When you’re paying good money for HR software, the last thing you want to do is deal with an outdated interface and excessive manual data entry. For software that runs your business, you need excellent support.
Many customers agree — Paycom isn’t built for small or mid-sized companies. The platform is way too complex and obsolete for businesses that want an easy-to-use, automated system. You need an HR, payroll, and talent engagement solution designed to grow with you into any stage.
Criterion offers all-in-one HCM software that can be configured to work with any size business. With a simple, modern interface and incredible customer support, you can count on a solution that takes the headaches out of your day-to-day.
Paycom doesn’t seem to take customer concerns very seriously — and their response times prove it. Mistakes during implementation and failure to respond to basic emails are just some of the complaints from dissatisfied customers.
Despite multiple attempts to connect, many user reviews mention the inability to get a response from a support person at all.
“Horrendous customer service.”
“Customer service has been awful, both during implementation…and afterwards.”
“I have found Paycom representatives completely apathetic in their approach to customer service.”
“The service was terrible. It would take 3 to 7 days to return my emails and I typically had to resend the email.”
“We've even tried to call into the main line only to be hung up on, disconnected, or told they would look into it with no response back.”
At Criterion, we measure our success by yours. Our impressive 95%+ customer approval rating speaks volumes.
Our Criterion Success System™ ensures you have a steadfast Client Success Manager to help with feature requests, configurations, integrations, and training.
Your committed rep is always an email or phone call away. Connect with us anytime you need.
“I would recommend Criterion to other companies in our industry because their customer service is easy to talk to, very responsive, and super helpful — which I think is the biggest part of any company that you do your payroll or HR through.” - Emily Kraft, Mount Hermon
“The support is very reliable, and it’s nice to know that your issue will be resolved quickly.” - Dan Beards, Computer Generated Solutions
Paycom claims to offer a seamless user experience — but customers say otherwise.
In addition to the complexity of the software, users also report a steep learning curve. Others say using the software requires strange workarounds and a lot of manual effort.
“This software is very clunky and expensive.”
“This product does not work as advertised. Everything is a workaround, rather than working the way it was promised to when we were being sold the product.”
“System is incredibly complex and difficult to learn. Not intuitive at all.”
“VERY VERY complex — payroll should not be this difficult.”
“Not enough automation. Too many things need to be manually entered.
Criterion HCM offers a shorter implementation time with software that can be easily integrated into your company’s ERP, project management system, plus your time clocks, biometric devices, and more.
At the heart of Criterion lies a commitment to people-centric management. Designed with true HR professionals in mind, both leadership and staff appreciate its straightforward and easy-to-navigate layout. Each function has a clear objective, and every feature is logical.
“It is truly an HR software built with HR end users in mind” - Susan (Capterra Review via Software Advice)
“Easy to use and to be trained on. Everything filters into the appropriate [place] to eliminate double entry” - Chelsey (Capterra Review via Software Advice)
Paycom customers seem to get charged for every little thing.
An HCM/payroll solution should come with everything you need out of the box — without the worry of unexpected charges adding up for undisclosed costs.
“We are being nickel and dimed at every turn. The costs are much higher than anticipated, and the product is subpar.”
“A whole lot of things [are negative] but mainly that they nickel and dime you to death.”
“There is also no accountability or ownership in their end for Paycom errors. They still put any fees to correct back on the customer.”
At Criterion, we believe your HR and Payroll solution should be accompanied by unparalleled service. Rest assured, there are no hidden charges or small print — everything's on the house.
Are you in need of a feature we haven't introduced yet? We’re always upgrading our product based on customer feedback. Do you need a distinct setup or a tailor-made integration? We're ready to deliver, without unexpected charges.
“Their support is crackerjack. They get right back to us. They’re really helpful and knowledgeable.” - Adam Pinsky, Bayley Construction
“They have not ‘nickeled and dimed’ us on special requests we've made.” - Susan Van Buren
Paycom customers disapprove of the lack of features needed for their use case. Even simple features aren’t present, which makes it difficult to make the software work for any unique business.
“Schedule [features] can’t do time zones, which is frankly embarrassing.”
“Doesn't integrate with any tax software.”
“The whole software was barely threshold and I was hoping for improvements over time but didn't see many.”
