7 Workforce Planning Tools for 2024

Effective workforce planning tools are indispensable for businesses aiming to tune their operations, manage resources efficiently, and forecast future staffing needs. We’ve reviewed the most popular workforce planning tools to help you with your software search.  

These tools offer a variety of functionalities catering to different organizational needs, from shift scheduling and time tracking to HR planning and analytics. Find the most helpful tools for workforce planning in this guide.

Workforce planning tools

• Workday
• SAP SuccessFactors
• Oracle Cloud HCM
• UKG Pro (formerly UltiPro)
• Visier
• Anaplan
• BambooHR

Note that these are not ranked. The best tool for your organization will depend on your needs and resources.

Workday

Workday is a leading cloud-based financial and human capital management software. It offers a comprehensive suite of HR tools, including advanced workforce planning and analytics. Features are designed to help organizations manage their global workforce more effectively.

The user-friendly interface and extensive reporting capabilities of Workday enable businesses to gain deep insights into their workforce, helping them to plan, recruit, manage, and optimize their talent strategy. The platform supports a variety of industries with its scalable and flexible solutions.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Best for: Organizations of all sizes looking for a comprehensive suite for human capital and financial management.

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a powerful cloud-based human resource management solution (HRMS) that offers extensive workforce planning and talent management features. It enables businesses to align their strategy with actions by providing tools for recruiting, onboarding, learning, performance, compensation, and succession planning.

Organizations use SuccessFactors to improve employee engagement and productivity through data-driven insights and personalized experiences.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Best for: Medium to large enterprises seeking an all-encompassing HR solution to manage and develop their workforce.

Oracle Cloud HCM

Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM provides a complete suite of HR and talent management tools within a single cloud-based platform. It offers solutions for workforce planning, talent acquisition, HR analytics, and more, designed to help organizations find, grow, and retain their talent.

The comprehensive analytics and machine learning capabilities of Oracle Cloud HCM enable predictive insights, helping businesses to make informed workforce decisions.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Best for: Large enterprises looking for a robust and integrated suite for managing global workforce complexities.

UKG Pro

UKG Pro is a global cloud-based HR, payroll, and talent management system designed to improve the employee experience and support effective workforce planning. It offers a wide range of features including compensation management, succession planning, and detailed analytics, allowing companies to manage their workforce more efficiently.

The flexible technology and comprehensive insights offered by UKG help businesses adapt to workforce challenges and opportunities.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Best for: Businesses of all sizes that require a flexible and comprehensive HR management system.

Visier

Visier specializes in people analytics and workforce planning, providing cloud-based solutions that enable organizations to make informed decisions about their human resources. Its platform offers intuitive analytics, workforce planning tools, and predictive models to help companies understand their workforce dynamics, predict future needs, and plan for growth.

The Visier platform can help deliver actionable insights that drive HR strategy.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Best for: Medium to large organizations focused on data-driven HR strategies and workforce planning.

Anaplan

Anaplan is a cloud-based platform that streamlines complex business planning, connecting data, people, and plans across different parts of an organization. It supports dynamic and collaborative planning, making it easier for companies to adapt and make informed decisions swiftly. Anaplan stands out for its versatility, handling everything from finance and sales to HR and operations. The Connected Planning platform integrates planning processes efficiently, offering real-time analytics and the ability to simulate various scenarios.

Designed to help businesses navigate rapidly changing environments, Anaplan helps ensure users can achieve both strategic goals and operational efficiency.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Best for: Large enterprises requiring flexible and comprehensive HR planning tools.

BambooHR

BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software for small and medium-sized businesses. It provides tools for hiring, onboarding, preparing compensation, and analyzing employee data. While not as extensive in workforce planning as some other platforms, BambooHR helps streamline HR processes, making it easier for businesses to manage their employees effectively.

The user-friendly interface offers simplicity and emphasizes improving the employee experience.

Pricing: Available upon request.

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a straightforward and effective HR management solution.

How to choose a workforce planning tool

To choose the right software for your organization, consider these tips:

• Assess your specific needs, focusing on the size and complexity of your workforce and the types of planning you require (strategic, operational, or both)
• Look for tools with comprehensive analytics, reporting capabilities, and integration with existing HR systems
• Ensure the tool is user-friendly and supported by effective customer service for easier adoption and problem resolution
• Choose a platform that can scale with your business, accommodating future growth and changes in organizational structure
• Prioritize data security and compliance with relevant regulations to protect sensitive workforce information
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis, considering the tool's pricing in relation to the features offered and the potential ROI through improved efficiency and strategic outcomes
• Read reviews and seek recommendations from peers to gauge the tool's real-world effectiveness
• If possible, test the tool through trial versions to evaluate its functionality and fit with your organization's needs

Simplifying the selection process using these considerations can help you make a well-informed decision on the best workforce planning tool for your organization.

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.