Human Resources (HR) software saves time by automating critical tasks such as payroll, benefits management, recruiting, and more. Many companies today are turning to AI-powered solutions not only to reduce human errors but also to enhance efficiency and accuracy. In fact, a survey by Eightfold AI found that 92% of HR leaders plan to increase their use of AI in at least one HR domain. 

UltiPro and PeopleSoft use AI to automate workforce tasks, yet they cater to distinct purposes and needs within an organization. UltiPro (now UKG Pro) suits companies needing dynamic scheduling and real-time updates, while PeopleSoft (acquired by Oracle) is ideal for advanced compliance and industry-specific features. 

So, how do you decide which one is the right fit for your business? 

This guide will explore the unique features, strengths, and limitations of each platform, offering a detailed comparison of their capabilities in areas like payroll, workforce management, and recruiting and onboarding. 

UltiPro Vs PeopleSoft: At A Glance

Feature  

UltiPro 

PeopleSoft 

Payroll 

Automates payroll with real-time calculations, built-in tax compliance updates, and direct deposit management 

Supports multi-country payroll processing, custom deductions, deep compliance tracking, and third-party payroll integrations 

Workforce Management 

Mobile-friendly clock-in/out, real-time workforce insights, and shift swapping 

AI-driven scheduling, automated shift assignments, and compliance enforcement for labor laws 

Onboarding And Recruiting 

Personalized onboarding dashboard for new hires and self-service pre-onboarding 

AI-powered recruiting with automated job postings, CRM tools for talent tracking, and candidate self-scheduling 

Time And Attendance 

Mobile-first time tracking, automated approvals for shifts, absence tracking, and leave policy enforcement 

Advanced geo-tracking for employee location, compliance-based scheduling, real-time attendance analytics, and detailed absence reports 

What Is UltiPro?

UltiPro, now known as UKG Pro, is a cloud-based HR solution that offers advanced tools for HR, payroll, time management as well as employee surveys and sentiment analysis. It was ranked highest in the 2024 Gartner® report for its ability to meet workforce management of mid-sized businesses in North America. 

Companies like Purple Wave Auction save 75% of payroll processing time due to UKG Pro's automated payroll and timesheet management tools. This makes it ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare that are looking to streamline complex HR operations.  

Unique Features Of UltiPro 

  • Employee Scheduling: The software automates work schedules, ensuring the right employees are staffed at the right time. It reduces labor costs, improves shift coverage, and offers employees self-service tools to view schedules, swap shifts, and request time off easily 
  • Badging System: UltiPro adds a gamification touch by awarding accomplishment badges to employees as they complete training modules and HR activities. This serves as a motivational tool, encouraging employees to engage more actively while recognizing their achievements 
  • Time Tracking Of Training Progress: This feature provides real-time updates on course completion and employee progress, helping managers to monitor employee development and certifications effortlessly  

Pros And Cons Of UltiPro 

Pros 

  • Its ‘Favorites’ tab makes it easier to access to frequently used tools, saving time and effort 
  • Users value UltiPro for its ability to integrate with a broader range of systems they already rely on  
  • Its confirmation alerts help prevent accidental changes by prompting users to review and confirm updates before saving 

Cons 

  • Limited options for report customization 
  • The interface can be challenging for new users, as it's not always clear which menu options to use to access specific information 

What Is PeopleSoft?

PeopleSoft, acquired by Oracle, is an enterprise software designed to manage HR, finance, supply chain, and customer relationships efficiently. For nine consecutive years, Gartner® has ranked Oracle as a Cloud HCM Leader, showcasing its commitment to delivering advanced enterprise solutions. 

Not only that, but Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) also saw a significant drop in HR service tickets after implementing the software, with 95% of employees handling their leave adjustment without assistance.  

Unique Features Of PeopleSoft 

  • PeopleTools: This technology helps businesses customize, manage, and update their PeopleSoft applications without heavy coding. It makes it easier to integrate different systems, improve security, automate updates, and run applications in the cloud 
  • Industry Extension For Government Contracting: The software offers specialized tools for businesses to apply contract-specific rates, track financial changes, and stay compliant with regulations, which is crucial for businesses dealing with government contracts 
  • Deep SOD (Segregation Of Duties) Analysis: This analysis helps companies identify and prevent conflicts in user roles and access privileges within the platform. It reduces the risk of fraud or unauthorized actions and provides clear visibility into role-based access 

Pros And Cons Of PeopleSoft 

Pros 

  • LMS data syncs automatically with the HCM module at scheduled intervals, eliminating the need for manual data entry 
  • Users receive automated reminders to change their password every 60 days for better security 
  • All modules in the software can be connected, and you can manage one module at a time for focused operation 

Cons 

  • Non-administrative users have limited ability to customize reports and may need admin approval for any modifications 
  • The user interface is not consistent, as some pages still use the older classic design, making custom development necessary for a fully fluid experience 

UltiPro Vs PeopleSoft: Key Feature Comparison

Payroll

UltiPro automates payroll with real-time calculations, tax compliance updates, and self-service tools, making the process fast and minimizing HR’s workload. Employees can independently manage direct deposits, tax forms (W-4s), and paycheck adjustments, reducing payroll inquiries.

