Comparing Global Payroll Solutions: UKG vs. ADP vs. Dayforce

Discover how UKG, ADP, and Dayforce excel in managing international payroll with robust compliance, data security, and localized HR experiences. Compare their features and strengths to choose the best HRIS for your global workforce management needs on OutSail's marketplace

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
August 3, 2024
user looking at globe with logos

Managing an international workforce requires a robust Human Resource Information System (HRIS) with global capabilities. Ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing across multiple countries is a complex task that requires specialized solutions. Three industry leaders stand out among the many providers: UKG, ADP, and Dayforce. These platforms offer comprehensive global payroll services designed to meet the diverse needs of multinational organizations.

This article delves into each platform's strengths, features, and unique considerations, providing insights to help you choose the best solution for your company’s international payroll needs. By understanding the capabilities of UKG, ADP, and Dayforce, you can make an informed decision to streamline your global payroll processes.

Global Payroll Reach

  • Dayforce: Dayforce offers in-house payroll processing in several countries, supplemented by a network of partnered payroll providers for broader global payroll coverage. This hybrid approach allows Dayforce to control payroll processes in key regions while leveraging local expertise in other areas. The platform’s ability to link all data transmissions through the Dayforce platform simplifies payroll processing and reporting, making it a flexible and scalable solution for multinational organizations.
  • UKG: UKG recently acquired a global payroll solution called Immedis, now called UKG One View. UKG Pro boasts data specifications that cater to payroll requirements in over 100 countries. This acquisition has significantly enhanced UKG’s global payroll capabilities, allowing it to offer a more comprehensive and integrated solution for international payroll management. UKG’s commitment to expanding its global payroll reach ensures that it can meet the diverse needs of its multinational clients.
  • ADP Global Payroll: ADP Global Payroll stands out with the most extensive direct coverage, servicing over 140 countries through a combination of in-house ADP Payroll Partners and established Centers of Excellence. This broad coverage ensures that ADP can provide consistent and reliable payroll services across various jurisdictions. ADP’s extensive experience and infrastructure make it a leading choice for companies seeking robust global payroll solutions.

Compliance and Data Security

  • Dayforce: Dayforce emphasizes global compliance and offers a user-friendly cloud-based solution. The platform’s focus on compliance ensures that companies can easily navigate the complex landscape of international regulations. Dayforce’s configurable SaaS platform quickly scales to meet global needs, providing ultimate flexibility to deliver country-specific requirements and help manage compliance.
  • UKG: UKG focuses on secure data storage and functionalities for managing employee consent and data privacy concerns under regulations like GDPR compliance and CCPA. The platform partners with various vendors for compliance in different regions, ensuring that it meets each jurisdiction's specific legal and regulatory requirements. UKG’s robust data security features make it a reliable choice for companies prioritizing data protection.
  • ADP Global Payroll: ADP Global Payroll showcases adherence to international regulations and certifications like SOC, ISO, and PCI. The platform’s commitment to compliance and data security ensures that companies can trust ADP to handle sensitive employee data securely. ADP’s extensive compliance infrastructure makes it a leading choice for businesses operating in highly regulated industries.

User Experience and Support

  • Dayforce: Dayforce provides a multilingual user interface with support in over 20 languages. This broad language support ensures employees across different regions can use the platform in their preferred language, enhancing the overall user experience. Dayforce’s user-friendly design and intuitive interface make it easy for employees and HR professionals to navigate the system.
  • UKG: UKG offers a core application translated into 14 languages and UKG Ready with options for additional languages. However, their support centers are primarily in the US and UK, which may pose challenges for companies with a significant presence in other regions. Despite this, UKG’s robust HR functionalities and customizable features provide a comprehensive solution for global workforce management.
  • ADP Global Payroll: ADP Global Payroll offers user experience and support in 35 languages with strategically located Centers of Excellence worldwide. This extensive language support and global presence ensure that ADP can provide timely and relevant assistance to its clients, regardless of their location. ADP’s commitment to delivering a high-quality user experience makes it a top choice for multinational companies.

