Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy automates employee rostering, shift scheduling, and time tracking with AI-driven optimization and compliance rules.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work automates shift creation, availability-based scheduling, and overtime predictions for hourly teams.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase delivers automated scheduling, labor forecasting, and geofenced time tracking for small businesses.
- 4#4: Connecteam - Connecteam automates rostering, shift swaps, and employee availability matching within a mobile workforce app.
- 5#5: 7shifts - 7shifts automates restaurant staff scheduling, labor cost optimization, and predictive demand forecasting.
- 6#6: Sling - Sling automates employee schedule building, notifications, and labor cost controls for shift-based teams.
- 7#7: RotaCloud - RotaCloud automates staff rotas, timesheet approvals, and payroll-ready scheduling with mobile access.
- 8#8: Findmyshift - Findmyshift automates online rostering, holiday requests, and shift pattern creation for businesses.
- 9#9: UKG Pro - UKG Pro provides enterprise automated scheduling, workforce forecasting, and rule-based compliance management.
- 10#10: WorkForce Software - WorkForce Software automates complex workforce scheduling, fatigue management, and predictive analytics for large organizations.
Tools were evaluated based on core capabilities like automation efficiency, compliance adherence, and user-friendliness, alongside overall quality, intuitive design, and value relative to target user needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top automated rostering tools like Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more, examining their features, usability, integrations, and key advantages to guide you toward the software that best suits your team's requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy automates employee rostering, shift scheduling, and time tracking with AI-driven optimization and compliance rules. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work automates shift creation, availability-based scheduling, and overtime predictions for hourly teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase delivers automated scheduling, labor forecasting, and geofenced time tracking for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam Connecteam automates rostering, shift swaps, and employee availability matching within a mobile workforce app. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts 7shifts automates restaurant staff scheduling, labor cost optimization, and predictive demand forecasting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Sling Sling automates employee schedule building, notifications, and labor cost controls for shift-based teams. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 7 | RotaCloud RotaCloud automates staff rotas, timesheet approvals, and payroll-ready scheduling with mobile access. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Findmyshift Findmyshift automates online rostering, holiday requests, and shift pattern creation for businesses. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | UKG Pro UKG Pro provides enterprise automated scheduling, workforce forecasting, and rule-based compliance management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | WorkForce Software WorkForce Software automates complex workforce scheduling, fatigue management, and predictive analytics for large organizations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
Deputy automates employee rostering, shift scheduling, and time tracking with AI-driven optimization and compliance rules.
When I Work automates shift creation, availability-based scheduling, and overtime predictions for hourly teams.
Homebase delivers automated scheduling, labor forecasting, and geofenced time tracking for small businesses.
Connecteam automates rostering, shift swaps, and employee availability matching within a mobile workforce app.
7shifts automates restaurant staff scheduling, labor cost optimization, and predictive demand forecasting.
Sling automates employee schedule building, notifications, and labor cost controls for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud automates staff rotas, timesheet approvals, and payroll-ready scheduling with mobile access.
Findmyshift automates online rostering, holiday requests, and shift pattern creation for businesses.
UKG Pro provides enterprise automated scheduling, workforce forecasting, and rule-based compliance management.
WorkForce Software automates complex workforce scheduling, fatigue management, and predictive analytics for large organizations.
Deputy
specializedDeputy automates employee rostering, shift scheduling, and time tracking with AI-driven optimization and compliance rules.
AutoSchedule AI that intelligently builds compliant rosters in seconds by balancing demand, availability, skills, and overtime rules
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform renowned for its automated rostering capabilities, enabling businesses to create optimized schedules using AI-driven algorithms that factor in employee availability, skills, labor forecasts, and compliance rules. It streamlines shift planning for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare with features such as drag-and-drop scheduling, auto-fill, and real-time notifications. Beyond rostering, Deputy offers time tracking, task management, and integrations with payroll and POS systems to enhance operational efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced AI-powered AutoSchedule for quick, rule-based rostering
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and manager approvals
- Extensive integrations with 100+ tools including payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like fatigue management
- Steeper learning curve for complex custom rules
- Customer support can be slower for non-enterprise users
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in hospitality, retail, or healthcare seeking intelligent automated scheduling to minimize manual effort and ensure compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential plan) billed annually, with Plus ($5/user/month) and Enterprise (custom pricing) tiers; 14-day free trial available.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work automates shift creation, availability-based scheduling, and overtime predictions for hourly teams.
OpenShifts: Real-time shift posting where employees can browse and claim available shifts via mobile app
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It automates rostering by intelligently filling shifts based on employee availability, skills, labor forecasts, and cost optimization rules, minimizing manual scheduling efforts. The software also handles shift trades, time-off requests, messaging, and time tracking through an intuitive web and mobile interface.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with strong mobile app support
- Automated shift filling based on availability, skills, and forecasts
- Excellent team communication tools including shift alerts and messaging
Cons
- Auto-scheduling rules lack deep customization compared to enterprise tools
- Advanced reporting and analytics require higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location businesses
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers seeking straightforward automated rostering and mobile-first scheduling.
Pricing
Free for single-location teams up to 75 users; paid plans start at $2/active user/month (Essential), $3.50 (Pro), and $5+ (Elite), billed annually.
Homebase
specializedHomebase delivers automated scheduling, labor forecasting, and geofenced time tracking for small businesses.
Smart Scheduling that uses historical sales data and availability to automatically generate optimized rosters minimizing labor costs.
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, with strong emphasis on automated employee rostering and scheduling. It features smart scheduling tools that auto-generate rosters based on employee availability, sales forecasts, labor costs, and shift templates, streamlining the process for hourly workforces. The platform also integrates time tracking, messaging, and basic payroll to support daily operations, all via an intuitive mobile-first app.
Pros
- Smart automated scheduling with forecasting and auto-fill capabilities
- Generous free plan for small teams (up to 20 employees)
- Mobile app excels in shift swapping and real-time communication
Cons
- Advanced forecasting and reporting locked behind premium tiers
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support can be slow for free users
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses with hourly staff needing simple, affordable automated rostering.
Pricing
Free for 1 location up to 20 employees; Essentials $29.99/mo/location (50 employees); Premium $59.99/mo with advanced features.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam automates rostering, shift swaps, and employee availability matching within a mobile workforce app.
AI Smart Scheduling that auto-fills shifts by analyzing historical data, preferences, and constraints for optimal coverage.
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform with strong automated rostering features, using AI-driven Smart Scheduling to automatically generate optimized shift schedules based on employee availability, skills, labor costs, and business rules. It supports drag-and-drop scheduling, shift swaps, and notifications via a mobile-first app tailored for frontline and deskless workers. Beyond rostering, it integrates time tracking, communication, and task management to streamline operations.
Pros
- AI-powered auto-scheduling minimizes manual work and ensures compliance with availability and overtime rules
- Intuitive mobile app enables easy shift viewing, requests, and swaps for employees
- Seamless integration with time clock and payroll for accurate labor management
Cons
- Pricing scales per user, becoming costly for large teams focused only on rostering
- Full automation requires setup of rules and data, with less advanced forecasting than specialized tools
- Overabundance of non-rostering features can overwhelm users seeking simple scheduling
Best For
Medium-sized businesses with deskless or frontline teams needing automated rostering combined with communication and time-tracking tools.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Operations, up to 30 users), $49/month (Expert), $99/month (Enterprise), billed annually with per-user scaling.
7shifts
specialized7shifts automates restaurant staff scheduling, labor cost optimization, and predictive demand forecasting.
Auto-scheduling powered by real-time sales data and labor forecasting to minimize overstaffing
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that automates employee scheduling based on sales forecasts, labor budgets, availability, and skills. It streamlines operations with features like time clocking, shift trades, team messaging, and performance analytics. Designed for the hospitality industry, it integrates seamlessly with popular POS systems to ensure cost-effective rostering.
Pros
- Powerful auto-scheduling with labor forecasting and POS integration
- Robust mobile app for employees to view shifts and communicate
- Comprehensive labor cost controls and reporting tools
Cons
- Limited customization outside restaurant-specific workflows
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Initial setup can be time-intensive for multi-location operations
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers seeking automated scheduling tailored to hospitality labor forecasting and cost optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), up to $59.99 (Elite); billed annually with a free trial.
Sling
specializedSling automates employee schedule building, notifications, and labor cost controls for shift-based teams.
Unlimited free scheduling with built-in labor cost optimization to prevent budget overruns
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform that automates shift rostering for businesses with hourly workers. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, availability-based auto-scheduling suggestions, labor cost optimization, and integrated team communication tools. The software also includes time tracking, shift swapping, and overtime alerts to streamline workforce management, making it particularly suitable for shift-based industries.
Pros
- Free core scheduling for unlimited employees and locations
- Intuitive mobile app with real-time notifications and messaging
- Automated labor cost forecasting and availability matching
Cons
- Limited advanced AI-driven automation compared to enterprise tools
- Reporting and analytics are basic without premium upgrades
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, or services needing simple, cost-free automated rostering.
