The manufacturing sector demands more than just efficiency on the production line—it requires a high-performing workforce, streamlined HR operations, and tools that adapt to a fast-paced environment. From shift scheduling and compliance tracking to workforce engagement and training, manufacturers face unique HR challenges.
In 2025, the right HR software isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Below, we explore the 10 best HR software for manufacturing businesses to help you improve workforce management, drive employee productivity, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Top 10 HR Software for Manufacturing Businesses in 2025
1. Gusto
Gusto remains a top choice for small to mid-sized manufacturers looking for a simple yet powerful HR platform. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, Gusto combines payroll, hiring, onboarding, benefits, and compliance all in one system. Manufacturers benefit from Gusto’s automated payroll tools, tax filing, and time tracking integrations that make managing hourly workers much easier.
With features like automated onboarding, employee self-service, and robust compliance support, Gusto reduces the administrative burden on HR teams and allows plant managers to focus on workforce productivity. The intuitive dashboard makes it accessible even to non-HR professionals.
2. Paycor
Paycor is built for businesses that need advanced HR capabilities tailored to industries with complex workforce structures—like manufacturing. Paycor’s strength lies in its modular system, covering everything from recruiting and onboarding to labor cost management and analytics.
Manufacturing companies appreciate Paycor’s powerful scheduling and timekeeping features, which help manage shift-based workforces effectively. Real-time dashboards offer insights into labor costs, overtime trends, and employee attendance, enabling managers to make data-driven decisions that enhance productivity and cost control.
3. UKG Ready
UKG Ready (formerly Kronos Workforce Ready) is ideal for mid-sized to large manufacturers needing strong time and attendance, payroll, and workforce management features. UKG’s heritage in workforce optimization makes it particularly suited for managing production line employees, field workers, and seasonal staff.
The platform offers real-time scheduling, mobile punch-in/out, labor forecasting, and automated compliance tracking—perfect for businesses running multiple shifts. Manufacturers can use UKG to centralize HR processes, manage compliance with labor laws, and ensure production timelines aren’t affected by staffing issues.
4. BambooHR
BambooHR is a favorite among manufacturing companies aiming to streamline employee lifecycle management without getting bogged down in technical complexity. It’s best suited for small to mid-sized manufacturers who want a people-focused solution with clean UX and robust reporting.
BambooHR shines in managing employee data, onboarding, performance tracking, and engagement surveys. For manufacturers focused on retention and employee development, its performance management tools and analytics dashboards are particularly valuable. It also integrates seamlessly with time-tracking and payroll apps for added flexibility.
5. ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a scalable, enterprise-grade HR solution perfect for large manufacturers or those with multi-location operations. It offers comprehensive tools covering payroll, benefits, compliance, employee development, and workforce analytics.
Manufacturing companies benefit from ADP’s time-tracking, scheduling, and labor cost analysis features. The platform also offers custom workflows for union environments and can handle complex pay structures with ease. ADP’s compliance tools help businesses stay on top of labor regulations, OSHA requirements, and tax changes.
6. Zoho People
Zoho People offers a highly customizable HR software that’s both affordable and versatile—ideal for growing manufacturing businesses. It features modules for attendance management, time tracking, leave management, onboarding, and performance appraisal.
Zoho People enables supervisors to manage shifts, track employee hours through geofencing and mobile check-in, and automate repetitive HR tasks. For manufacturers working with a lean HR team, Zoho People’s low learning curve and automation capabilities make it a cost-effective and scalable choice.
7. Deel
While Deel is well-known for global payroll and compliance, its recent expansions make it a smart choice for manufacturers with distributed teams or international operations. Deel allows HR leaders to hire, pay, and manage workers across multiple countries without dealing with compliance headaches.
For manufacturing companies expanding into global markets or hiring overseas technical specialists, Deel streamlines international onboarding, handles contractor vs. employee classification, and automates country-specific compliance documentation—all in one centralized dashboard.
