Quick Overview
- 1#1: CrewInspector - Cloud-based maritime crew management software handling scheduling, payroll, certifications, and compliance.
- 2#2: Adonis - Advanced personnel management system for maritime and offshore crew planning, payroll, and training.
- 3#3: UK Crews - End-to-end crew management solution for shipping companies covering recruitment, rostering, and documents.
- 4#4: Seacrew - Maritime software for managing crew records, contracts, training, and wage calculations.
- 5#5: SoftMar - Integrated ERP platform with crew management modules for vessel operators and ship managers.
- 6#6: StudioBinder - Production management tool for scheduling, call sheets, and crew coordination in film and TV.
- 7#7: Wrapbook - Payroll, payments, and production tracking software tailored for entertainment industry crews.
- 8#8: Deputy - Employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication platform for managing shift-based crews.
- 9#9: When I Work - Scheduling and time management app designed for teams and crews with shift trading features.
- 10#10: Homebase - All-in-one tool for employee scheduling, time clocks, and messaging for hourly work crews.
Tools were ranked by a blend of feature depth, user experience, industry-specific relevance, and overall value, prioritizing reliability, adaptability, and outcomes that drive operational excellence.
Comparison Table
Crew management software is vital for optimizing workflows in maritime sectors, with tools like CrewInspector, Adonis, UK Crews, Seacrew, SoftMar, and more providing distinct functionalities. This comparison table outlines key features, strengths, and practical use cases to help readers identify the most suitable tool for their team's specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CrewInspector Cloud-based maritime crew management software handling scheduling, payroll, certifications, and compliance. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Adonis Advanced personnel management system for maritime and offshore crew planning, payroll, and training. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | UK Crews End-to-end crew management solution for shipping companies covering recruitment, rostering, and documents. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Seacrew Maritime software for managing crew records, contracts, training, and wage calculations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | SoftMar Integrated ERP platform with crew management modules for vessel operators and ship managers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | StudioBinder Production management tool for scheduling, call sheets, and crew coordination in film and TV. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Wrapbook Payroll, payments, and production tracking software tailored for entertainment industry crews. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Deputy Employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication platform for managing shift-based crews. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | When I Work Scheduling and time management app designed for teams and crews with shift trading features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 10 | Homebase All-in-one tool for employee scheduling, time clocks, and messaging for hourly work crews. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
Cloud-based maritime crew management software handling scheduling, payroll, certifications, and compliance.
Advanced personnel management system for maritime and offshore crew planning, payroll, and training.
End-to-end crew management solution for shipping companies covering recruitment, rostering, and documents.
Maritime software for managing crew records, contracts, training, and wage calculations.
Integrated ERP platform with crew management modules for vessel operators and ship managers.
Production management tool for scheduling, call sheets, and crew coordination in film and TV.
Payroll, payments, and production tracking software tailored for entertainment industry crews.
Employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication platform for managing shift-based crews.
Scheduling and time management app designed for teams and crews with shift trading features.
All-in-one tool for employee scheduling, time clocks, and messaging for hourly work crews.
CrewInspector
enterpriseCloud-based maritime crew management software handling scheduling, payroll, certifications, and compliance.
Advanced drag-and-drop scheduling with AI-driven conflict detection and real-time availability forecasting
CrewInspector is a cloud-based crew management software tailored for the maritime industry, offering end-to-end solutions for crew scheduling, payroll, certification tracking, and compliance. It enables seamless management of crew rotations, travel arrangements, and document workflows through an intuitive web and mobile interface. The platform integrates with HR systems and provides advanced reporting for optimized operations and regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including real-time scheduling, payroll automation, and certification management
- Mobile app for crew self-service and on-the-go access
- Excellent integration capabilities and 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small fleets
- Initial setup and data migration may take time
- Some advanced reporting customizations require support assistance
Best For
Medium to large maritime companies managing complex crew rotations and compliance needs across global operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on vessels/users; starts around €150-300/month per vessel, with enterprise quotes available.
Adonis
enterpriseAdvanced personnel management system for maritime and offshore crew planning, payroll, and training.
Advanced crew optimization engine that automates rotations for cost savings and regulatory adherence
Adonis (adonis.no) is a comprehensive crew management software designed specifically for the maritime and shipping industries. It streamlines crew planning, scheduling, payroll processing, certification management, and regulatory compliance across global fleets. The platform integrates HR, travel logistics, and performance tracking to optimize operations and reduce administrative overhead.
