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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Dayforce Powerpay

    Score9.4 out of 10
    N/ADayforce Powerpay allows small businesses to pay and manage employees. It is used to simplify and automate payroll processes with automatic payroll calculations and remittances to the CRA and RQ, and streamlines payroll with connected time and attendance tracking to help ensure people are paid accurately.N/A

    PDS Vista

    Score1.2 out of 10
    Enterprise companies (1,001+ employees)
    Vista® is a human resource, benefits, payroll, recruiting, and self-service software. Functional elements include recruitment, staffing, position and training management, compliance, and performance and compensation.N/A
    Pricing
    Dayforce PowerpayPDS Vista
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Dayforce PowerpayPDS Vista
    Free Trial
    NoNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoYes
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsLicense pricing is based on the number of full and part-time active employees within bands (e.g. 751-1,000). SaaS pricing is based on PEPM.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Dayforce PowerpayPDS Vista
    Considered Both Products
    Dayforce
    No answer on this topic
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    94%
    Would buy again
    15 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    94%
    Delivers good value for the price
    15 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    94%
    Happy with the feature set
    15 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    92%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    11 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    90%
    Implementation went as expected
    9 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    Dayforce PowerpayPDS Vista
    Payroll Management
    Comparison of Payroll Management features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    8.9
    15 Ratings
    8% above category average
    PDS Vista
    3.2
    19 Ratings
    85% below category average
    Pay calculation9.115 Ratings3.017 Ratings
    Support for external payroll vendors9.24 Ratings1.010 Ratings
    Off-cycle/On-Demand payment8.79 Ratings4.01 Ratings
    Benefit plan administration8.75 Ratings1.017 Ratings
    Direct deposit files9.013 Ratings4.018 Ratings
    Salary revision and increment management8.812 Ratings1.014 Ratings
    Reimbursement management8.97 Ratings8.25 Ratings
    Human Resource Management
    Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    1.9
    19 Ratings
    122% below category average
    Employee demographic data00 Ratings1.018 Ratings
    Employment history00 Ratings1.019 Ratings
    Job profiles and administration00 Ratings1.015 Ratings
    Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.00 Ratings1.013 Ratings
    Organizational charting00 Ratings3.014 Ratings
    Organization and location management00 Ratings3.017 Ratings
    Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)00 Ratings3.012 Ratings
    Leave and Attendance Management
    Comparison of Leave and Attendance Management features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    1.0
    14 Ratings
    156% below category average
    Approval workflow00 Ratings1.08 Ratings
    Balance details00 Ratings1.014 Ratings
    Annual carry-forward and encashment00 Ratings1.013 Ratings
    Employee Self Service
    Comparison of Employee Self Service features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    2.0
    18 Ratings
    121% below category average
    View and generate pay and benefit information00 Ratings4.017 Ratings
    Update personal information00 Ratings1.015 Ratings
    View company policy documentation00 Ratings3.09 Ratings
    Employee recognition00 Ratings1.06 Ratings
    View job history00 Ratings1.05 Ratings
    Asset Management
    Comparison of Asset Management features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    7.3
    7 Ratings
    10% below category average
    Tracking of all physical assets00 Ratings7.37 Ratings
    HR Reporting
    Comparison of HR Reporting features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    2.0
    17 Ratings
    116% below category average
    Report builder00 Ratings2.015 Ratings
    Pre-built reports00 Ratings2.017 Ratings
    Ability to combine HR data with external data00 Ratings2.014 Ratings
    Onboarding
    Comparison of Onboarding features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    1.0
    2 Ratings
    155% below category average
    New hire portal00 Ratings1.02 Ratings
    Manager tracking tools00 Ratings1.01 Ratings
    Performance and Goals
    Comparison of Performance and Goals features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    2.8
    3 Ratings
    95% below category average
    Corporate goal setting00 Ratings1.03 Ratings
    Individual goal setting00 Ratings1.03 Ratings
    Performance tracking00 Ratings6.42 Ratings
    Performance Management
    Comparison of Performance Management features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    1.0
    5 Ratings
    155% below category average
    Performance plans00 Ratings1.03 Ratings
    Performance improvement plans00 Ratings1.02 Ratings
    Review status tracking00 Ratings1.03 Ratings
    Review reminders00 Ratings1.04 Ratings
    Multiple review frequency00 Ratings1.03 Ratings
    Succession Planning
    Comparison of Succession Planning features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    2.3
    2 Ratings
    109% below category average
    Create succession plans/pools00 Ratings3.61 Ratings
    Candidate ranking00 Ratings1.02 Ratings
    Candidate search00 Ratings1.02 Ratings
    Candidate development00 Ratings3.61 Ratings
    Recruiting / ATS
    Comparison of Recruiting / ATS features of Dayforce Powerpay and PDS Vista
    Feature
    Dayforce Powerpay
    -
    Ratings
    PDS Vista
    1.4
    4 Ratings
    139% below category average
    Job Requisition Management00 Ratings1.04 Ratings
    Company Website Posting00 Ratings1.04 Ratings
    Duplicate Candidate Prevention00 Ratings1.92 Ratings
    Applicant Tracking00 Ratings1.04 Ratings
    Notifications and Alerts00 Ratings2.02 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Dayforce PowerpayPDS Vista
    Small Businesses
    OnPay
    Score9.9 out of 10
    Zoho People
    Score8.4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    APS
    Score1.4 out of 10
    Zoho People
    Score8.4 out of 10
    Enterprises
    ADP Streamline Payroll
    Score6.4 out of 10
    PeopleStrong
    Score10 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Dayforce PowerpayPDS Vista
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.9
    (15 ratings)
    1.0
    (24 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    9.1
    (7 ratings)
    Usability
    8.6
    (10 ratings)
    2.0
    (3 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.5
