Ascentis (discontinued) vs. TriNet HR Platform

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Ascentis (discontinued)
Score 7.5 out of 10
N/A
Ascentis HR uses web-based management programs to help automate complex HR processes. Ascentis’ other services included customizable payroll, time and attendance and recruiting modules. Ascentis was acquired by UKG in March of 2022, and will be discontinued.N/A
TriNet HR Platform
Score 6.8 out of 10
N/A
Zenefits is a free, cloud-based core-HR platform. It primarily services small to mid-sized businesses and provides time management and benefits administration capabilities.
$10
per month
Pricing
Ascentis (discontinued)TriNet HR Platform
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Essentials
$10
per month per employee
Growth
$20
per month per employee
Zen
$33
per month per employee
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Ascentis (discontinued)TriNet HR Platform
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Ascentis (discontinued)TriNet HR Platform
Considered Both Products
Ascentis (discontinued)
Chose Ascentis (discontinued)
Zenefits is the only other online HR software I have used. While Acentis is much more expensive for the same offerings Zenefits may offer, the personal touch of using a more locally managed company like Ascentis far out weighs the extra cost that comes with it. I would never …
TriNet HR Platform

No answer on this topic

Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
Ascentis (discontinued)TriNet HR Platform
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
7.1
150 Ratings
10% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
2.3
132 Ratings
109% below category average
Employee demographic data6.7137 Ratings2.5108 Ratings
Employment history7.3140 Ratings2.4103 Ratings
Job profiles and administration6.9128 Ratings2.5102 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.6.7126 Ratings2.6107 Ratings
Organizational charting5.290 Ratings1.9117 Ratings
Organization and location management8.0109 Ratings1.8119 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)8.8102 Ratings2.3105 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
7.8
125 Ratings
3% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
2.2
117 Ratings
114% below category average
Pay calculation7.1115 Ratings2.3100 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors6.162 Ratings1.550 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment8.328 Ratings2.363 Ratings
Benefit plan administration6.7108 Ratings2.6105 Ratings
Direct deposit files9.2100 Ratings2.3101 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management8.692 Ratings2.193 Ratings
Reimbursement management8.851 Ratings2.465 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
7.8
105 Ratings
3% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.8
115 Ratings
127% below category average
Approval workflow7.999 Ratings2.0113 Ratings
Balance details7.099 Ratings1.7111 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment8.484 Ratings1.692 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
7.0
153 Ratings
15% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.9
131 Ratings
124% below category average
View and generate pay and benefit information7.8138 Ratings2.1125 Ratings
Update personal information8.6151 Ratings2.3131 Ratings
View company policy documentation5.4110 Ratings1.4118 Ratings
Employee recognition6.061 Ratings1.363 Ratings
View job history7.3108 Ratings2.2101 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
5.8
33 Ratings
29% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.1
22 Ratings
150% below category average
Tracking of all physical assets5.833 Ratings1.122 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
6.4
147 Ratings
17% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.4
104 Ratings
138% below category average
Report builder7.0144 Ratings1.4100 Ratings
Pre-built reports7.5142 Ratings1.4102 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data4.673 Ratings1.364 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
5.1
98 Ratings
44% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
4.6
111 Ratings
54% below category average
New hire portal5.398 Ratings5.0110 Ratings
Manager tracking tools4.976 Ratings4.290 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
7.2
57 Ratings
12% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
8.4
41 Ratings
3% above category average
Corporate goal setting6.743 Ratings8.337 Ratings
Individual goal setting7.653 Ratings8.440 Ratings
Line-of sight-visibility7.138 Ratings8.335 Ratings
Performance tracking7.250 Ratings8.437 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
6.0
63 Ratings
28% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
1.5
57 Ratings
136% below category average
Performance plans5.659 Ratings1.354 Ratings
Performance improvement plans5.650 Ratings1.351 Ratings
Review status tracking5.857 Ratings2.152 Ratings
Review reminders6.555 Ratings1.352 Ratings
Multiple review frequency6.650 Ratings1.348 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
5.9
27 Ratings
29% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
7.5
23 Ratings
5% below category average
Create succession plans/pools6.421 Ratings7.520 Ratings
Candidate ranking6.421 Ratings7.521 Ratings
Candidate search5.027 Ratings7.523 Ratings
Candidate development5.823 Ratings7.622 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
Ascentis (discontinued)
5.5
89 Ratings
34% below category average
TriNet HR Platform
7.5
25 Ratings
3% below category average
Job Requisition Management5.585 Ratings7.420 Ratings
Company Website Posting5.279 Ratings7.415 Ratings
Publish to Social Media5.759 Ratings7.514 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting5.871 Ratings7.516 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention5.657 Ratings7.518 Ratings
Applicant Tracking5.783 Ratings7.417 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts5.369 Ratings7.622 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Ascentis (discontinued)TriNet HR Platform
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
Ascentis (discontinued)TriNet HR Platform
Likelihood to Recommend
7.2
(164 ratings)
1.7
(141 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
6.3
(12 ratings)
8.5
(11 ratings)
Usability
7.6
(44 ratings)
8.9
(32 ratings)
Availability
6.7
(5 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Performance
7.1
(4 ratings)
8.5
(4 ratings)
Support Rating
8.2
(150 ratings)
8.8
(42 ratings)
In-Person Training
8.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Online Training
8.3
(4 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.3
(5 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Configurability
9.0
(1 ratings)
8.8
(4 ratings)
Ease of integration
3.0
(1 ratings)
9.1
(3 ratings)
Product Scalability
6.7
(4 ratings)
8.9
(4 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.6
(3 ratings)
8.9
(4 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.6
(3 ratings)
8.9
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
Ascentis (discontinued)TriNet HR Platform
Likelihood to Recommend
Discontinued Products
In working with Ascentis in payroll, the program makes my job so much easier. I am new to this position and the learning process has been so much easier with this product than those in the past. I appreciate the patience I am given when I call in for assistance as well.
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TriNet
I think as a small business owner, this system gives peace of mind. When I'm onboarding an employee I can automatically integrate the process with Gmail and Quickbooks. I feel like they are always doing work in the background and I don't have to keep checking up on them or verifying the work that's been done
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Pros
Discontinued Products
  • Easy to use software. I have had several new HR employees comment on how easy the system is to learn!
  • Problem Solving- Ascentis is always problem solving! When we were in the process of selecting a new payroll company, we needed unemployment claims management assistance for our locations, something Ascentis did not currently offer. The sales rep went out of his way to find a unemployment claims management company that would work with Ascentis and us. That company has helped us keep an 80% win rate for our claims!
  • User conference- Engage is an awesome way to learn more about the products Ascentis has available as well and meet up with the staff you work with every day!
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TriNet
  • Payroll services in all 50 states, including payroll tax filings
  • Integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Slack, and Human Interest (401(k))
  • Simple yet powerful mobile app for employees to access information including paystubs, benefits, and time off requests
  • Streamlined admin portal for People Ops professionals
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Cons
Discontinued Products
  • Updating the system so it is one platform and not two.
  • Create changes to the benefit enrollment process and upgrade the system so hire dates do not need to be changed to trigger benefits for status changes.
  • Focus updates on HR Admin, mobile application, ATS and transitioning to one platform. Larger areas of focus have been on the payroll portion of the system with a few updates to other areas.
  • When something is broken, quicker turn time on fixing the issue.
  • System needs updates to support AAP reporting.
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TriNet
  • Support doesn't exist once you are a customer
  • Tax team has a 3-6 month response time
  • Poor Menu/Navigation structure
  • Fails to pay taxes on time, results in delinquency notices and fees
  • Glitchy UI, sometimes you need to wait a day or two for a section to work again
  • Feels like a perpetual beta product, nothing polished about it
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Likelihood to Renew
Discontinued Products
This rating would be a 10 if it were not for some issues we have been having recently with the benefit carrier connections. The carrier connections are critical for us so how these issues are resolved will be key in our renewal decision.
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TriNet
We've already renewed after our first year with Zenefits due to the cost savings, ease of administration, reduction in overhead required to perform HR functions, and the employees happily embracing and liking the software. I've found employees generally hate anything new, but we've had no complaints about Zenefits outside the first few weeks of getting used to it.
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Usability
Discontinued Products
I'd give it a 7.5. If the modules were easier to access and not so buried (or placed in left field to find), I would give it a higher rating. As I said, as the potential to be great if ACCESS to other modules was easier.
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TriNet
It's extremely user friendly and customer service is super helpful. The app needed help a while back but it has greatly improved. There were issues with files being cut off, and when I was onboarded, it actually cut my offer letter off hiding important information. Since then, it's been fixed so they are continually improving.
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Reliability and Availability
Discontinued Products
They normally give you notice when an update will affect the use of the system. Otherwise, when we have an error , we send a message to the support team. Sometimes someone will get right back with you and sometimes it takes a while.
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TriNet
We have not experienced any application errors or unplanned outages in the two years I have been using this app. Sometimes there is a lag in the time keeping/ confirming your location, however, it quickly resolves itself within seconds and more often than not is an internet connection error
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Performance
Discontinued Products
Yes, this pages do load pretty good but there are times when things are slow and I believe that's because they are sometimes trying to do updates.
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TriNet
This app always loads extremely quickly and in a reasonable time frame. Like I said, when we do experience lags from this app, it is more often than not an internet connection error
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Support Rating
Discontinued Products
Support is attentive and quick to answer the call and get the answer for you. If they for any reason cannot answer right then, they are back to you within a day and always seem to have a sense of urgency. You truly get the impression that they are aiming to make you happy.