Pros
- Highly specialized maritime features including STCW compliance and crew rotation planning
- Robust integration with payroll and HR systems
- Scalable for large fleets with advanced reporting and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High cost unsuitable for small operators
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Large shipping companies managing international crews and complex compliance requirements across multiple vessels.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually based on fleet size and modules, contact sales for quotes.
UK Crews
enterpriseEnd-to-end crew management solution for shipping companies covering recruitment, rostering, and documents.
Vast, searchable database of over 20,000 verified UK crew profiles with endorsements and availability indicators
UK Crews (ukcrews.com) is a specialized platform for recruiting and managing freelance crew in the UK events, theatre, film, and live production industries. It provides a comprehensive database of verified crew profiles, job posting tools, applicant tracking, and basic communication features to streamline team assembly. While focused on talent sourcing rather than full operational management, it excels in connecting producers with local talent efficiently.
Pros
- Extensive database of UK-based freelance crew with detailed profiles and skills filters
- Simple job posting and applicant management interface
- Cost-effective for occasional hires with pay-per-job options
Cons
- Limited advanced scheduling, rostering, or timesheet features compared to full crew management suites
- Primarily UK-focused, less useful for international operations
- Basic reporting and integration capabilities with other tools
Best For
UK event producers and production managers seeking quick access to a vetted pool of local freelance crew for short-term projects.
Pricing
Free for crew members; employer plans start at £29/month for unlimited postings or pay-per-job from £19.
Seacrew
enterpriseMaritime software for managing crew records, contracts, training, and wage calculations.
Dynamic crew rotation planner with drag-and-drop scheduling and automatic gap filling for optimal manning.
Seacrew is a cloud-based crew management software tailored for the maritime industry, providing comprehensive tools for crew scheduling, payroll processing, certification tracking, and compliance management. It streamlines operations from recruitment and onboarding to rotations and offboarding, with features like document management and travel coordination. The platform offers real-time visibility and mobile access, making it suitable for shipping companies managing global crews.
Pros
- Maritime-specific features like advanced rotation planning and STCW compliance tracking
- Seamless integrations with HRIS, payroll, and vessel management systems
- Mobile app for crew self-service and real-time updates
Cons
- Pricing is enterprise-level and can be costly for smaller operators
- Steeper learning curve for non-maritime users due to specialized terminology
- Limited customization options for non-standard workflows
Best For
Medium to large shipping companies with complex crew rotation needs and global operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on fleet size, users, and modules; typically starts at $5,000/month for mid-sized fleets.
SoftMar
enterpriseIntegrated ERP platform with crew management modules for vessel operators and ship managers.
Automated certification tracking with expiry alerts and digital archiving for STCW/MLC compliance
SoftMar is a comprehensive crew management software designed specifically for the maritime industry, enabling efficient planning, scheduling, and rotation of ship crews across vessels. It handles payroll processing, certification tracking, compliance with regulations like STCW and MLC, and document management to streamline operations for shipping companies. The platform also supports travel coordination, reporting, and integration with other maritime systems for end-to-end crew lifecycle management.
Pros
- Highly specialized features for maritime crew planning and rotations
- Strong compliance tools for certifications and international regulations
- Seamless integration with payroll and vessel management systems
Cons
- Interface may have a learning curve for non-maritime users
- Limited public information on mobile accessibility
- Pricing opaque, requiring direct sales contact
Best For
Mid-sized European shipping companies and vessel operators needing tailored maritime compliance and scheduling tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing; contact sales for quotes tailored to fleet size and needs.
StudioBinder
creative_suiteProduction management tool for scheduling, call sheets, and crew coordination in film and TV.
Script-based stripboard scheduling that automatically generates crew-optimized shooting schedules and call sheets
StudioBinder is an all-in-one production management platform tailored for film and video projects, with robust crew management tools including contact lists, availability tracking, and assignment to schedules. It enables teams to create detailed shooting schedules, generate call sheets with crew details, and manage communications centrally. While broader in scope for pre-production, its crew features streamline organization for on-set coordination and reduce manual paperwork.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with crew assignments
- Automated call sheets and contact sheets for quick crew distribution
- Centralized crew database with availability and role tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features like payroll or time-tracking integration
- Pricing scales quickly for larger crews or multiple projects
- Primarily film-focused, less adaptable for non-production crew management
Best For
Small to mid-sized film production teams needing seamless crew scheduling and document generation.