    (2 ratings)
    Performance
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.0
    (4 ratings)
    8.2
    (3 ratings)
    Online Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Professional Services
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Dayforce PowerpayPDS Vista
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Dayforce
    We are a small business - and even though we are small and don't make near use of all of the options in the program, I love it because all my remitting is done for me, all the calculating, all the vacation pay, holiday pay, overtime, everything is kept track of really well and I don't have to worry about missing information if I was to do this myself. I also love the direct deposit options and my employees love it and the paystubs and the ability to put messages on their paystubs! I honestly can't think of a scenario where Dayforce Powerpay wouldn't be suitable!! I wouldn't change companies, even if it saved me money as I love all the functions, the information and the ease of ROE and T4's.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    As Vista HRMS is fully customizable to suit your needs, a company should determine if they have a current employee who can do the work themselves otherwise they will need to consider the additional cost of asking PDS to do the customizations for them. There are additional modules that we aren't currently making use of, but each company should learn about the functionality of each of them as some may be more beneficial than others. When gathering your questions, ask all potential users of the system what they would want to see in an HRMS. We did so before selecting Vista HRMS and we got pages and pages of questions and comments and made sure that each item was addressed beforehand and was something that we would be able to incorporate into the system. You have the option of taking the system in house or being a hosted client. Make sure you figure out what resources your IT department has available. If you have a dedicated administrator who will do all the upgrades and enhancements great, otherwise you may need PDS to help out and having PDS host may be a better option
    Read full review
    Pros
    Dayforce
    • Ceridian Powerpay simplifies the payroll process, very little manual work involved during each payroll run.
    • Ceridian Powerpay is mostly an intuitive interface with easy to understand workflows to allow for multiple users to be able to use the system if required.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    • Vista HRMS is very flexible, it does everything we need for HR, benefits and payroll. It’s user-friendly and intuitive to use, when we roll out new self-service items our employees have no problems and require minimal training or documentation.
    • PDS has excellent customer service and support. We get answers to the majority of our questions and problems quickly, within the day that we call. More complex issues that may require PDS’ technical support are usually addressed within a few days. We were upgrading our production servers to Windows 2012 over a weekend and a key person in our organization was on leave. When we checked with PDS to see what cost would be involved if we needed their help, they said it was included in our regular maintenance, no extra cost.
    • The PDS User’s Conference is an excellent learning opportunity for training on everything Vista does, including using Crystal Reports for custom reporting. You also get to meet and talk to the executive and development staff and have direct input into the future product development.
    Read full review
    Cons
    Dayforce
    • Adjustment - Reversal sometimes gives an error
    • Emergency Contact Comments field - would be nice if it would accept more characters in this field
    • A warning that 'no ROE will be created' popup when EI or other related fields are marked Exempt
    • Rate history on an employee's page would be nice
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    • Typical of any system built for the unknown requirements of hundreds or thousands of customers with varying needs, PDS sometimes doesn't fit our processes precisely out of the box. However, this con is far outweighed by the ability to configure and customize the system.
    • The most significant pet peeve of our users is the necessity for so many clicks to navigate between different areas or the system or to review applicants. These items are being addressed based on feedback from the user community in an upcoming release.
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Dayforce
    Powerpay exceeds my expectations: it's easy to use and does not 'eat' my time by wondering what the end result will be. I can see what each employee's pay statement will look like before I submit the payroll for processing. Monthly processing fees are not exorbitant and the service from support it top notch, quick and awesome when you need it! What's not to like? It's a terrific company to have on your side!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    I feel so invested in Vista HRMS that I don't really want to try other options. I know we as an organization are not using this product to it's full potential and that is just due to us lacking the resources to be able to invest the time into breaking it apart and making it work to the best ability for us. The system works great as is, but there are a lot of implementations we can put into place to help us out even more. For example, we would love to start using Workflow to create more efficiencies. I personally have a very good relationship with our hosted vendor who supports Vista HRMS and can help me with any issues and concerns, this is a big part of the reason that I would renew with this product and continue to be an advocate for Vista HRMS.
    Read full review
    Usability
    Dayforce
    Dayforce is easy to use and intuitive. When things are less familiar, the chat support is speedy and friendly, so I never have to worry or struggle to figure something out. Once support shows me how to do something, it is easy to remember and not need help next time.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    In my line of work, PDS Vista doesn't fit. I recruit and manager talent pipelines, as well as all onboarding aspects of 11 companies. I spend more hours getting data configured and searching for information within this software than I spend with my candidates. Theres an abundance duplication, and there isn't a single stream of information shared across screens. I have to input the SAME details into several screens for them to match up. Nothing is intuitive, and its certainly not end user friendly
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Dayforce
