Item: UKG Ready
Rating: 8
Author: Angela Meek, MCITP DBA

Support Rating

Support during the implementation and transition is excellent.

Support post implementation is very friendly and helpful with standard features. They are generally knowledgeable for more complex features although turnaround time for a more complex problem may take several days. We have solved a couple of problems internally ourselves before they were able to get back to us to solve them.

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have worked with the Kronos product in more than one environment. Here, we use it for our hourly population across the Corporate footprint. It allows us to gather punch times, utilizing bio reader technology. We have it set up with custom business rules to track policy issues and log them with a point based system. We export the time each week and import into our HR system for payment.

Pros and Cons

The web interface where our managers can log in and review/approve time is full of features and easy to use.
Kronos is very good about supply regular updates to fixes/patches that cause issue upon roll out.
The Kronos timekeeping products have been around for a long time (I've worked with them twice in the past 15 years) so they are stable and focused on timekeeping.

We have problems with the system prompting for a code repeatedly even though users go into it every day. The only fixes we have found are to assign a static IP address, which is not preferred. It's very cumbersome for the user.
There is no backup on Kronos servers for custom reports. This is inexcusable for a cloud based product. Everything should be backed up when paying for cloud hosting.
We need to use bio technology for clocking in. Kronos only offers fingerprint technology. It would be nice if they also offered retina bio technology as a backup for those folks who do not scan well on their fingers.

Return on Investment

Our main objective was to migrate from a legacy timekeeping system that was no longer supported to one that had the same, if not more features, than the legacy vendor. Kronos Workforce Ready met those needs.
There is more oversight with the Kronos system, with more reporting capabilities, more licenses, and more levels of security.
There is the advantage that it is month to month, so there are no binding contracts in the event we need to change direction.

Alternatives Considered

Lawson and GenPro

Kronos Workforce Ready had more features and a web interface that required no additional programming/setup than the other products we reviewed. It boasted the easiest transition. (It would have been extremely easy if we did not have as many custom calculations as we had. It would be a very quick transition for those with few rules.)

Key Differentiators

Product Features
Prior Experience with the Product
Vendor Reputation

Had the features we required and were already using in the application that was being sunsetted. We needed to be able to track occurrences, points, and set a variety of schedules across the company. We needed multi level approvals, error checking on export, and annual step increases. This product offered all of those items at a price that was within the range we found acceptable.

Likelihood to Recommend

It is well suited for a large campus footprint, changing workforce size, those needing fingerprint technology. I would not recommend it for a very small workplace just because it is overkill when other products are more cost-effective. I would not recommend the cloud based version for those who need heavy customization. The cloud based product is specifically for those who can use the built in items (although there are many built in options...don't dismiss it until you review the offerings).

Products Replaced

Yes - We replaced Gorrie Reagan (on premise) with Kronos Workforce Ready (cloud based). We wanted to keeping existing features but offload server overhead to the cloud. We also expanded use of rules and administrative tracking with this product (where we were limited by licensing with the previous product). We also like the flexibility of reporting offered by Kronos.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

Have IT involved from the onset. Often departments evaluate software and pick one based on their preferences, with minimal understanding of hidden costs such as hardware, extended licensing, maintenance, and after hours support. IT is better at digging past the sales pitch to how products really work and can keep a business unit protected from buying a product that doesn't really work for them despite what is advertised by the vendor.

Usability

While some tasks such as updating an employee's basic info, password, and approver preferences are very easy to do and straightforward (all combined on a single employee maintenance page and updateable through a single 'save'), other items prove to be more cumbersome such as navigating through multiple layers of employees when you are up higher in management with more system rights.

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using	None

Easy Tasks

Once in a timesheet, updating, submitting, and approving are pretty straightforward.
Once familiar with the utilities tab, printing timesheet/timesheet notes is very straightforward and easy to do.
Punching at the clock with biometrics for the daily user is quick and efficient.

Difficult Tasks

There are no breadcrumbs at the top of the web interface so your options are either using the back button or re-drilling through the navigation menu at the top.
If you are a system administrator who also oversees a subset of your own clocking employees, there is no separate area that just drills into your clocking employees; you have to wade through everyone in the system.

Kronos is Workforce ready for the mid-sized workforce

Overall Satisfaction with Kronos Workforce Ready