Quick Overview
- 1#1: TimeForge - Provides sales-driven labor forecasting, automated scheduling, and time tracking optimized for supermarkets and grocery stores.
- 2#2: Quinyx - Delivers AI-powered workforce management with dynamic scheduling and compliance for large retail and supermarket chains.
- 3#3: Legion - Uses AI to optimize employee scheduling, reduce labor costs, and improve forecast accuracy for retail supermarkets.
- 4#4: Deputy - Offers mobile-first scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking tailored for retail and supermarket teams.
- 5#5: When I Work - Simplifies employee scheduling with availability management, notifications, and integrations for supermarket staff.
- 6#6: Homebase - Free scheduling and time clock app with geofencing for hourly workers in small to mid-sized supermarkets.
- 7#7: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management platform with shift scheduling, communication, and task assignment for retail teams.
- 8#8: Workforce.com - Cloud-based rostering, timesheets, and compliance tools designed for frontline retail and supermarket operations.
- 9#9: Sling - User-friendly scheduling software with labor cost control and shift templates for supermarket employees.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Simple online scheduling tool with availability polls and mobile app for managing supermarket staff shifts.
Tools were selected based on their ability to deliver robust features like labor forecasting, compliance support, and user-friendly design, combined with consistent performance and value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of supermarket operations.
Comparison Table
Efficient scheduling is vital for supermarkets to balance staffing, cut costs, and boost customer service. This comparison table evaluates top software tools—such as TimeForge, Quinyx, Legion, Deputy, When I Work, and others—to guide readers in selecting the right solution for their unique operational needs, covering features like shift management and labor forecasting.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TimeForge Provides sales-driven labor forecasting, automated scheduling, and time tracking optimized for supermarkets and grocery stores. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Quinyx Delivers AI-powered workforce management with dynamic scheduling and compliance for large retail and supermarket chains. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Legion Uses AI to optimize employee scheduling, reduce labor costs, and improve forecast accuracy for retail supermarkets. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Deputy Offers mobile-first scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking tailored for retail and supermarket teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | When I Work Simplifies employee scheduling with availability management, notifications, and integrations for supermarket staff. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Homebase Free scheduling and time clock app with geofencing for hourly workers in small to mid-sized supermarkets. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 7 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management platform with shift scheduling, communication, and task assignment for retail teams. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Workforce.com Cloud-based rostering, timesheets, and compliance tools designed for frontline retail and supermarket operations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Sling User-friendly scheduling software with labor cost control and shift templates for supermarket employees. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Simple online scheduling tool with availability polls and mobile app for managing supermarket staff shifts. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
Provides sales-driven labor forecasting, automated scheduling, and time tracking optimized for supermarkets and grocery stores.
Delivers AI-powered workforce management with dynamic scheduling and compliance for large retail and supermarket chains.
Uses AI to optimize employee scheduling, reduce labor costs, and improve forecast accuracy for retail supermarkets.
Offers mobile-first scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking tailored for retail and supermarket teams.
Simplifies employee scheduling with availability management, notifications, and integrations for supermarket staff.
Free scheduling and time clock app with geofencing for hourly workers in small to mid-sized supermarkets.
All-in-one employee management platform with shift scheduling, communication, and task assignment for retail teams.
Cloud-based rostering, timesheets, and compliance tools designed for frontline retail and supermarket operations.
User-friendly scheduling software with labor cost control and shift templates for supermarket employees.
Simple online scheduling tool with availability polls and mobile app for managing supermarket staff shifts.
TimeForge
specializedProvides sales-driven labor forecasting, automated scheduling, and time tracking optimized for supermarkets and grocery stores.
Sales-driven labor forecasting that automatically generates optimal schedules from POS data and historical trends
TimeForge is a robust workforce management platform tailored for supermarkets and retail environments, specializing in automated employee scheduling, labor forecasting, and time tracking. It integrates seamlessly with POS systems to predict staffing needs based on sales data, enabling drag-and-drop shift creation, real-time adjustments, and employee self-service via a mobile app. The software also handles shift trades, compliance alerts, and task assignments, helping supermarkets minimize overstaffing and overtime costs while boosting operational efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful POS-integrated labor forecasting for demand-based scheduling
- Intuitive mobile app for employee clock-ins, shift swaps, and availability updates
- Comprehensive compliance tools and real-time reporting to reduce labor costs
Cons
- Custom pricing can be higher for smaller supermarkets
- Initial setup and POS integration may require technical support
- Advanced forecasting features have a moderate learning curve
Best For
Mid-to-large supermarket chains with multiple locations seeking forecast-driven scheduling to optimize labor against variable sales demand.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $3-6 per employee per month depending on features and scale; free demo available.
Quinyx
enterpriseDelivers AI-powered workforce management with dynamic scheduling and compliance for large retail and supermarket chains.