“There is a lot of lag with data entry, especially in payroll processing.”
“Not enough automation. Too many things need to be manually entered.”
Criterion HCM is all-inclusive, with features that just keep getting better and better. We regularly release updates with new features multiple times a year.
Criterion offers access to a completely open API at no additional cost. This allows you to integrate with any third-party software. Plus, you can configure our solution in any way you need. We give you access to all of the backend tables.
“My organization needed a special integration and Criterion was the only vendor who would help us. Mind you, I considered 23 vendors including all the major players and was turned down 22 times.” - Julie Kellman
“They have made great strides in the reporting features. Many ready-made reports can be tailored to your needs (e.g., leave off SSN or other columns that don't apply).” - Susan Van Buren
Paycom is often considered a mid-market HRIS, a solution targeted at businesses with between 50-350 employees. For smaller or larger businesses, Paycom may not provide the right solution.
As you continue to grow, don’t count on Paycom to scale seamlessly with your business. At a premium price point, your HR software should be flexible as your needs change.
“The experience has been bad. They don't support their small- to mid-size customers. The people are nice but the business plan and structure is a mess.”
“Overall, requires a pretty heavy time investment to train on this system. With so many other systems made to work easily from day 1, it's a big ask for a small company to sink that much time into training.”
With Criterion, scaling your HCM is a breeze. Whether it's integrating new employees, incorporating new reports, or managing additional data. We support payroll processing, HR management, and talent engagement for workforces of any magnitude.
Our modular framework effortlessly adjusts to meet your increasing data demands and intricacies. As your teams and business evolve, Criterion stands ready to adapt. Our pod-style system architecture makes it easy to detect and fix errors fast — so you never miss a beat.
From small businesses to enterprises, Criterion simplifies every aspect of human resources with a software that meets you where you’re at.
Criterion checks all the boxes of an HR & Payroll solution. Best of all, everything is included at no extra cost.
“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.”
“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."
“Mid-Continent Casualty has been a user of Criterion for nearly 20 years. We have always been satisfied with the quality of the products and have been more than satisfied with the level of service we have received.”
Handling payroll that involves union workers and collective negotiation terms can be intricate. Criterion effortlessly manages payroll spanning numerous states, different countries, and various unions — unified under one interface.
Always have direct access to a devoted customer success specialist familiar with your business and its specific configuration. Prompt, informed assistance is merely a call or email away. You’ll never be left hanging.
With Criterion, you get ready-to-use software that can be configured by our team to fit your company. Want to handle something yourself? Our open API is available to you at no extra cost.
Unlike Paycom, Criterion HCM doesn’t charge outrageous extra fees for things that should already be included. Our support is unmatched, and we’re willing to go the extra mile to make sure you get up and running quickly and without any hiccups.
Absolutely — and without restrictions or extra charges. Connect Criterion to any other platform in your tech stack. You can even connect it to third-party software. As for other configurations, we can tailor the software to your liking, or you can have your own team handle the unique changes.
Criterion is proud to serve a wide range of industries including construction & engineering, franchises, government & education, financial & professional services, and more.
We have an industry-leading Service Level Agreement which includes a 90% or better Customer Satisfaction level. Anything less isn’t good enough. If your satisfaction is at or below 90% for a year, we’ll provide a 1% annual subscription refund — no questions asked. We also guarantee a 99.9% uptime!
No. Since our founding, no Criterion data (internal or customer data) has ever been breached. However, in July 2023, Paycom reported a data breach that left key customer data exposed. According to the report, this may have included names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers/State ID numbers, dates of birth, passport information and employment authorization card information.
Unlike Paycom, Criterion customers get their own dedicated Customer Success Manager from day one. You’ll never have to wait days or weeks to hear back from someone. Access support when you need it without fail.
Choosing the right HCM solution is critical to your company’s success. Our 95% customer satisfaction rating is a testament to our dedication, reliability, and top-tier service. While many platforms promise effective solutions, only Criterion consistently delivers.
Your business deserves an HCM that grows with you, backed by a team that understands and supports you through every stage. Don't let outdated systems and subpar support hinder your progress. Choose Criterion, and embrace a future where HR and Payroll management is smooth, efficient, and always in your corner.
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