Top HR Software for Manufacturing: 10 Solutions That Will Change the Way You Manage People

Main image courtesy of US Marketing Management.

Manufacturing businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, providing jobs that support countless families and driving growth in industries like food, clothing, electronics, and automobiles. These companies don’t just create products—they fuel innovation, boost exports, and contribute to the economic engine that keeps the country moving. But managing a manufacturing business, especially with hundreds or even thousands of employees, can be overwhelming.

That's where the right HR software comes in. Handling payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee management is a complex task, but the right tools can streamline operations and ease the burden on HR teams.

At Aiken House, we get it. We've helped over 17 businesses launch with the right tools, equipment, marketing, and web development, setting them up for long-term success. We’re here to guide you through choosing the best HR software for your manufacturing company, focusing on key factors like:

• Efficient tools for shift scheduling, time tracking, and workforce compliance
• User-friendly platforms that simplify HR tasks for both administrative teams and shop floor employees
• How Aiken House goes beyond just HR solutions, providing full business support to help you grow

HR Tools You Need to Boost Your Manufacturing Business

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, effective human resources management is essential to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and foster employee engagement. According to a report by Deloitte, 70% of manufacturing companies state that the workforce is their greatest challenge. As companies grow and scale, the complexity of managing labor, shifts, benefits, and compliance only increases. This is where robust HR software solutions come into play, offering automation, efficiency, and clarity in managing your most valuable asset—your employees.

When considering HR software for your manufacturing company, it’s crucial to evaluate the following features and factors:

• Time and Attendance Management - Automates clock-ins/outs, and shift scheduling, ensuring accurate payroll and reduced errors.
• Compliance Tracking - Helps stay up-to-date with labor laws, OSHA regulations, and union agreements.
• Employee Self-Service - Enables workers to request time off, view payslips, and update personal information independently.
• Scalability - A solution that grows with your business as it expands and your workforce increases.
• Integration with Payroll & ERP Systems - Ensures seamless communication between HR, payroll, and manufacturing processes.
• Mobile Access - Allows managers and employees to access HR functions from any location, increasing flexibility and productivity.

Selecting the right HR software can enhance overall efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and contribute to a healthier, more productive workplace.

Top 10 Manufacturing HR Software: Tried, Tested, and Trusted

Selecting the right HR software for a manufacturing company is crucial to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and improve employee management. Below, we've compiled a list of ten HR software solutions that have been tested and trusted by manufacturing businesses. Each of these platforms offers scalability, user-friendly interfaces, and specific features tailored to the unique needs of manufacturing companies.

1. BambooHR

Website: BambooHR

BambooHR is one of the most popular HR software solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. It’s designed to be an intuitive platform that simplifies HR tasks like employee data management, payroll, and benefits administration. BambooHR is great for manufacturing companies due to its scalability, meaning it can support everything from small teams to large, multi-location operations. One of its standout features is the employee self-service portal, which allows workers to access their records, request time off, and update personal details—ultimately reducing the workload on HR teams. The software also offers advanced reporting capabilities, which can help manufacturing businesses track employee performance and other key metrics. While it’s slightly pricier than some other options, its feature set and ease of use make it a great value for businesses that are growing rapidly.

2. Deputy

Website: Deputy

Deputy is an intuitive workforce management tool that is particularly effective for companies that need shift scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integration. Manufacturing businesses often rely on complex shift work, and Deputy makes scheduling these shifts easier and more efficient. The time tracking feature ensures accurate payroll and helps reduce errors, while the platform’s compliance management tools help manufacturing companies stay up-to-date with labor laws, union agreements, and industry regulations. Deputy is very affordable, especially for small to mid-sized companies, and its flexibility means it can be a good fit for both small businesses and larger operations. The ease of use for managers and shop floor employees makes Deputy an excellent choice for manufacturers looking for a reliable workforce management system.

3. Workforce Software

Website: Workforce Software

Workforce Software offers an all-in-one workforce management system that’s designed for industries like manufacturing, where shift work and employee tracking are essential. This software provides comprehensive tools for labor scheduling and time tracking, making it ideal for managing complex shifts and integrating directly with payroll. The platform also includes workforce analytics, which helps manufacturing companies track productivity, labor costs, and workforce performance. Compliance features are built in to ensure that companies stay on top of legal requirements, such as overtime rules and health and safety regulations. Workforce Software is highly scalable, making it a great option for businesses of any size, from smaller manufacturers to large enterprises.

