UKG Pro vs UKG Ready: Which Product is Right for You?

If you’re in the market for a new HR System, picking the right solution will depend on your current needs and the dynamics of your workforce. There are many different systems to choose from. In this blog, we will look at the workforce management solutions offered by UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group). Two of its products, UKG Pro Workforce Management and UKG Ready, cater to different requirements. Here, we will compare these two products to help you determine if either of them could be a good fit for your organisation.

UKG Pro Workforce Management

1. Scalability:

UKG Pro Workforce Management is designed for large organisations with complex workforce needs. It can scale to accommodate thousands of employees across multiple locations, making it suitable for enterprises.

2. Feature Set:

This product offers a wide range of features, including time and attendance tracking, scheduling, analytics, absence management, and compliance management. It is comprehensive and can address the diverse needs of large organisations.

3. Customization:

UKG Pro provides a high level of customization, allowing organisations to tailor the system to their unique requirements. This can be particularly valuable for organisations with complex workflows and regulatory compliance needs.

4. Integration:

It seamlessly integrates with other HR and payroll systems, providing a unified platform for all HR-related functions, from onboarding to payroll processing.

5. Reporting and Analytics:

The product offers advanced reporting and analytics tools, enabling data-driven decision-making and providing insights into labour costs and workforce productivity.

UKG Ready

1. Target Audience:

UKG Ready is designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It is a user-friendly, cloud-based solution, making it a suitable choice for organisations with limited IT resources.

2. Feature Set:

UKG Ready offers essential workforce management features, including time and attendance tracking, payroll, and HR management. While it may lack some of the advanced features of UKG Pro, it is sufficient for the needs of SMBs.

3. Ease of Implementation:

UKG Ready is known for its quick and straightforward implementation process, which minimises disruption to your business operations.

4. Cost-Effective:

This product is more cost-effective for smaller organisations, as it is designed to provide value without the complexity and costs associated with larger enterprise solutions.

5. Compliance:

UKG Ready offers compliance features, ensuring that SMBs can manage employee records and payroll in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

Which Product Is Right for You?

The choice between UKG Pro Workforce Management and UKG Ready ultimately depends on the specific needs of your organisation. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

  • Size and Complexity: If you are a large enterprise with complex workforce management needs, UKG Pro is likely the better choice. However, if you are an SMB looking for a more straightforward and cost-effective solution, UKG Ready may be the right fit.

  • Budget: Consider your budget and the total cost of ownership. UKG Ready is often more cost-effective for SMBs, while UKG Pro may require a more substantial investment.

  • Customization: If your organisation requires extensive customization and integration with existing systems, UKG Pro's flexibility may be a significant advantage.

  • Implementation Timeline: Smaller organisations often benefit from the quicker implementation of UKG Ready, whereas larger enterprises may be willing to invest more time in setup for the broader capabilities of UKG Pro.

  • Compliance Needs: Ensure that your chosen product can meet the compliance and regulatory requirements specific to your industry.


In conclusion, UKG Pro Workforce Management and UKG Ready both offer valuable solutions, but they are best suited to different types of organisations. Assess your organisation's needs, size, budget, and customization requirements to determine which product aligns with your workforce management goals. Of course, there are many other reputable platforms in the market from different vendors and you should assess these against your requirements too. Ultimately, the right choice will empower your organisation to streamline HR and workforce processes, improving efficiency and compliance.

DayoneHR is a HR Tech consulting company. We support our clients with the HR technology selection process, HR systems implementation and other HR Tech project management activities. If you are looking for help with your next HR tech project, then reach out to us here. We’d love to hear from you!

HR TRENDSLauren Cowan