Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vector - Specialized scheduling software for fire and EMS departments featuring shift bidding, automatic staffing, and NFPA compliance tools.
- 2#2: Aladtec - Web-based employee scheduling platform designed for public safety including fire departments with mobile access and overtime management.
- 3#3: FirePro 360 - Cloud-based fire department scheduling tool with drag-and-drop shifts, certification tracking, and real-time availability updates.
- 4#4: OneArranger - Fire and EMS scheduling software offering fair labor standards compliance, trade management, and integration with dispatch systems.
- 5#5: ShiftAdmin - Public safety shift scheduling solution for fire and police with automated notifications and minimum staffing enforcement.
- 6#6: ImageTrend Elite - Integrated scheduling module within fire RMS platform for optimized personnel deployment and reporting.
- 7#7: WhenToWork - Flexible online scheduling app with shift trades and availability used widely by fire departments for efficient staffing.
- 8#8: Southern Software - Fire RMS with built-in staffing and scheduling features for shift planning and personnel management.
- 9#9: Trak Systems - Public safety software suite including scheduling tools for fire and EMS crew management and dispatching.
- 10#10: UKG Ready - Enterprise workforce management system with advanced scheduling capabilities adaptable for fire department operations.
Tools were ranked based on relevance of features (shifts, compliance, integration), usability (interface, mobile access), and overall value (cost-effectiveness, long-term impact), ensuring alignment with the demanding requirements of fire and EMS operations.
Comparison Table
Effective staffing is critical for fire departments to respond swiftly and efficiently, making the right software choice essential. This comparison table breaks down leading tools including Vector, Aladtec, FirePro 360, OneArranger, and ShiftAdmin, helping readers identify options that align with their department’s unique needs, features, and workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vector Specialized scheduling software for fire and EMS departments featuring shift bidding, automatic staffing, and NFPA compliance tools. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Aladtec Web-based employee scheduling platform designed for public safety including fire departments with mobile access and overtime management. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | FirePro 360 Cloud-based fire department scheduling tool with drag-and-drop shifts, certification tracking, and real-time availability updates. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | OneArranger Fire and EMS scheduling software offering fair labor standards compliance, trade management, and integration with dispatch systems. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | ShiftAdmin Public safety shift scheduling solution for fire and police with automated notifications and minimum staffing enforcement. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | ImageTrend Elite Integrated scheduling module within fire RMS platform for optimized personnel deployment and reporting. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | WhenToWork Flexible online scheduling app with shift trades and availability used widely by fire departments for efficient staffing. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Southern Software Fire RMS with built-in staffing and scheduling features for shift planning and personnel management. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Trak Systems Public safety software suite including scheduling tools for fire and EMS crew management and dispatching. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | UKG Ready Enterprise workforce management system with advanced scheduling capabilities adaptable for fire department operations. | enterprise | 6.5/10 | 5.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.0/10 |
Specialized scheduling software for fire and EMS departments featuring shift bidding, automatic staffing, and NFPA compliance tools.
Web-based employee scheduling platform designed for public safety including fire departments with mobile access and overtime management.
Cloud-based fire department scheduling tool with drag-and-drop shifts, certification tracking, and real-time availability updates.
Fire and EMS scheduling software offering fair labor standards compliance, trade management, and integration with dispatch systems.
Public safety shift scheduling solution for fire and police with automated notifications and minimum staffing enforcement.
Integrated scheduling module within fire RMS platform for optimized personnel deployment and reporting.
Flexible online scheduling app with shift trades and availability used widely by fire departments for efficient staffing.
Fire RMS with built-in staffing and scheduling features for shift planning and personnel management.
Public safety software suite including scheduling tools for fire and EMS crew management and dispatching.
Enterprise workforce management system with advanced scheduling capabilities adaptable for fire department operations.
Vector
specializedSpecialized scheduling software for fire and EMS departments featuring shift bidding, automatic staffing, and NFPA compliance tools.
Patented AI-driven scheduling engine that auto-generates 100% compliant rosters in minutes
Vector is a specialized scheduling software tailored for fire departments and EMS agencies, automating complex shift scheduling while ensuring compliance with FLSA, union rules, and department policies. It streamlines employee availability tracking, timekeeping, overtime management, and payroll integrations, with real-time updates accessible via a robust mobile app. The platform excels in generating optimized schedules that minimize manual intervention and reduce staffing errors.
Pros
- Powerful rules-based engine handles intricate fire/EMS scheduling constraints automatically
- Seamless mobile app for shift swaps, availability, and notifications
- Strong integrations with payroll, HRIS, and CAD systems for end-to-end workflow
Cons
- Initial setup requires detailed configuration for complex rules
- Pricing can be higher for smaller departments
- Advanced reporting features could be more customizable
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments and EMS agencies seeking automated, compliant scheduling with minimal manual oversight.
