ADP Workforce Now vs. APS Payroll

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ADP Workforce Now
Score 8.0 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
ADP Workforce Now is a cloud-based HR platform for mid-sized businesses. It features customizable modules of various HR services that businesses can tailor to their specific needs, as well as regulatory monitoring and alerts to help businesses remain compliant.N/A
APS Payroll
Score 6.9 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
APS is a national workforce management and cloud-based HR solution provider. The platform includes core HR, payroll, time and attendance (including manager and employee self-service), compliance tools, and onboarding.N/A
Pricing
ADP Workforce NowAPS Payroll
Editions & Modules
Essential
Contact sales team
Enhanced
Contact sales team
Complete
Contact sales team
HR Pro
Contact sales team
Payroll Essentials
Contact sales team
HR Plus
Contact sales team
Hiring Advantage
Contact sales team
Performance Plus
Contact sales team
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ADP Workforce NowAPS Payroll
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesYes
Entry-level Setup FeeRequiredRequired
Additional DetailsPlease contact ADP for a product demo and ask about a hands-on "test drive" of Workforce Now.Our Payroll solution is offered as a standalone service, but additional solutions must be used in conjunction with our Payroll solution. This ensures the best possible user experience for our customers.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
ADP Workforce NowAPS Payroll
Considered Both Products
ADP Workforce Now
Chose ADP Workforce Now
We were looking at these vendors as options to change from ADP. They are still on a mainframe structure, while most competitors are on a cloud-based system.
Chose ADP Workforce Now
APS is not compatible with PayScale. We also reviewed PayNW and whilst it was compatible with PayScale, there was an additional cost for every new hire, garnishment, and requisition created.
APS Payroll
Chose APS Payroll
They both have their good points and negative points, overall I think ADP is a better with recruitment platforms and onboarding. But APS had some good features as well.
Chose APS Payroll
APS Online is a much simpler system to use for end users and administrators, processing is quicker (immediate), and integration between the various modules is seamless. In the past, HRB talked to Payroll module, Payroll module talked to Etime, however HRB didn't talk to Etime …
Chose APS Payroll
We were previously with ADP and while the functionality improved when we moved to the Workforce Now version, we still wanted an improved and more economical solution for integrating payroll and HR with benefits management. APS Online offers that.
Chose APS Payroll
APS has been the easiest to work with hands down. Our accounting software is Great Plains, but the payroll module was insufficient. APS has provided us an export compatible with Great Plains.
Chose APS Payroll

We had used ADP for years and had always struggled with their customer service. With over 20 locations (20+ W2s, quarterly filings, etc) we had a lot of questions. We would have to call and sit on hold for long periods of time to talk to someone who couldn't always answer our …

Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
ADP Workforce NowAPS Payroll
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.7
1022 Ratings
2% below category average
APS Payroll
7.3
32 Ratings
7% below category average
Employee demographic data8.1903 Ratings8.329 Ratings
Employment history8.2939 Ratings7.427 Ratings
Job profiles and administration8.0890 Ratings6.420 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.7.5917 Ratings8.326 Ratings
Organizational charting6.7643 Ratings4.013 Ratings
Organization and location management7.5704 Ratings8.619 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)7.6648 Ratings8.020 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
8.0
1034 Ratings
0% below category average
APS Payroll
8.8
32 Ratings
9% above category average
Pay calculation8.7995 Ratings9.231 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors7.5389 Ratings8.013 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment7.9294 Ratings9.23 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.9798 Ratings8.822 Ratings
Direct deposit files8.7983 Ratings8.931 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management7.9769 Ratings8.723 Ratings
Reimbursement management7.7468 Ratings8.913 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.7
844 Ratings
5% below category average
APS Payroll
7.6
25 Ratings
6% below category average
Approval workflow8.0766 Ratings8.225 Ratings
Balance details7.6800 Ratings7.024 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment7.6648 Ratings7.618 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
8.0
1014 Ratings
1% below category average
APS Payroll
7.7
33 Ratings
5% below category average
View and generate pay and benefit information8.3977 Ratings9.432 Ratings
Update personal information8.6968 Ratings9.230 Ratings
View company policy documentation8.2782 Ratings6.823 Ratings
Employee recognition7.0366 Ratings5.014 Ratings
View job history7.732 Ratings8.023 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
6.0
12 Ratings
25% below category average
APS Payroll
5.8
12 Ratings
29% below category average
Tracking of all physical assets6.012 Ratings5.812 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.1
944 Ratings
7% below category average
APS Payroll
7.2
32 Ratings
5% below category average
Report builder7.4927 Ratings7.932 Ratings
Pre-built reports7.6923 Ratings7.231 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data6.4550 Ratings6.617 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.2
116 Ratings
11% below category average
APS Payroll
9.7
19 Ratings
19% above category average
New hire portal7.6112 Ratings9.519 Ratings
Manager tracking tools6.892 Ratings9.815 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.8
311 Ratings
4% below category average
APS Payroll
7.4
11 Ratings
10% below category average
Corporate goal setting7.9240 Ratings8.12 Ratings
Individual goal setting7.9291 Ratings7.89 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility7.5238 Ratings5.18 Ratings
Performance tracking7.8284 Ratings8.611 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
7.3
402 Ratings
8% below category average
APS Payroll
6.8
13 Ratings
15% below category average
Performance plans7.3361 Ratings7.612 Ratings
Performance improvement plans7.2309 Ratings6.010 Ratings
Review status tracking7.5366 Ratings7.611 Ratings
Review reminders7.3378 Ratings7.212 Ratings
Multiple review frequency7.2313 Ratings5.611 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
6.0
7 Ratings
27% below category average
APS Payroll
5.0
1 Ratings
45% below category average
Create succession plans/pools5.86 Ratings5.01 Ratings
Candidate ranking5.86 Ratings5.01 Ratings
Candidate search6.37 Ratings00 Ratings
Candidate development6.26 Ratings00 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
ADP Workforce Now
6.8
421 Ratings
13% below category average
APS Payroll
8.1
8 Ratings
4% above category average
Job Requisition Management7.6366 Ratings9.56 Ratings
Company Website Posting8.1358 Ratings9.57 Ratings
Publish to Social Media7.1287 Ratings6.16 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting7.3321 Ratings8.86 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention2.38 Ratings6.57 Ratings
Applicant Tracking7.1362 Ratings9.16 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts8.3383 Ratings6.98 Ratings
Best Alternatives
ADP Workforce NowAPS Payroll
Small Businesses
Patriot Software
Patriot Software
Score 9.0 out of 10
Patriot Software
Patriot Software
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.5 out of 10
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.5 out of 10
Enterprises
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.3 out of 10
Infor Human Resources
Infor Human Resources
Score 7.3 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
ADP Workforce NowAPS Payroll
Likelihood to Recommend
8.3
(1089 ratings)
8.5
(35 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
7.4
(82 ratings)
9.7
(6 ratings)
Usability
6.2
(78 ratings)
9.5
(4 ratings)
Availability
7.3
(14 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Performance
6.4
(13 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
7.1
(463 ratings)
6.8
(5 ratings)
In-Person Training
8.1
(9 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Online Training
5.8
(17 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Implementation Rating
5.9
(34 ratings)
8.7
(4 ratings)
Configurability
6.4
(10 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
6.1
(8 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
7.5
(751 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
5.2
(8 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
6.1
(8 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
ADP Workforce NowAPS Payroll
Likelihood to Recommend
ADP
If you are looking to automate processes and have the system handle administrative, boring tasks this is the system for you. They are continuing to evolve and are coming out with improvements constantly. Have a suggestion on an improvement they will listen and consider implementing.
Read full review
APS Payroll
I think that APS Online is scalable to any organization. It's a wonderful product and I have had so many managers that work with me that feel the same way. We haven't been with them quite a year yet but since we've started it has made a world of difference for us. Things to ask about- 1- Do they specialize in or can they accommodate states that you are working in and their various rules? 2- What type of customer service? Do they have a call center or do they have a designated person like APS? 3- How long do your reports stay in the system? (ADP "archived" theirs after a year so we couldn't reach them)
Read full review
Pros
ADP
  • HRIS that is personalized for the employee and addresses DE&I needs.
  • Payroll, of course! The system addresses all needs, such as deductions, additional pay, premium OT, and shift differentials.
  • Onboarding is an excellent way to stay in compliance and have all documents completed.
  • Tax and Banking and resolution to any issues.
Read full review
APS Payroll
  • It's fast and intuitive. Our previous contractors were ADP and Paychex and neither were intuitive. Our payroll runs have less errors now than with previous vendors. Payroll prep time is down from 5 hours with ADP to 2 hours with APS for the HR Manager.
  • The limiters are great. I'm always afraid of that error that no one caught. Let's assume that you add a $200 limiter to overtime. Any time that a staff member is about to receive more than $200 in overtime for that pay period, a red flag goes up for the HR manager to double check.
  • We have 3 programs in public schools that block certain ports. APS has a 2nd feature using GPS so that staff can only check in for their shift while they are in the designated GPS range. Great for someone who has to report to a remote location. Just add the GPS coordinates and they can't check until they get to the project.
Read full review
Cons
ADP
