Buddy Punch vs. UKG Ready

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Buddy Punch
Score 9.1 out of 10
Small Businesses (1-50 employees)
Buddy Punch is an online time tracking, scheduling, and payroll application. Track time, time off, locations, and jobs. The solution aims to help make punching in and out intuitive for employees and easy for users to view and export time. Employees can clock in using a browser or the Buddy Punch Google, iOS, and Android apps. Users can view who's working, their GPS position, or even limit where they can punch. The solution integrates with QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, and SurePayroll, to name a…
$5.49
per month per user
UKG Ready
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
The UKG Ready® software suite is a centralized HCM solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It automates and streamlines HR, payroll, benefits, time, talent, and scheduling processes. UKG Ready's suite of tools offer actionable insights while helping to ensure compliance. Using AI, it draws on work, people, and culture data to boost efficiency and productivity. For example, UKG Ready streamlines core HR…N/A
Pricing
Buddy PunchUKG Ready
Editions & Modules
Starter
$5.49
per month per user
Pro
$6.99
per month per user
Enterprise
$11.99
per month per user
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Buddy PunchUKG Ready
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeRequired
Additional DetailsThree plans are available via a monthly or annual payment option. Each plan has a per user price and a base fee of $19. There are no startup, cancellation, support, or additional fees of any kind. A discount is available for the annual payment option.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Buddy PunchUKG Ready
Considered Both Products
Buddy Punch
Chose Buddy Punch
It features a feature that Connecteam dislikes: GPS tracking, PTO monitoring, and photo capture when someone logs in and out.
Chose Buddy Punch
It's been over 15 years where I had to punch in for work. I did this with two different companies. Prior to this, both of those companies had their own personal punching system. It was much harder to use than this when it came to editing or entering in PTO. Even though I …
Chose Buddy Punch
I really like everything about Buddy Punch.
Chose Buddy Punch
going from Paychex Flex to Buddy Punch has been a huge improvement! For peace of mind and time management. As a manager, it's streamlined for me with the website being easy to use and navigate. I am very thankful for the move.
Chose Buddy Punch
This was the first platform this organization has tried to implement. I cannot remember if we used a trial on another company like this.
Chose Buddy Punch
I would prefer Buddy Punch, every day, any time.
Chose Buddy Punch
When we decided to try Buddy Punch we were using a normal time clock and needed to have a better way to track time. I reviewed a few products, but went with Buddy Punch and have been happy ever since.
Chose Buddy Punch
Buddy Punch was chosen for it's security. In the past service we used had a breach in their user base, i.e., it was hacked. We found Buddy Punch easy to access and edit.
Chose Buddy Punch
I have not used any other product that I can remember. I used whatever system the retail stores had when I worked there short term and part time 6,7, 8 years ago.
Chose Buddy Punch
I have not reviewed or evaluated any other similar products and this is the first time I am using this type of product. I have been a salaried employee for 25 years and this is my first contract position, but Buddy Punch has made the time tracking very simple and efficient.
Chose Buddy Punch
I did not use a system prior to Buddy, but when comparing they were the best price and had all the features I needed.
Chose Buddy Punch
We originally scheduled and ran payroll through Homebase, but in the last few months the software became very buggy, customer service was slow and when they did respond, was not helpful. When we cancelled our account they didn't even try to make things right. We are so happy …
UKG Ready
Chose UKG Ready
UKG Pro, ADP Workforce Now, EMP Trust HR, Employee Navigator and Greenhouse
Chose UKG Ready
The only one on the same playing field in my opinion is Workday. However, workday cannot tailor to a smaller company like UKG Ready does. The rest had some good points but lacked a component or had a very dysfunctional component.
Chose UKG Ready
UKG Ready has far better integration across modules and offers more customization for different use needs. We could not find another system that checked all those boxes for us.
Chose UKG Ready
We have used UKG Ready for the last 6 years.
Chose UKG Ready
You cannot compare the two products and how much more we get as an organization from Ready than we did with ADP: more visibility, transparency, and ease of use.
Chose UKG Ready
UKG Ready is truly the full package. While many systems excel at one functional area of HR, Ready delivers across lines of service.
Chose UKG Ready
There is really no comparison, as the previous system was outdated. It had very minimal features and used black-screen AS400 technology. We were in need of a more robust system, and Kronos offered features we had not had before. So, from a comparison standpoint, it is not like …
Chose UKG Ready
It has a better user-friendly experience, better reviews, and more value for your money.
Chose UKG Ready
UKG Ready reporting is one of their best features. If you enter data into the system you can run a report on it and export it in multiple formats. It is an invaluable tool which most other payroll/HR platforms lack.
Chose UKG Ready
We loved the system and the pricing as well. Very competitive.