8. Workday HCM
Workday HCM is a powerhouse HR solution built for large, enterprise-level manufacturing companies. With robust features in talent acquisition, workforce planning, learning, and compensation, Workday provides a unified system for managing people and operational performance.
Manufacturers benefit from Workday’s advanced workforce analytics, which help uncover productivity gaps, training needs, and labor inefficiencies. Workday also integrates financial and operational data with HR processes, allowing leaders to make informed decisions about resource allocation and capacity planning.
9. Rippling
Rippling offers a modern, automation-heavy approach to HR, payroll, and IT management. Ideal for manufacturing companies that need to manage HR functions efficiently while also handling equipment provisioning and IT systems for floor workers.
Rippling lets HR departments onboard employees in minutes—automating document workflows, payroll setup, training assignments, and even device provisioning. For mid-sized manufacturing teams that rely on a mix of full-time, part-time, and contract workers, Rippling’s flexibility and modular design provide a scalable solution.
10. Zenefits
Zenefits rounds out our list as a strong contender for small manufacturers seeking an all-in-one HR, benefits, and payroll solution with a focus on employee experience. Zenefits streamlines everything from hiring to compliance reporting and includes self-service tools that reduce the HR burden.
Its strength lies in making complex HR processes simple: automatic PTO tracking, time clock, benefits integration, and real-time performance feedback. For manufacturing businesses focused on creating a positive culture and improving employee retention, Zenefits offers a seamless, people-first interface.
Key Features to Look for in Manufacturing HR Software
When selecting HR software for a manufacturing business, it’s important to prioritize:
- Shift and time tracking tools: Ensure the system can handle rotating shifts, union rules, and break compliance.
- Labor cost analytics: Look for dashboards that break down costs by department, role, or project.
- Compliance management: Manufacturers must track certifications, OSHA compliance, and labor law updates.
- Scalability: As your workforce grows, your HR software should adapt to new locations, roles, and regulations.
- Integration options: Ensure the software integrates with payroll systems, ERP tools, or production scheduling platforms.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best HR software for a manufacturing business in 2025 requires balancing operational needs with future scalability. Whether you run a small machine shop or a multi-facility production company, there’s a solution on this list that can help streamline HR processes, reduce labor costs, and improve employee satisfaction.
By investing in the right software, you can reduce administrative overhead, maintain compliance, and keep your workforce aligned with your production goals. As manufacturing continues to digitize, having modern HR software isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What HR challenges are unique to manufacturing businesses?
Manufacturing companies often face complex workforce challenges such as managing rotating shifts, handling unionized labor, maintaining safety compliance, and tracking labor costs across departments. These businesses also deal with high turnover and require systems to streamline onboarding, training, and compliance documentation.
2. Which HR software is best for shift scheduling in manufacturing?
UKG Ready and Paycor are particularly strong when it comes to shift scheduling and labor management. They offer automated scheduling, mobile access, and compliance features tailored for manufacturers with multi-shift or 24/7 operations.
3. Can HR software help manage OSHA compliance and safety training?
Yes, many HR platforms like ADP Workforce Now and Workday HCM offer modules or integrations for compliance tracking. These systems can store safety certifications, automate training reminders, and generate reports to help ensure your workforce remains compliant with OSHA and industry regulations.
4. Is cloud-based HR software secure for sensitive employee data?
Reputable platforms such as Rippling, Gusto, and BambooHR use encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure data centers to protect user data. Most are also compliant with international data protection standards like GDPR and SOC 2.
5. Can I use HR software for both full-time employees and contractors?
Yes. Platforms like Deel and Zenefits support diverse worker types including full-time staff, part-time workers, seasonal hires, and independent contractors. They streamline classification, payments, and documentation across different employment types.
6. How scalable is HR software for growing manufacturing companies?
Software like Workday HCM and ADP Workforce Now is highly scalable, supporting companies from a few hundred to thousands of employees. They adapt to growth through modular add-ons, robust integration capabilities, and multi-location support.
