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People First newsfeed showcased on iPhone at an employee's desk

MHR vs. ADP

Because choosing the right HR and payroll provider matters

Which payroll and HR solution is right for you?

Deciding between HR and payroll providers can make or break an organisation's efficiency. With so many options in the market, it's essential to understand the distinctions and opportunities between two leading solutions: MHR's People First and ADP's iHCM.

We've broken down key features between the two platforms across the areas that matter the most to help you decide which suits your needs best.

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A tablet with People First news landing page

Get a real-time picture of your people and your organisation

MHR

People First is a unified HR and payroll platform. Built from the ground up - it's always been designed to work together and flow. No clunky integrations. No need for employees and managers to log in to different platforms. No unnecessary distractions. This is people management done right.

Key highlights

  • Manager and employee self-service saves countless admin time for HR teams
  • Cutting-edge tools to boost employee engagement including check-ins and recognition
  • Bespoke employee learning pathways through AI recommendations and gamification

ADP

ADP iHCM relies on modular systems. This isn’t the same as true integration, because you’ll need to make use of third-party tools to get maximum value. While this allows some customisation, it can lead to a more complex user experience, often resulting in having to juggle systems while costs rise.

Key highlights

  • Bolt-on modular systems makes for a more complex user experience
  • Third-party tools add additional intricacy, with a steep learning curve
  • Offshore customer service provides support but can slow issue resolution without a dedicated customer success team

Payroll accuracy

MHR

  • True, real-time payroll processing ensures transparency and immediate error detection 
  • Accuracy rate of 99.99%+, reducing risks associated with human error and poor data synchronisation 
  • Fully integrated clock-in functionality ensures accurate time-tracking and streamlined wage calculations 

ADP

  • Uses cost-effective batch processing methods, but this often leads to short timescales and delays due to errors 
  • Possible to transfer employee clock-ins across multiple integrations, but this can lead to inaccuracies 
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People First's real-time payroll payslip showcased on a phone, accessible anytime and anywhere
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Someone checking their department turnover on People First, using a tablet and keyboard.

Automation capabilities

MHR

  • Strong focus on automation across HR and payroll processes, with features such as time tracking, customised workflows and actionable reporting built into the system
  • Workflow automation reduces administrative overheads, saving time and resources

ADP

  • Automation services utilise third-party integrations, adding complexity and cost
  • Some scope for linking automation with recruitment and other advanced HR functions

Over 1,450 customers, from SMEs to large multinational corporations

Customer support

MHR

  • Fully UK-based support for fast, region-specific problem resolution 
  • Tailored customer onboarding and insight-driven recommendations 
  • Dedicated customer success teams, ensuring clients optimise their systems and maintain high levels of service

ADP

  • Complex platforms can be powerful, but need more digital skills to use effectively  
  • Without sufficient onboarding users may struggle to fully utilise the tools and achieve a quick ROI 
  • Customer helpline provides support within specific times, while self-service tools provide additional information  
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A member of MHR's support team teaching an employee how to maximise their ROI from People First
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People first on a laptop.

Industry-specific solutions

MHR

  • Tailored features made for challenges specific to your industry
  • Workforce management tools fully integrated with bespoke solutions to address talent acquisition and retention issues for each industry

ADP

  • Customisations can be powerful, but they’re difficult to tailor to individual needs and the unique nuances of your industry
  • Software complexity can lead to a challenging implementation for smaller organisations

Don't just take our word for it...

Simplify your ways of working with People First

Cloud-based agility

Loved by 1,450+ organisations

24/7 customer support

See People First in action

Want to achieve efficiency, productivity, growth and impact? Book your demo to see People First in action. 

  • Power real-time decision-making to help your organisation be more effective and efficient 
  • Empower people to do their best work and increase impact
  • Work without friction with unified systems that provide one source of truth for all your HR processes
  • Faster time to value and lower cost of ownership with a user-friendly platform, rapid adoption and reduced admin

Book your free, no-obligation demo today.

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