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TriNet
Not good at all. Basically I typically feel like they can solve the issue at hand. However, they take forever and it never feels like they really care. It can be frustrating that the agent will never speak with you on the phone or just give you their direct contact info so that you can continue to follow up on the same issue. Once they "close" the issue - you have to go back to the main customer service email or line again, even though it may be related to something you've contacted them about in the past
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In-Person Training
Discontinued Products
First, to clarify our "in-person" training was done mainly through Web-X meetings and conference calls. It was the closest thing we got to as far as an "in-person" training for this software. However, for the large majority of it, this type of training worked out well. We were able to share our screens and the trainer was able to share his/her screen. We could follow along with what we were doing in our database in real time and see how different functions worked and how manipulating our information could produce different results. It was also nice in that it provided for real-time results if something hadn't been coded correctly or we were having issues as to why something wasn't working the way we thought it should be. However, it did have some downsides in that we often had to rely on a conference phone and that made it difficult to hear people on both sides. Also, sometimes the trainers had internet difficulties when working from home and that caused issues with the WebX meetings.
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TriNet
Can't really say just because I would not know.
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Online Training
Discontinued Products
Ascentis HR has a number of online training videos to watch on a number of different topics. I gave it a lower rating because there is not much interactivity with the videos and it seems to cater to really only one or two learning styles. Plus, one has to be pretty motivated to go to a separate area to access the videos and then pull up a specific one to watch it and then learn. From my experience, people know that they are there, many just don't take the time and effort to go find them and actually watch them - especially since the username and password are different from their normal username and password.
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TriNet
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Implementation Rating
Discontinued Products
It was very easy to implement, but the customization pieces should really be fleshed out in order to determine the full need of an organization at the time of implementation. I believe if a little more time was spent on the requirements, the recruiting module would not have to be customized again at a cost at a later date.
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TriNet
Unfortunately I do not have any insights on the implementation of Zenefits as I was not employed with this company when Zenefits was introduced. Based on how effortless it is to use Zenefits, I wouldn't image there would be many issues with the implementation of Zenefits
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Alternatives Considered
Discontinued Products
Ascentis has far better customer service and the implementation experience was also better. The ability to do a lot of customization is also easier with Ascentis as it's smaller organization. The payroll has positive and negatives compared to ADP but the accuracy is the same in both. Ascentis just started their community site which doesn't have a lot of traffic but hopefully can become more like ADP's community site, which was extremely helpful to me as an administrator.
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TriNet
Zenefits has been a better tool for our purposes than Paychex Flex. While Zenefits is a fairly rigid tool without a lot of options for customization, Paychex has even fewer options for customization and their customer services is even more difficult to deal with
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Scalability
Discontinued Products
Large acquisition would be very complicated, seems more appropriate for companies under 100
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TriNet
It is very easy to use and does not require the end user to go to multiple sites to obtain many facets of HR/ Payroll information that the app offers
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Return on Investment
Discontinued Products
  • HR DPT. is much more effective, as we can assess any employee information no matter where we are, etc. This helps to provide information immediately when requested!
  • Employees have access to Ascentis, and therefore to their timecard, open enrollment, etc., from anywhere at any time!
  • Time, PTO requests, employee goals, and evaluations can be approved from anywhere at any time!
  • Recruiting can be accessed any where at any time, and this helps with hiring, internal communication, etc.
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TriNet
  • California Meal Break Violations cost a full hour of each employees pay rate. If an employee clocks in 1 minute early it costs us at least 10.50 (minimum wage Ca, 15.00 in Los Angeles) which adds up quickly. We had 37 meal break violations when we first rolled it out. They need to add a feature that disallows them to clock in ahead of 30 minutes, or add a feature that shows them how long they've been on break.
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ScreenShots

Ascentis (discontinued) Screenshots

Screenshot of Access all of your details including, paychecks, personal file, timeclock, etc via our mobile app.Screenshot of Punch-in and punch-out on the go.Screenshot of Centralized location for everything related to a user or admin.Screenshot of Every employee has access to their personal information in one location.Screenshot of Pre-built reporting along with Ad Hoc reporting gives you the ability to understand your business as a whole.Screenshot of Benefit enrollment made easy for your employees.

TriNet HR Platform Screenshots

Screenshot of Screenshot of Screenshot of Screenshot of HR ManagementScreenshot of HR ManagementScreenshot of HR Management