Additionally, its built-in payroll analytics and reporting tools allow businesses to track costs, payroll trends, and compliance metrics without the need for manual setup or customization. One of its standout advantages is automated compliance management, where federal, state, and local tax laws update in the system without requiring manual adjustments.

PeopleSoft’s Payroll, on the other hand, is designed for large enterprises and global organizations as it integrates with third-party global payroll providers across 160+ countries. It also supports complex pay rule management, multi-country payroll processing, and compliance tracking.

What sets it apart is its flexibility in setting custom deductions, earnings codes, and payroll rules, making it a great fit for companies with union regulations, government contracts, or specialized compensation structures.

However, PeopleSoft’s compliance management requires more manual work. Unlike UltiPro, which updates tax rates and regulations automatically, PeopleSoft often relies on external setups or third-party compliance tools to stay current.

Winner: While PeopleSoft offers deep configurability and global payroll support, UltiPro wins for its automation and built-in compliance updates.

Workforce Management

UltiPro focuses on ease of use, allowing employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request time off from any device. It also provides managers with real-time insights, making workforce adjustments more efficient. However, its scheduling automation is basic, lacking AI-driven workforce optimization, which PeopleSoft handles better.

In contrast, PeopleSoft excels in optimized shift scheduling and compliance. Its AI-powered scheduling can automatically assign shifts based on skills, availability, and regulations, reducing manual work. The software also offers stronger compliance tools, particularly for companies operating in multiple regions with strict labor laws.

Winner:

PeopleSoft wins this section for its AI-driven scheduling and advanced compliance tools, which provide greater accuracy and efficiency in workforce management.

Recruiting And Onboarding

UltiPro prioritizes employee engagement, offering a personalized onboarding experience with its new hire dashboard, interactive content, and pre-onboarding options. This makes new employees feel welcomed and connected before their first day. What it lacks, though, are advanced recruiting capabilities, including automated candidate recommendations and in-depth hiring analytics that PeopleSoft provides.

Conversely, PeopleSoft is a powerhouse for high-volume, AI-driven recruiting. It offers automated job postings, AI-based talent recommendations, and CRM tools to help companies manage a steady flow of candidates. The ability to self-schedule interviews and predict hiring timelines is a major plus for large organizations handling complex recruitment needs.

Although its recruiting tools are more advanced, its onboarding process feels more transactional and lacks the engagement-driven experience that UltiPro provides. This means while PeopleSoft streamlines hiring, it doesn’t necessarily create the same personal connection for new hires.

Winner: This section ends in a tie because PeopleSoft is better for fast, high-volume hiring, while UltiPro focuses on a better engaging onboarding experience. It clearly depends on your business needs.

Time And Attendance

UltiPro provides advanced tracking through mobile, desktop, and offline access, along with automated approvals to reduce administrative overhead. It works well for businesses that want a user-friendly system, with a mobile-first approach that allows employees to clock in and out easily, check balances, and request time off through an intuitive interface.

PeopleSoft, while powerful, has a more complex user experience due to its enterprise focus. Meanwhile, UltiPro lacks advanced workforce analytics available in PeopleSoft, which includes real-time tracking, geo-location reporting, and a sophisticated rules engine for compliance with global labor laws.

In terms of absence management, UltiPro streamlines leave policy enforcement with visibility into planned and unplanned leaves, but PeopleSoft takes it further with ‘Workforce Availability’ features, allowing managers to analyze absence trends, track scheduling gaps, and manage coverage effectively.

Winner: It's a tie. UltiPro is a better choice for small to midsized companies since they often prioritize ease of use when it comes to attendance tracking, while large enterprises will prefer PeopleSoft’s advanced workforce analytics and compliance features.

The Final Verdict: Which HR Platform Delivers The Better Value?

Looking at the overall comparison, UltiPro wins in payroll and onboarding, while PeopleSoft takes the lead in workforce management and recruiting. Since time and attendance are tied, both platforms win in two categories, making this a balanced comparison.  

If your business prioritizes payroll automation and compliance updates, then choose UltiPro. But if your company demands automation for high-volume hiring and advanced workforce management then PeopleSoft is the best option. Ultimately the right decision depends on what best aligns with your organization's needs.  

Although UltiPro and PeopleSoft each have their strengths, it’s worth considering platforms like Zenefits or Namely HR, especially if your needs extend beyond what these two offer.