Pricing
Free forever for unlimited users; premium add-ons start at $2/user/month for advanced features like payroll integrations.
RotaCloud
specializedRotaCloud automates staff rotas, timesheet approvals, and payroll-ready scheduling with mobile access.
Auto-rota generator that intelligently fills schedules using staff availability, skills, and overtime rules to minimize manual input
RotaCloud is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in automated rostering for businesses with hourly-paid, shift-based staff. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop rotas, track timesheets via a mobile app, and handle availability, holidays, and communications efficiently. Primarily targeted at industries like hospitality, security, and cleaning, it reduces manual scheduling errors and ensures compliance with labor regulations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop rota builder with auto-fill based on availability
- Real-time mobile app for clock-ins, shift swaps, and notifications
- Strong integrations with UK payroll providers like Sage and Xero
Cons
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise tools
- Mobile app occasionally experiences sync delays
- Limited support for highly complex multi-site or international operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy sectors like hospitality and care needing affordable, user-friendly automated scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at £1 per active user per month (min £25/month), with a 30-day free trial; scales based on staff numbers and locations.
Findmyshift
specializedFindmyshift automates online rostering, holiday requests, and shift pattern creation for businesses.
Intelligent auto-fill rostering that automatically assigns shifts based on staff skills, availability, and labor costs.
Findmyshift is a cloud-based automated rostering software tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling quick creation of schedules via drag-and-drop and rule-based automation. It matches staff availability, skills, and preferences to generate optimized rotas, while integrating timesheet tracking, overtime alerts, and mobile access for employees. The platform supports communication tools and basic reporting to enhance workforce management efficiency.
Pros
- Automated roster generation based on availability and rules saves significant time
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with mobile app support
- Affordable pricing suitable for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer integrations with payroll and HR systems
- Customization options can feel restrictive for complex shift patterns
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hospitality, healthcare, and retail seeking straightforward automated scheduling without high costs.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $18/user/month (Essentials) up to $29/user/month (Professional), billed annually.
UKG Pro
enterpriseUKG Pro provides enterprise automated scheduling, workforce forecasting, and rule-based compliance management.
AI-powered Intelligent Scheduling that proactively forecasts demand and auto-generates compliant rosters across constraints like skills and preferences
UKG Pro is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform with robust workforce management capabilities, specializing in automated rostering for large enterprises. It leverages AI and predictive analytics to generate optimized schedules based on demand forecasting, employee preferences, skills, labor laws, and fatigue management. The software integrates seamlessly with payroll, time tracking, and HR modules for streamlined operations.
Pros
- AI-driven scheduling optimizes shifts with real-time adjustments
- Strong compliance tools for union rules and labor regulations
- Deep integrations with HR, payroll, and timekeeping systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Interface can feel overwhelming for non-enterprise users
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-site rostering needs requiring compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually per 100 employees, scaling with modules and users.
WorkForce Software
enterpriseWorkForce Software automates complex workforce scheduling, fatigue management, and predictive analytics for large organizations.
Predictive scheduling engine that dynamically optimizes shifts using real-time data, employee sentiment, and regulatory constraints
WorkForce Software's WorkForce Suite is an enterprise-grade workforce management platform with robust automated rostering capabilities, leveraging AI and predictive analytics to generate optimized schedules. It factors in demand forecasting, employee skills, preferences, availability, and complex labor regulations to minimize costs and overtime. The solution supports real-time adjustments, drag-and-drop interfaces, and seamless integrations with HCM and ERP systems for large-scale operations.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven forecasting and optimization for cost savings
- Comprehensive compliance with union rules and labor laws
- Scalable for global enterprises with multi-site support
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for admins
- High cost unsuitable for SMBs
- Limited mobile self-service for basic rostering needs
Best For
Large enterprises in regulated industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and retail needing sophisticated, compliant automated scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10-25 per user/month for core scheduling, plus implementation fees starting at $50K+ for enterprises.
Conclusion
Across the top 10 automated rostering tools, Deputy emerges as the standout choice, with AI-driven optimization and robust compliance rules simplifying scheduling. When I Work excels for hourly teams with its availability-based approach and overtime predictions, while Homebase remains a top pick for small businesses needing integrated labor forecasting. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for diverse operational needs.
Don’t miss out—try Deputy today to experience its seamless efficiency and tailored features, setting your scheduling process up for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison