BrightHR vs. PDS Vista

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
BrightHR
Score 7.8 out of 10
N/A
British company BrightHR offers a human resources platform which helps replace paper documents with edocuments and contains features for managing employee scheduling and ROTA, sick leave and tardiness, vacation and holiday shift planning, as well as providing employment law legal advice.
$4.50
PDS Vista
Score 6.2 out of 10
Enterprise companies (1,001+ employees)
Vista® is a human resource, benefits, payroll, recruiting, and self-service software. Functional elements include recruitment, staffing, position and training management, compliance, and performance and compensation.N/A
Pricing
BrightHRPDS Vista
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
BrightHRPDS Vista
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoYes
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsPrices start at £4.50 (per employee/per month)License pricing is based on the number of full and part-time active employees within bands (e.g. 751-1,000). SaaS pricing is based on PEPM.
More Pricing Information
Features
BrightHRPDS Vista
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
7.0
1 Ratings
11% below category average
PDS Vista
7.7
18 Ratings
2% below category average
Employment history8.21 Ratings9.018 Ratings
Job profiles and administration7.31 Ratings9.014 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.5.51 Ratings7.012 Ratings
Organization and location management7.31 Ratings7.016 Ratings
Employee demographic data00 Ratings9.017 Ratings
Organizational charting00 Ratings7.013 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)00 Ratings6.011 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
7.0
1 Ratings
14% below category average
PDS Vista
8.0
18 Ratings
0% below category average
Pay calculation7.01 Ratings8.216 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors7.01 Ratings7.39 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management7.01 Ratings8.213 Ratings
Benefit plan administration00 Ratings8.216 Ratings
Direct deposit files00 Ratings8.217 Ratings
Reimbursement management00 Ratings8.25 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
8.8
12 Ratings
9% above category average
PDS Vista
8.2
13 Ratings
2% above category average
Approval workflow8.612 Ratings8.27 Ratings
Balance details8.711 Ratings8.213 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment9.02 Ratings8.212 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
8.5
13 Ratings
5% above category average
PDS Vista
7.1
17 Ratings
13% below category average
View and generate pay and benefit information8.01 Ratings8.216 Ratings
Update personal information8.713 Ratings7.314 Ratings
View company policy documentation8.713 Ratings7.38 Ratings
Employee recognition00 Ratings7.25 Ratings
View job history00 Ratings5.84 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
9.0
1 Ratings
17% above category average
PDS Vista
8.0
16 Ratings
5% above category average
Pre-built reports9.01 Ratings8.016 Ratings
Report builder00 Ratings8.014 Ratings
Ability to combine HR data with external data00 Ratings8.013 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
8.0
1 Ratings
1% above category average
PDS Vista
7.3
4 Ratings
8% below category average
Review reminders8.01 Ratings7.23 Ratings
Performance plans00 Ratings7.32 Ratings
Performance improvement plans00 Ratings7.31 Ratings
Review status tracking00 Ratings7.32 Ratings
Multiple review frequency00 Ratings7.32 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
7.0
1 Ratings
10% below category average
PDS Vista
2.5
3 Ratings
102% below category average
Notifications and Alerts7.01 Ratings2.02 Ratings
Job Requisition Management00 Ratings3.13 Ratings
Company Website Posting00 Ratings3.13 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention00 Ratings1.92 Ratings
Applicant Tracking00 Ratings2.33 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
-
Ratings
PDS Vista
7.3
7 Ratings
6% below category average
Tracking of all physical assets00 Ratings7.37 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
-
Ratings
PDS Vista
7.3
1 Ratings
9% below category average
New hire portal00 Ratings7.31 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
-
Ratings
PDS Vista
5.8
2 Ratings
34% below category average
Corporate goal setting00 Ratings5.52 Ratings
Individual goal setting00 Ratings5.52 Ratings
Performance tracking00 Ratings6.42 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
BrightHR
-
Ratings
PDS Vista
3.6
1 Ratings
75% below category average
Create succession plans/pools00 Ratings3.61 Ratings
Candidate ranking00 Ratings3.61 Ratings
Candidate search00 Ratings3.61 Ratings
Candidate development00 Ratings3.61 Ratings
Best Alternatives
BrightHRPDS Vista
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
BrightHRPDS Vista
Likelihood to Recommend
8.5
(15 ratings)
8.0
(23 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(7 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(2 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.5
(2 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(2 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
BrightHRPDS Vista
Likelihood to Recommend
BrightHR
For a new part of our business, we have input staff details on Bright HR. There have been times when calls have been made to the helpline for guidance. It does not take long to get to know the staff you are speaking to. In relation to the query addressed with a team member today the service was excellent. Matthew has a great depth of knowledge of the system and works through the shift and annual leave calculations at the click of a finger. Thank you Mathew for your support, you are a star!
Read full review
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
As Vista HRMS is fully customizable to suit your needs, a company should determine if they have a current employee who can do the work themselves otherwise they will need to consider the additional cost of asking PDS to do the customizations for them. There are additional modules that we aren't currently making use of, but each company should learn about the functionality of each of them as some may be more beneficial than others. When gathering your questions, ask all potential users of the system what they would want to see in an HRMS. We did so before selecting Vista HRMS and we got pages and pages of questions and comments and made sure that each item was addressed beforehand and was something that we would be able to incorporate into the system. You have the option of taking the system in house or being a hosted client. Make sure you figure out what resources your IT department has available. If you have a dedicated administrator who will do all the upgrades and enhancements great, otherwise you may need PDS to help out and having PDS host may be a better option
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Pros
BrightHR