  • I would like it if better communication was sent out about new product updates. Sometimes, I go into a screen and things are different and I have to relearn it on the fly.
  • Editing the mobile app - I would like it if what is shown on the desktop version was automatically on the app. WAY more of my employees use the app, but I put the most important information on the desktop version because it is easier to update.
Read full review
APS Payroll
  • Reporting - We have six different business units and the reporting is separate for all three. Most reporting I do requires information from all business units so am running six reports and then copying and pasting to get the report I need.
  • Multi-state taxes - We have a number of employees who live in New York and work in New Jersey. APS OnLine is designed to accommodate one state withholding so ability to have "worked in" state and "lived in" state taxes withheld went away. This was a shortfall.
  • The Carrier connection setup took much longer than expected. After a year, we are still having some issues with some items transferring over to the GL.
  • The CA overtime calculation does not calculate after 8 hours per day, only on the 40 per week so we override each week.
  • Reporting - when running Benefit reports, it recognizes employees who formerly carried the plan but may have dropped it. To get around this, we have to delete off the employee's record so the history is not readily available.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
ADP
Due to the lack of support from the sales and service center we are looking at other options outside of ADP. Again it is a good system, it just lacks the support it deserves from the company employees. It is just unimaginable that you will need to reach out to a service provider several times for the same issue and not get it resolved.
Read full review
APS Payroll
I have been using the system for over a year now and feel more comfortable with the functionality of it. I have just recently implemented the benefit administration portion.
Read full review
Usability
ADP
I would give it a 10 however I do not like when ADP does facelifts in Workforce Now which does not add any value other than having to relearn navigation. I am also not a big fan of being forced to refer to the Bridge. We have Google which gives the same results. If I understood the answer I would not contact our Account Rep.
Read full review
APS Payroll
In general, it's a great system to use. We were looking for simplicity and ease of use and have received raves from our employees in their ability to access and make use of the system. There is still so much more that we have yet to gain as we continue working through each of the modules.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
ADP
ADP outages are very rare
Read full review
APS Payroll
I haven't had any outages
Read full review
Performance
ADP
Overall, I think the functionality of the program works pretty well. Sometimes, certain browsers do not work well for the policy function of ADP, but that is the only issue thus far
Read full review
APS Payroll
Very quick
Read full review
Support Rating
ADP
I have contacted support multiple times and have always been happy with the results. ADP's support staff is always helpful and makes easy work of solving problems. I love my Payroll Account Manager, as well as my Enhanced Time Account Manager.
Read full review
APS Payroll
I had to learn APS on my own, and the support team held my hand. They are still there when I have an occasional question. Anytime I need support, I can call my rep or send an email and help is on the way, without failure. The support team is awesome
Read full review
In-Person Training
ADP
In-person training was pretty good - I think this significantly depends on the trainer. Our trainer was really good and showed what ADP can do - but I know that all trainers are not the same - and this truly makes such as difference. Overall, our training went pretty well.
Read full review
APS Payroll
Even if it wasn't in-person on location, we felt like we had our trainer in the room with us.
Read full review
Online Training
ADP
At the time training was not as expansive as it is now. If it could go wrong it did for me so the process was difficult and lengthy. I needed to have more in person walkthroughs of things to ensure the transition was done correctly. Not sure what else I can say, we were part of the initial move to Workforce Now when it was introduced.
Read full review
APS Payroll
We had great webinars.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
ADP
Either assign more than one specialist to the implementation process, or assign less clients to the implementation specialist. The process requires attention to detail and the ability to test and re-test as well as verify the information. It also requires a lot of back and forth between the client ant the implementation specialist, so they need to be readily available during the whole implementation process.
Read full review
APS Payroll
It would have been helpful to understand the phases of the implementation up front so I could have prepared differently for enrollments, billing, and transfer of information to payroll. At the end of the day, I'm happy with the selection and the system and anticipate I will like it better as we go along. We have done a number of other system implementations in the past few years, and this has been pretty painless, however, I've had a few surprises.
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Alternatives Considered
ADP
Although this SAS takes longer to perform the everyday functions related to payroll and HR data input, the difference in this software and our previous software is like night and day. We were on a very old server platform and had too many issues with continuous need for backup.
Read full review
APS Payroll
I have used ADP for many years and always found the system to be restrictive in ADP's resistance to building rules that matched the organization's needs rather than asking the organization to modify its policies to match 'canned' rules already built within ADP. Bamboo and several other newer systems really cannot support the many separate EINs under the corporate umbrella. And, finally, the other products are simply too costly for this organization.
Read full review
Scalability
ADP
It handles very well with very sensitive data of a company especially of employees. Even provides HR services regarding recruitment services like recruitment, providing notification, even handles increment cycle of employee, any awards achieved by employees. All of this services are handled by them in very efficient way.
Read full review
APS Payroll
I've never had a problem with the system nor in finding the right information.
Read full review
Return on Investment
ADP
  • ADP WorkforceNow has provided a positive ROI for our company. It has saved me countless hours in the time I used to spend preparing reports, managing benefits, and annual enrollment, recruitment tracking, and much more.
  • The integration with Payscale has allowed our company to take every position in our organization and benchmark it to industries and job titles. This has allowed us to be more competitive on recruitment and retention.
  • We have used the new DE&I dashboard to provide valuable information on the landscape of our workforce, as well as areas of our organization that may not be as diverse.
Read full review
APS Payroll
  • APS OnLine has helped us streamline the payroll process by freeing up our time of not having to personally cut and sign weekly paychecks. We don't have to rely on check signers to be present which has helped our timeliness as well.
Read full review
ScreenShots

ADP Workforce Now Screenshots

Screenshot of ADP Workforce Now: a simple and complete human capital management solutionScreenshot of Benchmarking by ADP DataCloud: an application with an extensive data set ... available to ADP Workforce Now clientsScreenshot of ADP Workforce Now clients can equip their employees with the ADP Mobile self-service app

APS Payroll Screenshots

Screenshot of Benefits Administration Dashboard