    I have never experienced application errors or unplanned outages. I do know that I could phone Dayforce Powerpay and give them hours and other deductions and they would do the payroll and I could either have them deliver the completed payroll by courier (there are small extra charges for this) or I could download the completed payroll on pay day. I have also been able to complete payroll our payroll at home instead of at the office. Dayforce is very accessible by phone or online.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    Dayforce
    Pages online load in seconds. Click and it's instantly there! I have never had pages not loading properly or taking time to load. Payroll reports also downloads quickly. We do not interface Dayforce Powerpay with anything else
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Dayforce
    Regardless the issue, the Customer Support team is offering outstanding services! When I am calling, the wait time is reasonable, and the team members will ensure you receive the right support in a timely manner, with politeness and kindness. If you reach out the team that it's a guarantee that your issue will be solved!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    PDS has excellent customer service and support. We get answers to the
    majority of our questions and problems quickly, within the day that we
    call. More complex issues that may require PDS’ technical support are
    usually addressed within a few days
    Read full review
    Online Training
    Dayforce
    I have used Powerpay before (at a previous employer) but a few years had elapsed. I had a quick online training session (less that 30 minutes) to recover basic knowledge and I was away. I still from time to time have to do something that i am not quite sure of and pick up the phone! Every one that works at Ceridian - now Dayforce - have been able to answer my question and tell me where to go in the program, click on what and do what I need to do. The support is out-of-this-world good!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    The resources and online tools that PDS provide are extremely thorough and helpful in our training and learning.
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Dayforce
    I initiated the implementation. I answered all the questions I was asked, prepared the documentation and sent it off and it was done! Quickly, efficiently and done well!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    Ask lots of questions, ensure you fully understand the functionality (particularly history records) and train, train, train the users for correct and complete utilization of the system.
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    Dayforce
    Being able to remit payroll directly to CRA reduces the number of steps in payroll processing. It also means that there is no way for us to forget a remittance. This is important to us because it's all-in-one software. I did like that QB would have the entry directly there so that I don't need to record it.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    I've used Peoplesoft HCM in the past. The products have some similarities, but they are marketed to different sized companies, so it's a bit of apples to oranges. Peoplesoft was very complex and challenging to manage and support. Vista HRMS should require fewer technical resources and still provide robust features for HR and Payroll. We selected Vista HRMS because it met the majority of our requirements and was priced to enable us to purchase and implement it within our budget. Also, it's an integrated system (although not truly one system when you count Vista Time) which is an improvement over our current state.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    Dayforce
    Pretty standard contract terms. Unit pricing is about 30% less than the previous provider - service is about 150% better with Dayforce Powerpay that with the previous provider! We are billed twice per month as we do payroll twice per month.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    No answers on this topic
    Scalability
    Dayforce
    We have a small staff of less than 20 employees. We moved our payroll from a previous provided because of terrible and expensive service. Dayforce is much, much easier to use and costs about 30% less than the previous provider. Dayforce Powerpay also seem to have people that speaks clearly and are efficient in everything they do so that less time is wasted by phone calls that has you on hold for 3 hours!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    No answers on this topic
    Professional Services
    Dayforce
    They are all professional, knowledgeable, very pleasant to interact with and extremely helpful. They consistently take customer services to a higher level. Great people to deal with!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Dayforce
    • The return on investment has been substantial for our company. Having a payroll system that calculates everything for you, processes important documents, and only takes minimal time and effort allows us to focus more time on running the business and generating revenue.
    • Instead of having a user spend half a day (or potentially a full day) processing payroll, it only takes a couple hours (obviously depending on how many employees need to be processed).
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Personnel Data Systems (PDS)
    • Positive impact would definitely be self-service for both employees and managers to view and update selected data.
    • Through some analytics our managers are able to track turnover for their site/department by many criteria (length of service, reason, etc) and can view a number of other analytical reports such as headcount and demographics which help them to make informed decisions about their department.
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    PDS Vista Screenshots

    Screenshot of employee data, which is the heart of a corporate knowledge base. Within Vista, an organized database of employees, applicants, jobs, and positions can be created and maintained. The product’s flexibility allows users to structure corporate data as simply or as complicated as business needs require.Screenshot of Vista Payroll, which is designed to strike the perfect balance between power and simplicity. It is designed to process large volumes of data within tight time constraints, whether U.S., Canadian, or Caribbean.

Vista Payroll is focused on its main tasks of calculating pay, creating paychecks, producing payroll registers, and federal, state, local, and provincial tax reports.Screenshot of the included Vista Benefits features, which can include unlimited plans and coverage levels, automated benefits eligibility, auto-housekeeping of valuations and premiums.Screenshot of Vista Recruiting, which presents critical applicant information in an efficient manner for both human resources professionals and hiring managers, alike.

Vista Recruiting gives HR departments command over the entire hiring process for each department in every location while more easily tracking and controlling costs, improving applicant management, strengthening relationships with applicants, and reducing paperwork for the HR team.