  • When a query has been dealt with via the helpline an email confirming the outcome is often issued which is great for reference at any time.
  • The system is easy to use and the screens are clutter free.
  • The support service offered is easy to access and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Read full review
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
  • Vista HRMS is very flexible, it does everything we need for HR, benefits and payroll. It’s user-friendly and intuitive to use, when we roll out new self-service items our employees have no problems and require minimal training or documentation.
  • PDS has excellent customer service and support. We get answers to the majority of our questions and problems quickly, within the day that we call. More complex issues that may require PDS’ technical support are usually addressed within a few days. We were upgrading our production servers to Windows 2012 over a weekend and a key person in our organization was on leave. When we checked with PDS to see what cost would be involved if we needed their help, they said it was included in our regular maintenance, no extra cost.
  • The PDS User’s Conference is an excellent learning opportunity for training on everything Vista does, including using Crystal Reports for custom reporting. You also get to meet and talk to the executive and development staff and have direct input into the future product development.
Read full review
Cons
BrightHR
  • Direct-dial telephone numbers rather than going through the Peninsula helpline numbers.
  • Setting up annual leave profiles often needs the assistance of a Bright HR representative when staff works quirky shifts. Providing examples of how to set the system up in user guides may help to set the system upright the first time.
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Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
  • Typical of any system built for the unknown requirements of hundreds or thousands of customers with varying needs, PDS sometimes doesn't fit our processes precisely out of the box. However, this con is far outweighed by the ability to configure and customize the system.
  • The most significant pet peeve of our users is the necessity for so many clicks to navigate between different areas or the system or to review applicants. These items are being addressed based on feedback from the user community in an upcoming release.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
BrightHR
No answers on this topic
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
I feel so invested in Vista HRMS that I don't really want to try other options. I know we as an organization are not using this product to it's full potential and that is just due to us lacking the resources to be able to invest the time into breaking it apart and making it work to the best ability for us. The system works great as is, but there are a lot of implementations we can put into place to help us out even more. For example, we would love to start using Workflow to create more efficiencies. I personally have a very good relationship with our hosted vendor who supports Vista HRMS and can help me with any issues and concerns, this is a big part of the reason that I would renew with this product and continue to be an advocate for Vista HRMS.
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Usability
BrightHR
No answers on this topic
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
The interface is intuitive, even if it does require some extra clicks to get to where you are going. The screens are consistently designed and formatted. There is a logical flow and organization to the application layout and menuing systems.
Read full review
Support Rating
BrightHR
No answers on this topic
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
PDS has excellent customer service and support. We get answers to the
majority of our questions and problems quickly, within the day that we
call. More complex issues that may require PDS’ technical support are
usually addressed within a few days
Read full review
Online Training
BrightHR
No answers on this topic
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
The resources and online tools that PDS provide are extremely thorough and helpful in our training and learning.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
BrightHR
No answers on this topic
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
Ask lots of questions, ensure you fully understand the functionality (particularly history records) and train, train, train the users for correct and complete utilization of the system.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
BrightHR
I chose BrightHR as it offered a one-stop platform for HR management for which we have dedicated UK and ROI HR specialists who not only give HR advice but also write policies and handbooks, etc. They are a one-stop-shop, which was very important as when I signed the contract I did not have an HR person in my team and they were essentially my back office. Also, by signing up, I got access to Bright Safe too; which is great as again it's a one-stop-shop for Health and Safety in the workplace. So I can roll out toolbox talks, training, and accident management.
Read full review
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
I've used Peoplesoft HCM in the past. The products have some similarities, but they are marketed to different sized companies, so it's a bit of apples to oranges. Peoplesoft was very complex and challenging to manage and support. Vista HRMS should require fewer technical resources and still provide robust features for HR and Payroll. We selected Vista HRMS because it met the majority of our requirements and was priced to enable us to purchase and implement it within our budget. Also, it's an integrated system (although not truly one system when you count Vista Time) which is an improvement over our current state.
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Return on Investment
BrightHR
  • Saved admin time in filing and then searching for documents.
  • Saved admin time in chasing for managers' approvals for holiday requests.
  • Saved admin time in chasing managers/employees to update their profiles.
Read full review
Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
  • Positive impact would definitely be self-service for both employees and managers to view and update selected data.
  • Through some analytics our managers are able to track turnover for their site/department by many criteria (length of service, reason, etc) and can view a number of other analytical reports such as headcount and demographics which help them to make informed decisions about their department.
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ScreenShots

BrightHR Screenshots

Screenshot of BrightHR dashboardScreenshot of BrightHR LightningScreenshot of Bright ExchangeScreenshot of BrightSafeScreenshot of BrightBaseScreenshot of PoP by BrightHR