Chose UKG Ready
We were down to Ultimate and Kronos when we chose Kronos; we chose it because of the timekeeping system, but Ultimate was a close second with a lot of functionality we really liked. I was very happy when they merged.
Chose UKG Ready
I like UKG Ready much better because I find it is more robust and easier to pick things up quickly than on ICIMS.
Chose UKG Ready
Very well. It is the most user-friendly system. The level of customer support from UKG is helpful. Having many options to engage support is helpful, like the ERM and the Krew Manager. Reporting can be made less complex, but once you learn it, it is not so bad.
Chose UKG Ready
Our organization has grown, and we needed a provider that had more to offer. UKG was cost-effective and met our current needs.
Chose UKG Ready
UKG stacks up fairly well with the recruitment tool but Taleo is a little more user friendly.
Chose UKG Ready
ADP was not as intuitive and, for the user, not as pleasant to navigate and look at.
Features
Buddy PunchUKG Ready
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
9.4
Ratings
18% above category average
Employee demographic data00 Ratings9.80 Ratings
Employment history00 Ratings9.60 Ratings
Job profiles and administration00 Ratings9.60 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.00 Ratings9.60 Ratings
Organizational charting00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Organization and location management00 Ratings9.60 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
9.6
Ratings
19% above category average
Pay calculation00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment00 Ratings9.20 Ratings
Benefit plan administration00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Direct deposit files00 Ratings9.80 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Leave and Attendance Management
Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
9.6
Ratings
18% above category average
Approval workflow00 Ratings9.60 Ratings
Balance details00 Ratings9.50 Ratings
Annual carry-forward and encashment00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Employee Self Service
Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
8.7
Ratings
8% above category average
View and generate pay and benefit information00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Update personal information00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
View company policy documentation00 Ratings5.60 Ratings
View job history00 Ratings9.70 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
9.9
Ratings
20% above category average
Tracking of all physical assets00 Ratings9.90 Ratings
HR Reporting
Comparison of HR Reporting features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
8.7
Ratings
15% above category average
Report builder00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Pre-built reports00 Ratings9.20 Ratings
Onboarding
Comparison of Onboarding features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
7.7
Ratings
3% below category average
New hire portal00 Ratings7.10 Ratings
Manager tracking tools00 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Performance and Goals
Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
8.3
Ratings
5% above category average
Individual goal setting00 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Performance tracking00 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Performance Management
Comparison of Performance Management features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
7.1
Ratings
10% below category average
Performance plans00 Ratings5.90 Ratings
Performance improvement plans00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Review status tracking00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Review reminders00 Ratings8.90 Ratings
Multiple review frequency00 Ratings6.50 Ratings
Succession Planning
Comparison of Succession Planning features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
6.9
Ratings
12% below category average
Create succession plans/pools00 Ratings5.70 Ratings
Candidate ranking00 Ratings7.40 Ratings
Candidate search00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Candidate development00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Recruiting / ATS
Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Product A and Product B
Buddy Punch
-
Ratings
UKG Ready
7.1
Ratings
8% below category average
Job Requisition Management00 Ratings7.10 Ratings
Company Website Posting00 Ratings9.40 Ratings
Publish to Social Media00 Ratings6.10 Ratings
Job Search Site Posting00 Ratings7.20 Ratings
Duplicate Candidate Prevention00 Ratings5.50 Ratings
Applicant Tracking00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Notifications and Alerts00 Ratings6.60 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Buddy PunchUKG Ready
Small Businesses
Traqq
Traqq
Score 9.1 out of 10
Dayforce Powerpay
Dayforce Powerpay
Score 9.5 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
TimeClock Plus
TimeClock Plus
Score 9.5 out of 10
Paypro Workforce Management
Paypro Workforce Management
Score 9.7 out of 10
Enterprises
Zoho People
Zoho People
Score 8.4 out of 10
PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong
Score 9.9 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Buddy PunchUKG Ready
Likelihood to Recommend
9.1
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
7.1
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.1
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.3
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
6.2
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.8
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
6.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
6.0
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
5.4
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Buddy PunchUKG Ready
Likelihood to Recommend
I think that is very convenient as far as tracking your employees when they are punching in or out to ensure they are physically at the location they are supposed to be for that shift. I also think that the option to download this app to your personal phone is amazing, it makes it more convenient to punch in or out when you aren't near a laptop or a residence to use one. The feature of being able to attach a note with your punches explaining possible late punchers or absences is very beneficial to the employee allows show proof if needed.
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The recruiting module has helped us to streamline the recruiting process from the candidate submitting an application to the candidate becoming and employee with the company. We have really enjoyed the recruiting module. The reporting option has presented some challenges when we export them. We spend extra time having to format the reports for company use
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Pros
  • Customer service is the best we've seen! Their knowledge base is clear, and when we do have a question it can't answer, we get a quick, informed solution.
  • The software allows us to schedule our staff seamlessly for work in more than one department in a day, so tracking how many payroll hours are being used in each department is easy.
  • The reporting for Payroll hours is easy and fast.
Read full review
  • When you open a ticket, they research and test the answer before they contact you so they know it will work for you. There's no troubleshooting on the phone. All the work was done beforehand.
  • They are super knowledgeable and supportive. They are a pleasure to work with.
  • They are way ahead of the game when it comes to technology and innovation.
Read full review
Cons
  • the simplicity can go to far in that direction. So it seems a bit sparse at times. Theres a lot of dead space on some page landings.
  • update on colors to be more vibrant and fun.
  • menu buttons to go to particular specifics like vacation and sick submissions
Read full review
  • We have had ongoing issues with our accruals.
  • Auto generate timesheets in the "Team Timesheets" view.
  • Granting manager access is cumbersome - access needs to be given in multiple places.
  • The sync between Pro and Ready in my opinion is terrible and needs much improvement.
  • Auto assign Employee Time Zones based on work location.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
We have begun looking for other vendors to supply this products need as Kronos WFR cannot deliver the suite of applications which it should with this product. *6/5/17 Edit - We started the new year with a new application. WFR proved to be unable to correct the errors within the application. We are much happier with the new application as we can use it effectively.
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Usability
Buddy Punch is really easy to use. It's easy to punch in and out when needed as it's on the home page. It's also easy to track your colleagues who are on leave so you know how to plan for coverage. This makes it easy for us to adjust accordingly.
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I like the payroll and HR functions for employee data and benefits management. However, we still have not implemented the ATS and performance management modules, and we need to get this rolling as soon as possible. I can't provide accurate feedback on all areas.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
No answers on this topic
The system seems very stable. Being hosted in the cloud, we are vulnerable to internet speeds and busy times. The system has been down a couple times over the 3 months we have been live, but Kronos resolved the issues very quickly. To have access from a desktop, tablet, time clock, or phone app is one of the best features....users have almost NO REASON they can't clock in.
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Performance
No answers on this topic
We were always told that Kronos was the best, but there are reports that we got out of ADP and other payroll providers that we cannot get out of Kronos. One example is a report of Productive/Non-productive hours by department. We also need the dollar amount associated with the hours. This is information that is required on our cost report and we were told that that report is unavailable. It is very frustrating when I can't get what I need.
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Support Rating
No answers on this topic
If I was only rating support itself that would be a 10. Every support case I have entered has been addressed efficiently and with the desired result. On the implementation and transition to support there were multiple issues that those doing the implementation or transition could not answer or workflows and various settings left undone only to be discovered later. We implemented 3 different modules and the expertise we got for each one varied widely.
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In-Person Training
No answers on this topic
Our in-person training was a hybrid. Live online training with an instructor. They were very knowledgeable of the product & the area they were training on. I asked several specific questions and if they didn't know the answer immediately they followed up after class.
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Online Training
No answers on this topic
Pretty good online training, you have many how to options and can watch them several times. It can be hard at times to dig through the amount of data online but can usually find what you are looking for. Also you can download documentation for setting up the profiles and policies.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
Make sure the people who are doing the build have extensive knowledge on employment law and asking the right questions. I would bet that the people who helped with our builds did not read any of our employment contracts or ordinances; and when I asked questions about how other companies handled certain basic dictates from federal employment laws, they didn't have any idea what FMLA, FLSA, etc were.
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Alternatives Considered
I have not reviewed or evaluated any other similar products and this is the first time I am using this type of product. I have been a salaried employee for 25 years and this is my first contract position, but Buddy Punch has made the time tracking very simple and efficient.
Read full review
UKG is much easier to use and customize for our business needs. I enjoy that the time piece is directly connected with the payroll function. This is something that we didn't see when working with Paylocity. There was a manual time data upload that we needed to process into the Payroll function to process payroll. UKG has this setup and it's just a click of a button, so simple!
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Scalability
No answers on this topic
Thus far we are able to add as many users as necessary, implement 3 different bargaining units, 5 different types of user groups. Very flexible.
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Return on Investment
  • Improved Efficiency: Allows us to track time when employees are on site.
  • Reduced Costs: Able to avoid unnecessary OT due to employees getting alerts.
  • Reduced Costs: No longer paying an employee to tally hours like when we used a regular time clock.
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  • The system has allowed us to understand what goes into background vendors and helped us transition in a troubled time.
  • The system has allows us to move forms to custom forms vs using Docusign.
  • The system has helped us cut back on paper usage and storing folders.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Buddy Punch Screenshots

Screenshot of the Administrator's DashboardScreenshot of Time Off CalendarScreenshot of Schedule View

UKG Ready Screenshots

Screenshot of the employee mobile interface.Screenshot of trust index survey results.Screenshot of the manager dashboard.Screenshot of payroll analytics.