Criterion vs. DAYFORCE

Easy, Flexible HCM With Faster ROI — That’s Criterion.

Enterprise software often comes with enterprise-level complications. But it doesn’t have to.

If you’re looking for a better Dayforce alternative, look no further. Criterion offers flexible, enterprise-grade HCM that delivers faster ROI, easier customization, and world-class support — without the complexity.

Get a demo

Confident woman with curly hair smiling at the camera during a meeting, tablet in hand.

Trusted by organizations like

AN HCM WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Criterion: An Easy-to-Use, Configurable Dayforce Alternative.

Dayforce is known for its capabilities — but also for its high cost and complexity. Many organizations using Dayforce get stuck in long implementation cycles, relying heavily on paid support just to make basic changes. Criterion takes a smarter approach that accelerates adoption. Leave the long implementation timelines behind with an intuitive HCM configured exactly to your needs. Get up and running faster, and gain much-needed efficiencies with Criterion HCM.

Here’s how Criterion helps you realize ROI sooner:

Faster onboarding and time-to-value: Our dedicated in-house experts guide your setup from day one.
User-friendly, modern interface: Criterion is easy to learn and adopt — without constant retraining.
Configurable workflows: Our configurable backend and open API make it easy to adapt workflows to your needs and unify key databases.
Powerful no-code reporting: Generate unlimited custom reports with no code — all on your own.

GET a Demo

Real-World Success Stories

“When we were going through vetting the other payroll companies out and even starting the implementation process we found the things [other companies] said they could do, they really couldn't do anyway — and the price is incredibly reasonable for what we're provided."

Louisa Clark
‍‍VP of Finance
‍Clark Service Group

“The implementation with Criterion is lightyears ahead of the implementation that we were going through so painfully for three years [with the other vendor].”

Melanie Chandler
‍HRIS Manager
‍Goodwill Industries, Central NC

“We have never, ever, ever skipped or were worried about missing payroll. We feel extremely confident…Our payroll managers said they will NEVER go back to the old system because there is no comparison.”

Patryk Kubiszyn
‍VP Systems & Process
‍Smith & Long Construction

“The certified rate functionality of Criterion is something that I'd highly recommend, especially if you’ve got multiple locations, multiple unions, multiple disciplines under different unions. The more complex it is, it’s worthwhile.”

Lacey Unrau, BHRLR, CPHR
‍Vice President, Human Resources
‍Des Nedhe Group

“I think their whole implementation process is really good. It’s really well managed. We had a chance to compare it to some others … and Criterion is definitely the best.”

Adam Pinsky
‍Chief Financial Officer
Bayley Construction

"[The customer service] has been the best service that we've experienced on any software platform that we've used — I wish my bank was like that!"

Patryk Kubiszyn
‍VP Systems & Process
‍Smith & Long Construction

Immediate Value From Your HCM

Most teams can’t afford to wait years for HR software to deliver results. But with Dayforce, long implementations and clunky UI are common complaints.

Criterion does it differently.

You’ll work directly with a dedicated implementation specialist to configure the platform to your needs. With shorter implementation timelines and a more intuitive interface, Criterion shortens time-to-value. That way, you reap the rewards from your investment when they matter most. That’s how HCM should work.

Young man and woman laughing together while collaborating on a laptop in a sun‑lit office.

Cheerful woman wearing glasses, leaning on her hands and smiling at her desk with a laptop, phone, and potted plant nearby.

No-Code Customized Reports

While Dayforce has a few built-in reports, customizing them is another story. Users report disconnected silos that make it difficult to extract data and generate new reports.

With Criterion, you have complete power over your data. You can build custom reports from any field in the system. No coding, no hassle, and no support needed.

Every Criterion module is connected through a single, unified database. When you update information in one module, it automatically updates across the system.

Proven Integrations With Tools You Already Use

Criterion’s open API puts your HCM at the heart of your operations. Plug into systems like Sage, Procore, and Microsoft Dynamics — no flat files or call limits. Real-time data syncing keeps everything aligned across ERPs, project management tools, and more.

Learn More

Focused older man with glasses using a laptop beside a tall window on a rainy city day.

Configure Your HCM All on Your Own

With some enterprise platforms, if you want to customize the system, you need to submit a request...and wait.

With Criterion, you can access all the backend tables to handle payroll rules, workflows, and automations your way. No coding required. Test changes safely in a sandbox environment, and go live on your time.

Criterion gives you the power to do it yourself plus the support for when you’d rather not. Either way, you're never stuck with the way things are.

Support That’s Actually Supportive

With Criterion, you get more than software. You get a business partner.

Every Criterion account gets a dedicated support rep who knows your setup, your goals, and your team. Whether you're configuring workflows, building custom reports, or requesting new features — we’re here when you need us.

No more tickets lost in the queue. No nickel-and-diming. Just real support from people who know your business.

Professional woman with short hair holding a phone to her ear while working on a laptop outdoors.

How Other Companies Are Using Criterion HCM to Tackle Big Challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Criterion suited for enterprise-level organizations?

Yes. Criterion’s pod-style structure allows virtually limitless expansion as your workforce and data requirements grow. It is an especially smart investment for mid-size businesses, since the flexible architecture ensures organizations can grow smoothly without needing to switch platforms down the road. For larger businesses, you can be sure that Criterion can handle all your data on one platform.

What is Criterion’s user satisfaction rating?

Criterion HCM proudly maintains a 95%+ user satisfaction rating and brings 20+ years of industry experience supporting HR professionals worldwide. Our robust service level agreements (SLAs) reflect that commitment, guaranteeing 99.9% service uptime and a 90% customer satisfaction rate, with up to 20% service credits for any unmet targets. In the unlikely event of data loss, we commit to restoring data within four hours. We’re here to ensure your platform runs smoothly so you can focus on strategic HR initiatives.

How is Criterion’s mobile app?

Criterion offers a fully functional mobile experience that mirrors the desktop platform with a mobile-friendly UI. Employees can clock in and out with geofencing for accurate, location-based time tracking. Managers can approve requests, run quick reports, and handle routine tasks on the go.

How is Criterion’s customer support?

As a Criterion customer, you’ll be assigned a dedicated, knowledgeable representative who understands your specific configurations and goals. If you need assistance with anything (e.g., system adjustments, custom reports, or unique solutions) our support team is just a call or click away. In contrast, many Dayforce users report slower response times and limited hands-on help.

What is Criterion’s software structure like?

Like Dayforce or Workday, Criterion is built on a unified database. Our HCM unifies HR, Payroll, and Talent into three modules that share a single database. This structure ensures any data updated in one module instantly reflects in the others — reducing errors and boosting efficiency.

What are Criterion’s Payroll features?

Criterion excels at handling complex payroll rules for industries like construction, engineering, nonprofits, government, and education. Whether it’s union regulations, multi-location workforces, or intricate pay scales, our platform streamlines it all. Many clients have reduced payroll processing time by entire days (or eliminated entire positions). Since we’re certified to process payroll in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., multinational organizations can manage their payroll in one platform as well.

Smiling woman wearing a cream‑colored head covering typing on a laptop at a modern office desk.

Discover a Powerful HCM with Fewer Headaches

Dayforce may check the feature boxes, but it often comes with high costs, long timelines, and a clunky experience that slows teams down.

Criterion HCM is different.

You get the enterprise-grade functionality you need — without the added complexity. Faster implementation, a modern UI, and responsive support help your team get up and running quickly.

More flexibility. Better service. Realized ROI. That’s how HR software should work.

Get a demo

Dayforce and the Dayforce logo are registered trademarks of Dayforce, Inc. Criterion’s references to third‑party trademarks do not imply any affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement between Criterion and the respective trademark owners. All such marks are used solely to identify the corresponding goods and/or services and are intended to constitute nominative fair use under applicable trademark laws.

Transform your employee satisfaction with an AI-Powered solution that actually works for you.

Learn more