Discover which HRIS is best suited for your global needs using OutSail's HRIS Marketplace

Localized HR Experience

  • Dayforce: Dayforce provides a localized HR experience by offering support in multiple languages and ensuring its platform accommodates various regional requirements. This attention to localization helps companies create a seamless experience for their international workforce. Dayforce’s ability to integrate local payroll expertise with its award-winning platform enhances its overall value proposition.
  • UKG: UKG is dedicated to improving its localized HR experience by expanding its support team and offering services in multiple languages. The platform’s time off policies and workflows can be customized to comply with regulations in different countries, providing a tailored experience for employees worldwide. UKG’s focus on localization ensures that it can meet the diverse needs of its global clients.
  • ADP Global Payroll: ADP excels in offering a localized HR experience by incorporating country-specific fields, holiday calendars, and legal agreements into its platform. This attention to detail ensures that employees feel understood and supported, regardless of location. ADP’s extensive infrastructure and global expertise make it a leading choice for companies looking to provide a seamless and compliant HR experience for their international workforce.

Global Workforce Management

  • Dayforce: Dayforce’s extensive coverage and robust compliance features make it a strong contender for global workforce management. The platform’s ability to handle payroll, compliance, and employee support across multiple countries simplifies the complexities of managing an international team. Dayforce’s integrated approach to global human capital management transforms how companies manage their international workforce.
  • UKG: While UKG’s primary focus is on HR management, its integration with various global payroll providers and compliance with international regulations makes it a viable option for global workforce management. The platform’s customizable workflows and policies cater to the needs of diverse teams, providing a comprehensive solution for managing a global workforce.
  • ADP Global Payroll: ADP’s integrated approach to global workforce management allows companies to oversee HR functions and payroll processes from a single platform. The system’s real-time compliance alerts and localized features support the effective management of international employees. ADP’s extensive experience and infrastructure make it a leading choice for companies looking to streamline their global workforce management processes.

HR Technology for International HR

  • Dayforce: As a leading HR technology provider, Dayforce is designed to meet the needs of international HR. The platform’s comprehensive payroll capabilities, compliance focus, and multilingual support make it a valuable tool for global businesses. Dayforce’s user-friendly interface and scalable SaaS platform ensure that it can meet the evolving needs of multinational organizations.
  • UKG: UKG leverages HR technology to offer flexible solutions for international HR. By integrating with global payroll providers and supporting multiple languages, the platform addresses the diverse needs of global teams. UKG’s robust HR functionalities and customizable features make it a comprehensive solution for managing a global workforce.
  • ADP Global Payroll: ADP combines HR technology with a focus on international HR to provide a seamless experience for companies managing global workforces. The platform’s localization features and compliance tools ensure businesses can effectively navigate the complexities of international HR management. ADP’s extensive global reach and expertise make it a leading choice for multinational companies.

Conclusion

Choosing the right HRIS for a global workforce depends on your specific needs. Dayforce excels in global payroll coverage and compliance, making it ideal for companies with extensive international operations. UKG offers flexibility through integrations, allowing businesses to customize their HRIS with preferred payroll solutions. ADP balances global HR functionalities, localized user experiences, and robust compliance features.

Evaluate your priorities—whether comprehensive global payroll capabilities, adaptable configurations, or a user-friendly experience for your international team—to make an informed decision. Each platform offers unique strengths to help manage your global workforce effectively.

OutSail helps software buyers by providing more support, insights, resources, and expertise, ensuring better decisions in selecting and implementing new tools.

Reports
2024 HRIS 
Landscape Report
Read OutSail's 2024 HRIS Report with write-ups on 30+ leading vendors
Thank you! You can download your report at this link
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Expert Support
Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Accelerate your HRIS selection process with free support
Thank you! Our team will reach out to you shortly
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Newsletter
The HR Tech Download
Stay on the industry's cutting edge with our popular newsletter
Thank you! You will receive the next HR Tech Download newsletter
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
HR Consultants
Challenges go beyond technology?
Download our "State of HR  Outsourcing" whitepaper. Discover trends, strategies & costs within the HR consulting world
Thank you! You can download your report at this link
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

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.

Subscribe to the HR Tech Download

Don't miss out on the latest HR Tech trends. Subscribe now to stay updated
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You are now subscribed to the HR Tech Download!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.