Pricing
Free for 1 project; paid plans start at $29/user/month (Starter), $49/user/month (Pro), with custom Enterprise options.
Wrapbook
specializedPayroll, payments, and production tracking software tailored for entertainment industry crews.
Automated union fringe benefits and payroll compliance calculations
Wrapbook is a production payroll and management platform tailored for the film, TV, and entertainment industries, enabling seamless crew onboarding, time tracking, payments, and compliance. It automates payroll calculations including union fringes, workers' comp, and tax filings, while providing digital contracts and invoicing. The software integrates timecards via mobile app and supports both union and non-union workers for efficient crew management.
Pros
- Specialized compliance tools for entertainment unions like SAG-AFTRA
- Integrated payroll, time tracking, and instant payments
- Mobile-first onboarding and e-signatures for crews
Cons
- Higher pricing for small or infrequent productions
- Learning curve for non-entertainment users
- Limited customization outside film/TV workflows
Best For
Film, TV, and commercial production managers handling union crews and complex payroll compliance.
Pricing
Pro plan at $16/active employee/month (min. $99/mo); Enterprise custom pricing with production-based fees.
Deputy
specializedEmployee scheduling, time tracking, and communication platform for managing shift-based crews.
Intelligent Forecasting tool that predicts labor demand using historical data, sales, and weather to optimize staffing levels
Deputy is a mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for businesses with hourly and shift-based employees, offering tools for scheduling, time tracking, task assignment, and team communication. It streamlines operations in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare by automating rosters, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and integrating with payroll systems. The software emphasizes real-time updates and employee self-service to boost efficiency and reduce no-shows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Comprehensive mobile app for employee clock-ins and shift swaps
- Seamless integrations with payroll and POS systems like Xero and Square
Cons
- Higher costs scale quickly for large teams with many active users
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited in entry-level plans
- Occasional sync delays with third-party integrations
Best For
Medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail and hospitality needing an easy-to-deploy solution for scheduling and attendance.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential plan, billed annually), $5.25 for Plus, and custom Enterprise pricing.
When I Work
specializedScheduling and time management app designed for teams and crews with shift trading features.
Smart auto-scheduling that optimizes shifts based on employee availability, skills, and labor forecasts
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for hourly and shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create, share, and optimize schedules efficiently. It supports features like shift trading, availability management, team messaging, and time tracking via a user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, it helps reduce scheduling conflicts and overtime costs while improving employee satisfaction.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for shift swaps and communication
- Affordable pricing with a solid free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in lower plans
- Scalability challenges for very large enterprises
- Customer support can be slow for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail and restaurants needing simple, mobile-first crew scheduling.
Pricing
Free for basic scheduling (up to 75 schedules/month); paid plans from $2/active user/month (Essential) to $6/active user/month (Enterprise).
Homebase
otherAll-in-one tool for employee scheduling, time clocks, and messaging for hourly work crews.
Unlimited free plan for a single location, making it accessible for startups and small teams without upfront costs
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses managing hourly crews in industries like retail, hospitality, and services. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, GPS-enabled time tracking, team messaging, hiring tools, and payroll integrations to streamline operations. The software emphasizes simplicity and mobile accessibility, helping managers reduce no-shows and overtime costs.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single locations with unlimited employees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Strong time tracking with geofencing to prevent buddy punching
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization on lower tiers
- Scalability issues for multi-location or enterprise-level needs
- Customer support slower for free plan users
Best For
Small business owners and single-location managers in hourly industries seeking an affordable, user-friendly tool for basic crew scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); paid plans start at $29.99/location/month for Essentials (up to 25 employees) and $59.99/location/month for Premium.
Conclusion
The top three crew management tools demonstrate exceptional value, with CrewInspector emerging as the clear leader, offering robust cloud-based capabilities for scheduling, payroll, certifications, and compliance. Adonis and UK Crews follow, each excelling in distinct areas like advanced personnel planning or end-to-end recruitment and rostering, making them strong alternatives for specific operational needs. Together, these tools highlight a market rich with versatile options to streamline crew management effectively.
Don’t miss out on CrewInspector—its seamless, comprehensive platform is the key to simplifying scheduling, compliance, and payroll, ensuring your crew operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison