Optimum Solutions HRIS (discontinued) vs. Paycor

Optimum Solutions works very well for all our payroll needs. We run payrolls weekly, semi-monthly, monthly and yearly. The end of year process is lined out very well and webinars are available to go over any new regulations required. We haven't utilized the HR part of the software as much on the iSeries but are planning on changing that once we get converted to the Windows version later this year. The main reason for this is the HR part of the software on the iSeries is separate from payroll.

Incentivized

Paycor is probably pretty good for small businesses, but the larger you grow, the more difficult it is to use. Their analytics tool provides inconsistent data as compared to our payroll journals, probably as a result of the multiple payrolls we have to maintain as a larger organization. The system doesn't properly allow for the use of "contingent" labor as a separate population of non-employees, meaning you have to make up phony social security numbers and other details in order to get them into the system for time card tracking. In our case, Paycor has set up different "payrolls" for each staffing agency that we use, and we have to maintain separate cost centers for them in every part the business where they work. This is resulting in a very cluttered system, and accurate reporting is difficult.

Incentivized

• The setup of Optimum HRIS was intense as the software comes as a basic shell and everything is personalized to our organization. All earnings codes, leave time, employee types, job codes, taxes, etc. are set up for each company. While this was almost overwhelming at the beginning, we have so much control over the set up and better grasp of the inner workings of the system.
• Tax updates come quickly and are easily applied. This is especially welcome at year end.
• The built-in reporting is robust and offers a lot of options, but the ability to dig in to the database using SQL and Excel allows for very powerful reports that are infinitely personalized.

• Paycor listens to their customers needs very well and addresses concerns immediately.
• Paycor is continuously looking for Innovative ways to improve their platforms. For example the new tracking system for Paycor Support.
• Paycor communicates and updates customers on upcoming updates often.

Incentivized

• When exporting reports to Excel I found the formatting to be difficult to work with and having to reformat the reports can be a nightmare. My company's IT department created its own business tools to make the reporting format more user friendly.

Incentivized

• Customer service, especially post-COVID
• There was a recent change to the time off accrual system, which we weren't aware of, and everyone's PTO balances were wiped out overnight.
• The updates don't seem to benefit functionality much, are simply different, not really improved

Incentivized

The product is really good overall. The customer service is not the best and the benefits administration is kind of painful. However, the good outweighs the bad. We might get a different benefit admin system that can be integrated into Paycor. My controller doesn't want to switch anything for a [long] time.

Incentivized

I think it is pretty straightforward. It is not a bad thing to say that it is similar to a lot of products in a lot of ways. That's not what this question is asking, though. It's about usability, and I feel that it carries on the easy usability that a lot of other products similar to it have.

Incentivized

We have not experienced any availability issues

Incentivized

All processes work quickly

Incentivized

I'd give a zero if that were an option. I currently have multiple requests for support that have not been answered in over a week. I have called their support phone line and usually hung up after waiting for 45 minutes for someone to answer. It is unlikely to get a quick response, EVER, even to urgent problems that effect taxes and benefit submission.

The training was easy to understand, and the Paycor tutorials are a great, easy reference.

Incentivized

Implementation of any new software is going to be challenging, especially if you are maintaining an existing program concurrently. When it is time for dual-processing (both old and new software) prior to going live, be prepared to be stressed. But trust the process and it will be over soon.

Incentivized

We evaluated some payroll services but found the ongoing cost greater than the initial cost of purchasing our own software and keeping the payroll process in house. Other payroll software was generally more expensive and we are satisfied with Optimum Solutions. I would say the main reason we stayed with Optimum Solutions, converting from their iSeries version to their Windows version, was because of their outstanding staff and support.

Incentivized

Paycor definitely has a leg up on Paychex Flex. This is the system we went from to Paycor and it is much more basic with not as much opportunity for bundling data together and tracking information. Paychex did provide a dedicated customer service rep, which was very helpful, and I do miss that with Paycor. Paylocity is a company I've also used for over 7 years it does have some really good features. I feel Paylocity is more user-friendly but Paycor has more in-depth options and software features that are very helpful.

Incentivized

We haven't needed to scale

Incentivized

• More accurate payroll processing
• More accurate tax payments and reporting

• Cut processing payroll by 10+ hours each time!
• Electronic onboarding cut down on paper costs and having to scan or keep in paper files.
• Reporting and analytics are simple and easy to work with, allowing for easy audits and tracking.
• 401k Integration eliminates errors and saves us from costly mistakes.
• State and Federal taxes are being taken out correctly and sent timely.
• On Demand/ Advanced pay is right within the Paycor app, so employees can get advanced pay with just a few clicks. And it automatically deducts from their next paycheck without any manual work from HR.

Incentivized