AI-powered demand forecasting that integrates POS data, weather, and events for hyper-accurate scheduling predictions
Quinyx is an AI-powered workforce management platform tailored for retail and supermarkets, enabling automated scheduling, demand forecasting, and shift optimization across multiple locations. It integrates sales data, weather, and other variables to create efficient rosters that balance labor costs with customer demand. The solution also offers employee self-service apps for shift swaps, time tracking, and communication, ensuring compliance with labor laws and collective agreements.
Pros
- Advanced AI forecasting and auto-scheduling for demand-driven staffing
- Robust mobile self-service for employees including shift bidding and swaps
- Scalable for enterprise supermarket chains with multi-store management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for smaller supermarkets
- Reporting customization requires advanced user expertise
Best For
Large supermarket chains with multiple locations seeking AI-optimized scheduling to reduce labor costs and improve forecast accuracy.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on users and locations; typically starts at $5-10 per employee/month, requires sales quote.
Legion
general_aiUses AI to optimize employee scheduling, reduce labor costs, and improve forecast accuracy for retail supermarkets.
Proprietary deep learning engine for hyper-accurate, store-level demand forecasting
Legion (legion.co) is an AI-powered workforce management platform tailored for retail sectors like supermarkets, focusing on intelligent scheduling and labor optimization. It leverages machine learning for demand forecasting, automated schedule creation, and real-time adjustments to align staffing with sales volume and customer traffic. Additional capabilities include employee self-service portals, compliance tracking, and analytics for cost control and performance insights.
Pros
- Highly accurate AI-driven demand forecasting minimizes overstaffing
- Automated scheduling saves significant manual labor time
- Strong integration with POS and retail systems for real-time data
Cons
- Complex setup and onboarding process for non-technical users
- Premium pricing may not suit smaller supermarkets
- Limited customization for unique store-specific rules without support
Best For
Mid-to-large supermarket chains seeking AI-optimized labor scheduling to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $50,000+ annually based on number of stores and users.
Deputy
specializedOffers mobile-first scheduling, shift swapping, and time tracking tailored for retail and supermarket teams.
Sales-integrated demand forecasting that automatically suggests staffing levels based on historical and real-time POS data
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for supermarkets, enabling drag-and-drop shift scheduling, demand forecasting, and real-time time tracking. It integrates with POS systems to align staffing with sales data, supports multi-location management, and includes compliance tools for labor laws and overtime alerts. The employee mobile app facilitates shift swapping, availability updates, and instant communication, streamlining operations in fast-paced retail environments.
Pros
- Powerful demand forecasting using sales data for optimal staffing
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with templates for supermarket shifts
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and communication
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced features and larger teams
- Some integrations require higher-tier plans
- Occasional learning curve for forecasting and reporting tools
Best For
Mid-to-large supermarket chains with multiple locations needing sales-driven scheduling and compliance management.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essential, billed annually); Plus at $4.50, Enterprise custom with advanced forecasting.
When I Work
specializedSimplifies employee scheduling with availability management, notifications, and integrations for supermarket staff.
High-engagement SMS and push notifications for shift confirmations and changes, with open rates over 95%
When I Work is a mobile-first employee scheduling platform designed for hourly workforces, allowing supermarkets to build drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades, and track time off with real-time notifications. It helps optimize labor costs through availability-based scheduling and integrates with payroll systems for streamlined operations. Supermarkets benefit from its tools for handling variable shifts across departments like checkout, stocking, and management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app reduce administrative time for multi-location supermarkets
- Employee self-service for shift trades and availability cuts down on scheduling conflicts
- Built-in time clock with geofencing ensures accurate attendance tracking for hourly staff
Cons
- Limited native integrations with supermarket-specific POS or inventory systems
- Advanced labor forecasting and reporting locked behind higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales quickly for large teams with many active users
Best For
Mid-sized supermarkets with hourly, shift-based employees seeking a user-friendly mobile scheduling solution.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per active user/month (Essential), $3.50 (Plus), and $4+ (Pro Elite), billed annually with a free trial.
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling and time clock app with geofencing for hourly workers in small to mid-sized supermarkets.
OpenShifts, allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time, reducing scheduling conflicts in dynamic supermarket environments
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including supermarkets, offering intuitive employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools. It enables managers to create shift templates, handle employee availability, and forecast labor needs based on sales data integration. The platform also includes features like geofenced time clocks and performance insights to optimize supermarket staffing during peak hours.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop scheduling interface ideal for quick supermarket shift adjustments
- Free plan with core scheduling and time tracking for single-location stores
- Strong mobile app for employees to claim shifts and clock in/out remotely
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and POS integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Higher-tier features like labor budgeting require premium plans
- Scalability issues for large supermarket chains with multiple locations
Best For
Small to medium supermarkets with hourly staff needing simple, affordable scheduling without complex enterprise requirements.