4. Gusto

Website: Gusto

Gusto is a user-friendly, cloud-based HR platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses, making it an excellent choice for manufacturing companies. It streamlines payroll, benefits management, and compliance tasks, offering features like automated tax filing and easy-to-manage health insurance and retirement plans. Gusto’s scalability allows it to grow with your business, while its affordable pricing makes it accessible for manufacturing companies looking for an efficient, all-in-one HR solution.

At Aiken House, we love Gusto for all of our HR services, so if you’re interested, sign up using our link for $100 off your first payroll!

5. ADP Workforce Now

Website: ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is a widely used platform known for its comprehensive suite of HR, payroll, and compliance features, making it perfect for larger manufacturing companies. ADP offers everything from payroll and benefits administration to tax management and compliance, making it an excellent choice for companies with complex HR needs. The software’s advanced reporting tools allow manufacturers to track labor costs, turnover rates, and employee productivity, providing critical insights for business leaders. ADP’s global reach makes it ideal for businesses with multiple locations or international operations, and its scalability means it can grow with your business as it expands.

6. Paycor HCM

Website: Paycor HCM

Paycor offers cloud-based HR software with a focus on recruiting, payroll, and performance management. Manufacturing businesses often need to hire in high volumes, and Paycor’s recruiting tools simplify this process by helping you attract and hire the best talent. Its time tracking and scheduling features are perfect for managing variable shifts, which is essential for manufacturers with dynamic workforce needs. Paycor also offers tools to track employee performance, which helps manufacturing companies maintain productivity standards and ensure quality control. With flexible pricing, Paycor is ideal for mid-sized manufacturing businesses looking for a comprehensive and affordable HR solution.

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7. UKG Pro

Website: UKG Pro

UKG Pro (formerly UltiPro) is a robust HR software solution designed to manage every aspect of HR, from payroll to talent management. It’s particularly useful for manufacturing companies that need to control labor costs and improve workforce efficiency. UKG Pro’s real-time data and reporting features give manufacturing companies a clear view of their labor productivity, absenteeism, and employee engagement. The platform also includes mobile access, allowing employees and managers to access HR functions from any location. UKG Pro is scalable and flexible, making it a good fit for companies of any size, and it provides a full suite of HR tools that cater to manufacturing environments.

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8. Justworks

Website: Justworks

Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that streamlines HR, payroll, and benefits for small and medium-sized businesses. Justworks automates payroll, taxes, and compliance, which significantly reduces the administrative burden on HR teams. Manufacturing companies can also use Justworks to provide employees with high-quality health benefits, retirement plans, and other perks, all at competitive rates. Justworks makes it easy to onboard new employees, ensuring that manufacturing businesses can hire quickly and efficiently. The platform is affordable and can scale with your business, making it an ideal solution for manufacturers with fewer than 100 employees.

9. Ceridian Dayforce

Website: Ceridian Dayforce

Ceridian Dayforce is an integrated HCM platform that combines HR, payroll, talent management, and workforce management into a single solution. Manufacturing companies can benefit from Dayforce’s real-time data capabilities, allowing managers to track labor costs, productivity, and absenteeism in real-time. The software’s time and attendance tracking features help eliminate time theft and streamline payroll. Additionally, Ceridian Dayforce’s compliance management tools ensure that manufacturing companies stay on top of labor laws and safety regulations. The platform is highly scalable and can accommodate businesses of all sizes, making it a great option for both small and large manufacturers.

10. Rippling

Website: Rippling

Rippling is a cloud-based platform that combines HR, IT, and finance operations into one unified system. Manufacturing companies can benefit from Rippling’s all-in-one solution, which allows them to manage HR, payroll, benefits, and even company devices—all from a single dashboard. Rippling’s automated onboarding and compliance management features make it easy to hire and ensure that all legal requirements are met. The software also includes time tracking and scheduling tools, which are ideal for managing employees in manufacturing environments with varying shifts. Rippling is scalable, making it a great option for manufacturing businesses looking for a long-term solution that can grow with their needs.

Aiken House: Your Comprehensive Resource for Business Growth

Whether you want to start your own manufacturing business or another type of small business, Aiken House is the best place to go for all of your resources to get started.

Whether it’s in website development, marketing, or other services you may need, schedule a consultation with us to build your own success story!

In the meantime, check out these top ten best HR software for manufacturing companies!