Pricing
Custom quote based on department size and users; typically $10-20 per firefighter/month.
Aladtec
specializedWeb-based employee scheduling platform designed for public safety including fire departments with mobile access and overtime management.
Rule-based QuickFill auto-scheduler that intelligently fills shifts while respecting overtime, qualifications, and union constraints
Aladtec is a web-based workforce management software tailored for 24/7 operations like fire departments and EMS, offering automated shift scheduling, real-time availability tracking, and seamless mobile access for staff. It handles complex rules for overtime, vacations, and shift trades while integrating time tracking and payroll exports. The platform ensures compliance with union rules and provides notifications to minimize staffing gaps in high-demand environments.
Pros
- Advanced auto-scheduling with customizable rules for 24/7 shifts
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go schedule management and clock-ins
- Reliable real-time notifications and audit trails for compliance
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small departments
- Initial configuration requires time for complex rule setups
- Fewer native integrations with non-public safety payroll systems
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments and EMS agencies requiring precise 24/7 staffing with automated tools and mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on department size; typically starts at $150-300/month for small teams, scaling with users and features.
FirePro 360
specializedCloud-based fire department scheduling tool with drag-and-drop shifts, certification tracking, and real-time availability updates.
Intelligent auto-fill scheduler that automatically respects complex fire shift rules, union agreements, and FLSA overtime limits.
FirePro 360 is a cloud-based staffing and scheduling software tailored for fire departments and EMS agencies, enabling efficient shift management, overtime tracking, and compliance with FLSA regulations. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, leave requests, and mobile accessibility for firefighters on the go. The platform also provides robust reporting and timekeeping integration to optimize department operations and reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Specialized for fire/EMS shift patterns with auto-scheduling
- Strong mobile app for real-time updates
- Comprehensive compliance and reporting tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small departments
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited integrations with non-fire-specific payroll systems
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments needing specialized, regulation-compliant scheduling software.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on department size, typically $50-100 per firefighter/month; free demo available.
OneArranger
specializedFire and EMS scheduling software offering fair labor standards compliance, trade management, and integration with dispatch systems.
Real-time shift swap and availability bidding via mobile app
OneArranger is a cloud-based workforce scheduling software that enables fire departments to create and manage shifts, track employee availability, and handle time-off requests through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports mobile access for real-time updates, notifications, and shift swaps, making it suitable for 24/7 operations. While versatile for general staffing, it requires manual customization for fire-specific needs like rotating schedules or regulatory compliance. Overall, it streamlines basic rostering but falls short on specialized emergency services tools.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for shift management and notifications
- Affordable and scalable pricing for small teams
Cons
- Lacks built-in fire department compliance tools (e.g., NFPA standards, fatigue rules)
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics for staffing forecasts
- Fewer integrations with fire-specific systems like CAD or HRIS
Best For
Small to mid-sized fire departments needing a simple, mobile-friendly tool for everyday shift scheduling without complex regulatory automation.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month (billed annually), with tiered plans up to enterprise custom pricing.
ShiftAdmin
specializedPublic safety shift scheduling solution for fire and police with automated notifications and minimum staffing enforcement.
Real-time shift bidding and trading system that allows qualified employees to self-select open shifts instantly
ShiftAdmin is a web-based scheduling software tailored for shift-based operations like fire departments, enabling efficient creation and management of staff schedules. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, automatic shift filling based on availability and qualifications, time tracking, and leave management to ensure compliance with NFPA standards and collective bargaining agreements. The platform also includes mobile apps for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and request swaps, with integrations for payroll systems like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling reduces manual effort
- Strong mobile app support for employee self-service
- Robust reporting for overtime and compliance tracking
Cons
- Auto-scheduling algorithm can require tweaks for complex rules
- Customization options are somewhat limited for large departments
- Customer support response times vary during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-sized fire departments (20-150 firefighters) needing reliable daily staffing without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at ~$99/month for small teams, scaling with user count (typically $2-5 per employee/month).
ImageTrend Elite
enterpriseIntegrated scheduling module within fire RMS platform for optimized personnel deployment and reporting.
Deep integration with ePCR and NFIRS reporting for unified staffing tied to incident data
ImageTrend Elite is a comprehensive platform for fire and EMS agencies, featuring advanced staffing and scheduling modules to manage shifts, personnel availability, and compliance. It automates roster creation, tracks overtime, and provides real-time visibility into staffing levels across multiple stations. Integrated with incident reporting and NFIRS compliance tools, it streamlines operations for departments handling both fire and EMS responses.
Pros
- Seamless integration with incident reporting and NFIRS tools
- Real-time staffing dashboards and automated scheduling
- Robust mobile access for shift swaps and notifications
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to comprehensive suite features
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller departments
- Less focused on pure staffing compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments seeking an all-in-one solution for staffing integrated with EMS and incident management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically subscription-based starting at $5,000+ annually depending on users and modules.
WhenToWork
otherFlexible online scheduling app with shift trades and availability used widely by fire departments for efficient staffing.
Open Shift Board for posting unfilled shifts that firefighters can claim in real-time, enabling quick staffing for unexpected absences.
WhenToWork is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform that enables managers to create, assign, and manage shifts via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, with features like auto-scheduling, time-off requests, and shift trades. For fire departments, it supports 24/7 shift coverage, availability tracking, and notifications to ensure staffing levels are maintained during emergencies. While versatile across industries, it offers solid basics for firefighter scheduling but lacks deep integrations with fire-specific tools like CAD or run reporting systems.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Mobile app for easy shift swaps and availability updates
- Affordable pricing with strong value for basic needs
Cons
- Limited customization for complex fire shift rules (e.g., minimum staffing per apparatus)
- No native integrations with fire/EMS software like dispatch or payroll specifics
- Reporting lacks advanced analytics for overtime trends or compliance
Best For
Small to mid-sized fire departments needing a simple, cost-effective tool for everyday shift management without advanced public safety features.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; paid plans start at $2/user/month (billed annually), scaling with team size and features; enterprise custom pricing.
Southern Software
enterpriseFire RMS with built-in staffing and scheduling features for shift planning and personnel management.
Advanced automated scheduling engine that handles complex shift trades, minimum staffing, and fair labor distribution tailored to fire service needs
Southern Software provides established public safety software solutions, with a focus on fire department staffing and scheduling through its integrated modules within the Fire RMS platform. The tool automates shift scheduling, tracks personnel availability, manages overtime, and ensures compliance with FLSA regulations and collective bargaining agreements. It emphasizes reliability for on-premise deployments, integrating seamlessly with records management and dispatch systems for comprehensive fire department operations.
Pros
- Proven reliability with over 30 years in public safety software
- Strong integration with RMS and CAD for unified workflows
- Robust compliance tools for FLSA, holidays, and union rules
Cons
- Primarily on-premise with limited cloud options
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Customization can be complex without vendor support
Best For
Mid-sized fire departments preferring stable, integrated on-premise staffing solutions with deep fire-specific compliance features.
Pricing
Custom pricing upon request; typically perpetual licenses with annual maintenance fees starting around $5,000-$15,000 depending on department size.
Trak Systems
specializedPublic safety software suite including scheduling tools for fire and EMS crew management and dispatching.
Intelligent auto-scheduling that balances staffing needs, seniority bidding, and regulatory compliance automatically
Trak Systems offers TRAKVIEW, a specialized workforce management platform designed for fire departments and public safety agencies, focusing on scheduling, timekeeping, and staffing optimization. It automates shift bidding, vacation tracking, overtime management, and ensures compliance with FLSA and union rules. The software integrates with payroll systems and provides mobile access for real-time updates, making it reliable for 24/7 operations.
Pros
- Robust auto-scheduling engine tailored for shift-based public safety work
- Strong FLSA compliance and overtime tracking tools
- Proven reliability for mid-to-large departments with mobile app support
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less intuitive than modern SaaS options
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for smaller departments
Best For
Mid-sized to large fire departments requiring advanced scheduling compliance and integration with legacy payroll systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $50-$100 per user/month or annual contracts starting at $10,000+ based on department size.
UKG Ready
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management system with advanced scheduling capabilities adaptable for fire department operations.
Seamless payroll integration that automatically processes shift-based overtime and compliance data.
UKG Ready is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for small to mid-sized organizations, offering HR, payroll, scheduling, and time-tracking features. For fire department staffing, it provides general shift scheduling, employee availability management, and overtime tracking, but lacks specialized tools for complex public safety rotations like 24/48 shifts or minimum manning requirements. While customizable, it requires significant configuration to approximate fire-specific needs, making it more of a general HCM solution than a dedicated fire staffing tool.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with HR and payroll for streamlined operations
- Mobile app for employee self-service scheduling and time entry
- Scalable for growing departments with robust reporting capabilities
Cons
- No native support for fire-specific schedules or NFPA compliance tracking
- Steep setup curve for custom shift patterns and rules
- Higher pricing may not justify limited niche features for small fire departments
Best For
Small to mid-sized fire departments seeking an all-in-one HCM platform with basic scheduling rather than specialized public safety software.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $40-70 per employee per month depending on modules and user count.
Conclusion
After careful review, Vector emerges as the top choice, excelling with its specialized shift bidding, automatic staffing, and NFPA compliance tools. Aladtec and FirePro 360 follow closely, offering unique strengths—Aladtec with mobile access and overtime management, FirePro 360 with cloud-based flexibility and certification tracking—making them strong alternatives for diverse operational needs.
Take the first step toward streamlined staffing: explore Vector's features and see how it can elevate your fire department's efficiency and compliance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
