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Catalyst, by EBM Software vs. QuickBooks Desktop for Mac vs. Sage HRMS

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Catalyst, by EBM Software

    Score7.8 out of 10
    N/ACatalyst from EBM Software in Minneapolis is a cloud-based business performance application suite, designed to provide an environment and workflow for understanding business profitability.N/A

    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac

    Score8.5 out of 10
    N/AQuickbooks Desktop for Mac is an accounting software designed for Mac users. It is designed to integrate with Apple iCloud. It provides core accounting features in line with the rest of the Quickbooks Desktop product line.N/A

    Sage HRMS

    Score9.8 out of 10
    N/ASage HRMS is an HR management solution that integrates payroll, benefits, recruiting, employee self-service, and analytics capabilities.N/A
    Pricing
    Catalyst, by EBM SoftwareQuickBooks Desktop for MacSage HRMS
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Catalyst, by EBM SoftwareQuickBooks Desktop for MacSage HRMS
    Free Trial
    YesNoNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    YesNoYes
    Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsFlexible and tiered pricing structures available - monthly, 1-3-5- contracts, and more——
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Catalyst, by EBM SoftwareQuickBooks Desktop for MacSage HRMS
    Considered Multiple Products
    EBM Software
    No answer on this topic
    Intuit
    No answer on this topic
    Sage
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    No answers on this topic
    80%
    Would buy again
    4 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    No answers on this topic
    80%
    Delivers good value for the price
    4 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    No answers on this topic
    80%
    Happy with the feature set
    4 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    Catalyst, by EBM SoftwareQuickBooks Desktop for MacSage HRMS
    Payroll Management
    Comparison of Payroll Management features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    8.9
    13 Ratings
    16% above category average
    Sage HRMS
    4.8
    7 Ratings
    52% below category average
    Pay calculation00 Ratings8.411 Ratings6.17 Ratings
    Benefit plan administration00 Ratings7.98 Ratings2.16 Ratings
    Direct deposit files00 Ratings10.010 Ratings8.07 Ratings
    Salary revision and increment management00 Ratings8.47 Ratings3.06 Ratings
    Reimbursement management00 Ratings10.09 Ratings3.27 Ratings
    Support for external payroll vendors00 Ratings00 Ratings4.04 Ratings
    Off-cycle/On-Demand payment00 Ratings00 Ratings6.92 Ratings
    Customization
    Comparison of Customization features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    7.5
    12 Ratings
    1% below category average
    Sage HRMS
    -
    Ratings
    API for custom integration00 Ratings7.08 Ratings00 Ratings
    Plug-ins00 Ratings8.011 Ratings00 Ratings
    Security
    Comparison of Security features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    10.0
    22 Ratings
    20% above category average
    Sage HRMS
    -
    Ratings
    Single sign-on capability00 Ratings10.022 Ratings00 Ratings
    Role-based user permissions00 Ratings10.019 Ratings00 Ratings
    Reporting & Analytics
    Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    6.7
    24 Ratings
    15% below category average
    Sage HRMS
    -
    Ratings
    Dashboards00 Ratings5.121 Ratings00 Ratings
    Standard reports00 Ratings7.924 Ratings00 Ratings
    Custom reports00 Ratings7.024 Ratings00 Ratings
    General Ledger and Configurable Accounting
    Comparison of General Ledger and Configurable Accounting features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    7.6
    26 Ratings
    0% below category average
    Sage HRMS
    -
    Ratings
    Accounts payable00 Ratings8.126 Ratings00 Ratings
    Accounts receivable00 Ratings7.725 Ratings00 Ratings
    Cash management00 Ratings5.520 Ratings00 Ratings
    Bank reconciliation00 Ratings9.526 Ratings00 Ratings
    Expense management00 Ratings8.622 Ratings00 Ratings
    Time tracking00 Ratings7.514 Ratings00 Ratings
    Fixed asset management00 Ratings7.016 Ratings00 Ratings
    Multi-currency support00 Ratings5.011 Ratings00 Ratings
    Multi-division support00 Ratings6.012 Ratings00 Ratings
    Regulations compliance00 Ratings10.011 Ratings00 Ratings
    Electronic tax filing00 Ratings10.017 Ratings00 Ratings
    Self-service portal00 Ratings7.715 Ratings00 Ratings
    Global Financial Support00 Ratings5.08 Ratings00 Ratings
    Primary and Secondary Ledgers00 Ratings8.615 Ratings00 Ratings
    Intercompany Accounting00 Ratings8.116 Ratings00 Ratings
    Localizations00 Ratings8.07 Ratings00 Ratings
    Journals and Reconciliations00 Ratings9.519 Ratings00 Ratings
    Enterprise Accounting00 Ratings8.67 Ratings00 Ratings
    Configurable Accounting00 Ratings6.511 Ratings00 Ratings
    Centralized Rules Framework00 Ratings6.511 Ratings00 Ratings
    Standardized Processes00 Ratings6.915 Ratings00 Ratings
    Inventory Management
    Comparison of Inventory Management features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    7.4
    17 Ratings
    2% above category average
    Sage HRMS
    -
    Ratings
    Inventory tracking00 Ratings9.516 Ratings00 Ratings
    Automatic reordering00 Ratings6.512 Ratings00 Ratings
    Location management00 Ratings6.911 Ratings00 Ratings
    Manufacturing module00 Ratings6.510 Ratings00 Ratings
    Order Management
    Comparison of Order Management features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    9.1
    20 Ratings
    21% above category average
    Sage HRMS
    -
    Ratings
    Pricing00 Ratings9.019 Ratings00 Ratings
    Order entry00 Ratings9.518 Ratings00 Ratings
    Credit card processing00 Ratings9.119 Ratings00 Ratings
    Cost of goods sold00 Ratings9.118 Ratings00 Ratings
    Order Orchestration00 Ratings9.07 Ratings00 Ratings
    End-to-end order visibility00 Ratings9.19 Ratings00 Ratings
    Order exception Resolution00 Ratings9.18 Ratings00 Ratings
    Human Resource Management
    Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    5.5
    9 Ratings
    39% below category average
    Employee demographic data00 Ratings00 Ratings8.08 Ratings
    Employment history00 Ratings00 Ratings8.09 Ratings
    Job profiles and administration00 Ratings00 Ratings1.39 Ratings
    Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.00 Ratings00 Ratings7.99 Ratings
    Organizational charting00 Ratings00 Ratings6.04 Ratings
    Organization and location management00 Ratings00 Ratings6.06 Ratings
    Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)00 Ratings00 Ratings1.27 Ratings
    Leave and Attendance Management
    Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    1.2
    7 Ratings
    149% below category average
    Approval workflow00 Ratings00 Ratings1.26 Ratings
    Balance details00 Ratings00 Ratings1.27 Ratings
    Annual carry-forward and encashment00 Ratings00 Ratings1.06 Ratings
    Employee Self Service
    Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    3.9
    8 Ratings
    72% below category average
    View and generate pay and benefit information00 Ratings00 Ratings4.18 Ratings
    Update personal information00 Ratings00 Ratings4.27 Ratings
    View company policy documentation00 Ratings00 Ratings1.16 Ratings
    Employee recognition00 Ratings00 Ratings6.04 Ratings
    View job history00 Ratings00 Ratings4.05 Ratings
    Asset Management
    Comparison of Asset Management features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    7.0
    2 Ratings
    14% below category average
    Tracking of all physical assets00 Ratings00 Ratings7.02 Ratings
    HR Reporting
    Comparison of HR Reporting features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    3.7
    8 Ratings
    69% below category average
    Report builder00 Ratings00 Ratings2.07 Ratings
    Pre-built reports00 Ratings00 Ratings1.28 Ratings
    Ability to combine HR data with external data00 Ratings00 Ratings8.06 Ratings
    Onboarding
    Comparison of Onboarding features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    7.0
    4 Ratings
    14% below category average
    New hire portal00 Ratings00 Ratings7.04 Ratings
    Manager tracking tools00 Ratings00 Ratings7.03 Ratings
    Performance and Goals
    Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    7.3
    2 Ratings
    10% below category average
    Corporate goal setting00 Ratings00 Ratings8.01 Ratings
    Individual goal setting00 Ratings00 Ratings7.02 Ratings
    Line-of sight-visibility00 Ratings00 Ratings8.01 Ratings
    Performance tracking00 Ratings00 Ratings6.02 Ratings
    Performance Management
    Comparison of Performance Management features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    7.8
    5 Ratings
    2% below category average
    Performance plans00 Ratings00 Ratings9.03 Ratings
    Performance improvement plans00 Ratings00 Ratings8.03 Ratings
    Review status tracking00 Ratings00 Ratings7.03 Ratings
    Review reminders00 Ratings00 Ratings8.04 Ratings
    Multiple review frequency00 Ratings00 Ratings7.03 Ratings
    Succession Planning
    Comparison of Succession Planning features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    8.5
    1 Ratings
    8% above category average
    Create succession plans/pools00 Ratings00 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Candidate ranking00 Ratings00 Ratings8.01 Ratings
    Candidate search00 Ratings00 Ratings8.01 Ratings
    Candidate development00 Ratings00 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Recruiting / ATS
    Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Catalyst, by EBM Software and QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and Sage HRMS
    Feature
    Catalyst, by EBM Software
    -
    Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
    -
    Ratings
    Sage HRMS
    7.6
    3 Ratings
    4% below category average
    Job Requisition Management00 Ratings00 Ratings5.02 Ratings
    Company Website Posting00 Ratings00 Ratings7.23 Ratings
    Publish to Social Media00 Ratings00 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Job Search Site Posting00 Ratings00 Ratings7.01 Ratings
    Duplicate Candidate Prevention00 Ratings00 Ratings8.01 Ratings
    Applicant Tracking00 Ratings00 Ratings8.02 Ratings
    Notifications and Alerts00 Ratings00 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Catalyst, by EBM SoftwareQuickBooks Desktop for MacSage HRMS
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    QuickBooks Self-Employed (discontinued)
    Score4.1 out of 10
    UZIO
    Score9.4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    No answers on this topic
    MYOB
    Score8.3 out of 10
    Zoho People
    Score8.6 out of 10
    Enterprises
    No answers on this topic
    Microsoft Dynamics GP
    Score5.4 out of 10
    PeopleStrong
    Score10 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Catalyst, by EBM SoftwareQuickBooks Desktop for MacSage HRMS
    Likelihood to Recommend
    7.9
    (2 ratings)
    8.1
    (34 ratings)
    1.2
    (10 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (9 ratings)
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    Usability
    8.8
    (2 ratings)
    6.1
    (8 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    7.8
    (2 ratings)
    7.0
    (4 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Catalyst, by EBM SoftwareQuickBooks Desktop for MacSage HRMS
    Likelihood to Recommend
    EBM Software
    [Catalyst, by EBM Software] is well suited to track invoices from vendors to get them paid on time to avoid late fees. [Catalyst, by EBM Software] is less appropriate when paying vendor because that is not a function they currently have. If the system was an all in one system that could track and pay your invoices it would be an amazing software.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    If you're a freelancer or running a very small business where you do your own bookkeeping I think this is a great option, especially if you're familiar with accounting and bookkeeping in general. If you're not so familiar with bookkeeping, I would say that the learning curve is too steep and you might want to look elsewhere for a more intuitive solution
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    Sage HRMS is a software that fits in all organizations whether small or large and this makes it the most suitable HR solution as it will help you manage your workforce even if it may appear small. The software has analytics and reporting tools that are applicable in performance management where you will use them in assessing the productivity of your employees and plan on how to improve further as a workforce. It further helps in employee on-boarding, payroll management, and talent management
    Incentivized
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    Pros
    EBM Software
    • The GUI is easy to navigate on the iPad mini, which we use for charting.
    • The options are simple so there is very little room for mistakes.
    • Charting is easy and the setup allows for necessary fields that must be completed so charting stays uniform.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    • The program is very easy to learn, the interface is incredibly user-friendly and there are tons of free resources and tutorials available
    • It makes managing payroll really easy for the employee and accountant on staff. No more lost time sheets or late paychecks!
    • Managing bills and paying them has become streamlined and it's great having everything in one place so we don't lose track of things.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    • Ability to see history (like job history) easily at a glance.
    • Ability to make changes easily.
    • Organizing info in the employee record.
    Incentivized
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    Cons
    EBM Software
    • The browser closes unexpectedly at times when refreshing the page and you get logged out
    • The incorrect vendor is chosen by Catalyst a few times
    • The Catalyst file is occasionally not placed on time in the folder
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    • The #1 complaint is that setting it up right is a challenge. People waste time trying to figure it out only to realize that they don't know accounting so of course they don't know how an accounting program should be set up. Like any time you are in over your head, reach out to your network and find someone who can log onto your computer and walk you through it.
    • If you need to track the cost of wages to jobs you can't do it with the online payroll, but check for yourself because it's a function that landscaping companies and construction businesses usually need, so maybe they have added it by now. That would really help!
    • It's premise-based software and that means you take on the role of hardware admin, and it's a lot of work for what is increasingly becoming a smaller gap in the functionality between QuickBooks for Mac and QuickBooks Online.
    • QuickBooks for Mac 2015 has been updated consistently over the last 3 years and continues to provide for the bookkeeping needs of small companies using Macs in their offices. However, it has limited job costing functionality. It is similar in functionality to the 2010 version of QuickBooksPro which runs on Windows.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    • We changed our chart of accounts. The system does not allow you to change the numbering format, so we had to start over with new databases.
    • The tax return portion of the software does not file local taxes. We would definitely like to see this functionality in the future.
    • The payroll piece does not handle complicated move up and move downs for union pay. This could definitely be improved upon.
    Incentivized
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    Likelihood to Renew
    EBM Software
    No answers on this topic
    Intuit
    I haven't spent that much time with the newer versions of QuickBooks for Mac, but I think I'm seeing it make the much-needed improvements. For example, something as simple as undoing the previous reconciliation was a terrible chore, and I'm glad that feature has been included in the newer versions of QuickBooks for Mac
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    I do not work with this software anymore, and I am not involved with the renewal of it. However, if I were, I would still suggest using it unless something better was introduced
    Incentivized
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    Usability
    EBM Software
    Well.... when it works... it's good. When it doesn't it is very frustrating for our staff.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    The Mac version is OK overall. I find the Windows versions to be much more robust but Mac is quite good for Mac users. Though I think die hard Mac users should consider QuickBooks Online instead as there is a new QB for Mac app that makes using QBO much better!
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    No answers on this topic
    Reliability and Availability
    EBM Software
    No answers on this topic
    Intuit
    I've been using the QuickBooks online version for a little over 6 months now (upgraded from Mac desktop) and I haven't had any access issues. There have been times when it was down for service/upgrade however there is always plenty of notification time given by the Quick Books Online Support team. These upgrade maintenance time frames are always over night hours and on the weekends so everything can be worked around very easily.
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    Sage
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    EBM Software
    The support for Catalyst is great and they are usually within the 48 hour response time. There could be a little quicker upload time for invoices that are submitted. They usually show up until the next day on the system and sometimes gives us a stress on time. Overall, the support is quite good
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    Fortunately, I haven't had to reach out much for support.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    EBM Software
    [Catalyst, by EBM Software] is a very easy system to use and is very user friendly. It gives you different ways of researching an invoice and not just one. Catalyst also helps to allow us to research an invoice within seconds and eliminates a lengthy and confusing process. It is a great software for first time users to learn quickly and efficiently.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    I love using Quickbooks compared to other software we've tried. QuickBooks Online and TSheets interface. Customer service and problem resolution are generally excellent, with well-trained and proficient agents taking calls or on chat. Ease of use and accessibility via the mobile app. Great courses were available to help with learning the basics and some advanced accounting background. I love learning! Online accessibility - it can work anywhere with an internet connection. Linking to bank and credit card accounts is handy.
    Read full review
    Sage
    Sage HRMS was very cost effective for a non-profit. It does all that we needed as a company and more. It also allows us to handle payroll ourselves instead of outsourcing [it].
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    EBM Software
    • Catalyst is better than pencil and paper data analysis. But the app can be very frustrating when it's not working the way it did last week.
    • The GUI is very simple. Sometimes too simple, like there is no way to go back in and edit SOAP note options.
    • New feature roll-outs are mandatory. I understand that no one would opt in to being the guinea pig, but it would be nice if you weren't the first user to try it.
    • The integration with billing software has streamlined the billing notes and saved us money over having two separate systems.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    • It has allowed us to offer multiple bookkeeping softwares for clients that do not want to change from what they have been using.
    • Payroll filing has given us ease of mind because we can physically make the filings rather than waiting on payroll software to make them for us.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    • there can be a high ROI when processing payroll in house compared to outsourced. Not to mention the flexibility you gain.
    Incentivized
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