Pricing
Free for basic features (1 location); paid plans start at $29.99/month per location (Starter, up to 20 employees), with Essential at $59.99 and custom Premium tiers.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee management platform with shift scheduling, communication, and task assignment for retail teams.
All-in-one mobile app unifying scheduling, geofenced time tracking, and team chat for seamless frontline operations
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one employee management platform tailored for frontline workers, featuring shift scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management tools. For supermarkets, it supports drag-and-drop scheduling, employee availability requests, overtime alerts, and geofenced time clocks to manage hourly staff across multiple locations efficiently. It excels in real-time updates and team communication, reducing no-shows and administrative overhead in fast-paced retail environments.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and recurring shifts
- Geofenced GPS time clock prevents buddy punching in supermarkets
- Built-in chat, updates, and training modules keep teams connected
Cons
- Limited demand forecasting or sales-based auto-scheduling for peak supermarket hours
- Pricing scales per user band, expensive for 100+ employees
- Advanced reporting and integrations require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized supermarkets with hourly, non-desk staff needing simple, mobile scheduling combined with communication and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert, up to 100 users), with per-user scaling for larger teams; annual billing discounts available.
Workforce.com
enterpriseCloud-based rostering, timesheets, and compliance tools designed for frontline retail and supermarket operations.
Demand forecasting auto-scheduling that pulls from POS sales data to predict and fill shifts during peak supermarket hours
Workforce.com is an all-in-one workforce management platform that excels in employee scheduling, time tracking, task management, and compliance tools tailored for industries like retail and supermarkets. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, demand forecasting integrated with POS data, and automated shift filling to handle variable supermarket demands such as peak shopping hours. The platform supports multi-location operations and mobile apps for employees to view shifts, clock in/out, and communicate seamlessly.
Pros
- Powerful demand forecasting and auto-scheduling based on sales data for optimal supermarket staffing
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and real-time updates
- Strong integrations with POS systems and payroll for streamlined operations
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller supermarkets with custom quotes required
- Steeper learning curve for advanced forecasting and customization features
- Limited out-of-the-box templates specifically tailored for supermarket workflows
Best For
Mid-sized to large supermarket chains needing scalable, demand-driven scheduling with integrated time and attendance tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $4-6 per active user/month with tiers for Basic, Growth, and Enterprise plans including add-ons for forecasting.
Sling
specializedUser-friendly scheduling software with labor cost control and shift templates for supermarket employees.
Built-in labor cost calculator that helps supermarkets monitor payroll budgets against sales in real-time
Sling is an employee scheduling software tailored for businesses like supermarkets, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track shift availability, and manage labor costs efficiently. It includes time clocking, shift reminders, and team messaging to keep frontline staff aligned and reduce no-shows. The mobile app empowers employees to view schedules, swap shifts, and request time off, streamlining operations in fast-paced retail environments.
Pros
- Free plan for single-location supermarkets
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Real-time labor cost tracking to control expenses
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting for peak demand periods
- Fewer integrations with POS systems compared to enterprise tools
- Some premium features require paid upgrades
Best For
Small to medium supermarkets needing an affordable, mobile-friendly tool for daily shift management without complex enterprise requirements.
Pricing
Free for basic scheduling; Standard plan at $2/active user/month, Premium at $4/active user/month (billed annually).
Agendrix
otherSimple online scheduling tool with availability polls and mobile app for managing supermarket staff shifts.
Scheduling Points system, which rewards employees for availability and automatically suggests optimal shift assignments.
Agendrix is an employee scheduling and workforce management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, including supermarkets, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading, and time tracking. It helps managers create efficient schedules across departments like checkout, stocking, and deli, while employees can view shifts, request swaps, and clock in via a mobile app. The platform includes availability management, overtime alerts, and basic communication tools to streamline operations in high-turnover environments.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and shift trades
- Affordable pricing with no user minimums on basic plans
Cons
- Limited integrations with supermarket POS or inventory systems
- Lacks advanced demand forecasting based on sales data
- Scalability challenges for large chain supermarkets
Best For
Small to medium supermarkets needing simple, cost-effective shift scheduling for variable hourly staff.
Pricing
Starts at $2.95 per active user/month (Solo plan, annual billing), with Team at $3.95 and Enterprise custom; free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed scheduling tools offer exceptional solutions for supermarket operations, with TimeForge leading as the top choice due to its sales-driven forecasting and tailored automation. Quinyx and Legion stand out as strong alternatives: Quinyx excels in AI-powered compliance for large chains, while Legion focuses on reducing costs and boosting forecast accuracy—meeting diverse needs. Each tool streamlines processes, ensuring smooth operations for staff and managers alike.
Take the first step to optimize your scheduling—try TimeForge today and experience its ability to align labor with sales and operational goals directly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison