Introduction

Choosing the right human resource information system (HRIS) is crucial for managing employee data and processes efficiently. This comparison will delve into Breathe and UKG Pro, two prominent HRIS tools in the market.

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Breathe is a multi-award-winning, simple, and secure HR software tailored for SMEs in the UK and Australia. It helps businesses streamline their core people processes online, saving time, providing peace of mind, and enabling remote work.

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UKG Pro is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution designed for midsize and large organizations. It facilitates comprehensive people management, including payroll, and is known for its robust features aimed at larger enterprises.

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Comparing these HRIS tools will help you determine which one best fits your organization's needs.

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Breathe Overview

Breathe offers an intuitive platform designed specifically for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to move their HR processes online. Its simplicity and focus on core HR functions make it a compelling choice for businesses looking for ease of use without sacrificing necessary features.

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Key Features

• Employee Database: Centralized record-keeping for employee information.
• Absence Management: Easy tracking of annual leave, sickness, and other absences.
• Performance Management: Tools for performance appraisals, objectives, and reviews.
• Document Management: Secure storage and sharing of HR documents.
• Reporting: Generate comprehensive HR reports to gain insights into various metrics.
• Employee Self-Service: Allow employees to access and manage their own HR data.
• Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with local HR laws and regulations.
• Integration Capabilities: Integrates with various payroll and other HR tools.

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UKG Pro Overview

UKG Pro, formerly known as UltiPro, is designed for larger organizations needing a more comprehensive and scalable HRIS solution. It's a cloud-based HCM that offers extensive functionalities extending beyond the basics, including sophisticated payroll capabilities.

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Key Features

• Payroll Processing: Comprehensive payroll management for large workforces.
• Benefits Administration: Manage employee benefits programs and open enrollment.
• Talent Management: End-to-end talent acquisition and retention tools.
• Compensation Management: Advanced tools for salary planning and administration.
• Workforce Management: Manage employee time, attendance, and scheduling.
• HR Service Delivery: Advanced employee case management and helpdesk functionalities.
• Learning Management: Tools for training and development programs.
• Compliance and Analytics: Strong analytical capabilities for compliance and strategic planning.
• Global Human Resources: Support for global HR functions and multi-currency payroll.

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Similarities

Breathe and UKG Pro share several common features that categorize them within the HRIS domain:

• Centralized Employee Data: Both platforms offer a centralized repository for managing employee information.
• Self-Service Portals: They provide employee self-service capabilities to empower staff to manage their HR data.
• Compliance Tools: Both solutions help ensure compliance with relevant HR regulations.
• Integration Capabilities: They can integrate with other essential business software, such as payroll systems.
• Reporting and Analytics: Offer robust reporting tools to help HR professionals gain insights and drive strategic decisions.

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Differences

While Breathe and UKG Pro offer essential HRIS functionalities, they differ significantly in several areas:

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• Target Audience: Breathe is tailored for SMEs, particularly in the UK and Australia. It's designed for ease of use and streamlined processes. In contrast, UKG Pro targets midsize and large enterprises, often with global operations, needing extensive features and scalability.
• Payroll Management: UKG Pro offers comprehensive payroll services capable of handling complex payroll needs, including multi-currency payroll and compliance with international standards. Breathe, by contrast, focuses more on integration with payroll services rather than providing in-depth payroll functionality itself.
• Talent and Learning Management: UKG Pro offers comprehensive talent management, including recruitment, performance, compensation, and learning management systems. Breathe has more basic performance management tools and does not offer an integrated learning management system.
• Complexity and Customization: UKG Pro is more powerful but comes with a steeper learning curve and higher levels of customization. Breathe emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, suiting businesses that prefer straightforward HR administration.
• Global Capabilities: UKG Pro supports global HR functions and multiple currencies, making it suitable for multinational corporations. Breathe is more localized to the UK and Australian markets.
• Cost and Implementation: Breathe is generally more affordable and faster to implement due to its simplicity. UKG Pro, being a more robust and comprehensive solution, often involves higher costs and longer implementation timeframes.

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Pros and Cons

Breathe

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Affordable for SMEs
• Quick setup and implementation
• Focused on core HR functionalities
• Strong compliance tools for UK and Australian markets

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Cons:

• Limited payroll capabilities
• Less suitable for large enterprises
• Basic talent management functionalities
• Limited global HR support

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UKG Pro

Pros:

• Comprehensive payroll and benefits administration
• Advanced talent and learning management tools
• Supports global HR functions
• Highly customizable
• Strong analytics and compliance features

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Cons:

• Higher cost
• Longer implementation time
• Steeper learning curve
• More complex interface

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Use Cases

Breathe

Breathe is ideal for SMEs particularly located in the UK and Australia that need straightforward, easy-to-use HR software to move their core processes online. It's especially beneficial for organizations looking to:

• Streamline HR processes without extensive training.
• Quickly implement an HRIS with minimal disruption.
• Manage compliance within the UK and Australian regulatory landscapes.
• Integrate HR functions with existing payroll applications.

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UKG Pro

UKG Pro suits midsize to large organizations that require a comprehensive and scalable HCM solution to manage their complex HR needs. It's perfect for:

• Organizations needing extensive payroll management, including global payroll.
• Companies with advanced talent management needs, from recruitment to learning.
• Businesses requiring a customizable platform to fit their specific processes.
• Enterprises needing robust compliance and analytics capabilities.

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Conclusion

When choosing between Breathe and UKG Pro, consider your organization’s size, complexity, and specific HR needs. Breathe excels for SMEs looking for simplicity and affordability, particularly in the UK and Australia. Its focus on core HR processes and ease of use makes it a practical choice for smaller organizations.

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UKG Pro, on the other hand, is better suited for midsize and larger organizations with complex HR requirements and a need for scalability. Its comprehensive features, although with a steeper learning curve and higher cost, offer extensive capabilities in payroll, talent management, and global HR functions.

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Ultimately, the choice between Breathe and UKG Pro depends on your organizational goals, budget, and HR complexity. Evaluate your needs against the features and strengths of each platform to find the best HRIS solution for your business.