Learning Content: Cornerstone’s Grovo acquisition enhances training with bite-sized, highly engaging lessons.
• Compliance & Certifications: Tracks employee training progress and ensures compliance with industry regulations.

Cornerstone is one of the top LMS solutions for businesses that prioritize employee development.

2. Full-Spectrum Talent Management

Cornerstone provides a robust talent management suite, covering:

• Performance Management: Goal setting, continuous feedback, and 360-degree reviews.
• Compensation Planning: Salary benchmarking and merit-based compensation adjustments.
• Recruiting & Onboarding: Streamlined hiring processes with AI-powered candidate recommendations.

These tools help businesses attract, develop, and retain talent more effectively.

3. Seamless Integrations with Leading HRIS Platforms

Unlike many competitors, Cornerstone does not build its own payroll, benefits, or timekeeping tools, allowing it to integrate with industry leaders, including deeply

• ADP
• UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)
• Ceridian

This best-of-breed approach ensures that businesses can leverage specialized solutions while keeping their talent management system connected to core HR functions.

4. Expansion into HR Management Features

Although traditionally focused on talent management, Cornerstone has started expanding into HR functionalities, including:

• Organizational Charts
• Personnel Files

While it’s still not a complete HRIS, these additions provide basic employee management tools that enhance its usability.

5. Active User Community for Support

Cornerstone offers a strong user community that helps businesses:

• Share best practices and implementation tips.
• Troubleshoot challenges and provide peer support.
• Stay updated on new features and platform enhancements.

This community can be an invaluable resource for new users looking to get up to speed quickly.

Learn More: Compare Cornerstone and other leading HR Tech platforms on OutSail marketplace

Points to Consider with Cornerstone

1. Ticket-Based Customer Support with Delayed Responses

One of the biggest complaints from users is the slow response times from Cornerstone’s support team.

• Support operates via a ticketing system, often leading to long wait times.
• Businesses with urgent issues may need third-party consultants to speed up problem resolution.

2. Complex Data Migration & Implementation

• Companies migrating large amounts of data into Cornerstone may struggle with implementation.
• Third-party consultants are often required to smooth the transition.
• Businesses should allocate adequate time and resources to ensure a successful deployment.

3. Limited HRIS Capabilities

While Cornerstone integrates with leading HRIS platforms, it does not offer core HR features, such as:

• Payroll Processing
• Benefits Administration
• Time & Attendance Tracking

Companies that require an all-in-one HRIS may need to pair Cornerstone with an external HRIS provider.

4. Developing Succession Planning Module

• The succession planning tool is newer than Cornerstone’s other modules.
• Some businesses have found it to be less developed and customizable than leading competitors.

Organizations should assess whether the current functionality meets their succession planning needs.

Pricing Structure

Cornerstone operates on a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model, ranging from $6-10 PEPM.

Key pricing considerations include:

• Base Pricing: $6-10 PEPM, depending on selected modules.
• Implementation Costs: Businesses migrating significant data may require third-party consulting, increasing setup expenses.
• Integration Fees: Some advanced integrations may require additional costs.

Deciding if Cornerstone is Right for Your Business

Leveraging Strengths

• Industry-Leading Learning Module: One of the most advanced LMS platforms available.
• Comprehensive Talent Management: Covers performance, recruiting, and compensation planning.
• Seamless Integrations: Works with ADP, UKG, and other top HRIS providers.
• Growing HR Capabilities: New features like org charts and personnel files expand usability.

Addressing Challenges

• Support Delays: Businesses may need to factor in third-party consultants for timely assistance.
• Implementation Complexity: Proper planning is required for large-scale data migrations.
• HRIS Limitations: Lacks payroll, benefits, and timekeeping, requiring integration with external systems.
• New Succession Planning Tool: This may not yet be as robust as other industry-leading solutions.

Who Should Use Cornerstone?

Cornerstone is ideal for:

• Mid-Sized to Enterprise Companies: Organizations needing a scalable talent management system.
• Businesses Prioritizing Learning & Development: Companies focused on employee training and compliance.
• Organizations with an Existing HRIS: Businesses using ADP, UKG, or Ceridian that need a strong talent management add-on.

Conclusion

Cornerstone is a best-in-breed talent management platform that excels in learning, performance management, and recruiting. Its deep integrations with leading HRIS providers make it a powerful choice for organizations seeking specialized talent management software.

While customer support delays and implementation challenges are concerns, Cornerstone’s advanced LMS, compensation tools, and HR integrations make it a valuable investment for mid-enterprise businesses.

Companies that require an all-in-one HRIS with payroll, benefits, and timekeeping may need additional integrations. Still, for businesses prioritizing talent development and employee performance, Cornerstone is one of the strongest options available.

FAQs

1. What are Cornerstone’s main strengths?

Cornerstone excels in learning and development, performance management, and recruiting, offering seamless integrations with leading HRIS providers like ADP and UKG.

2. What challenges might users face with Cornerstone?

Common issues include slow support response times, complex data migration, and the lack of core HR functionalities (payroll, benefits, timekeeping).

3. How much does Cornerstone cost?

Cornerstone is priced at $6-10 PEPM, with additional costs for implementation and integrations.

4. Is Cornerstone suitable for small businesses?

Cornerstone is best suited for mid-sized to enterprise organizations, as small businesses may find it too complex and costly.

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