The primary difference between UKG and UltiPro is that UltiPro is now known as UKG Pro. They are not two separate, distinct platforms but rather the evolution and rebranding of the same robust Human Capital Management (HCM) solution.
The Evolution: From UltiPro to UKG Pro
UltiPro was originally the flagship product of Ultimate Software, a leading provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions. In 2020, Ultimate Software merged with Kronos Incorporated, a prominent workforce management and human resources (HR) solutions provider. This merger led to the formation of a new company: UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group).
Following the merger, the UltiPro platform was rebranded as UKG Pro. This change signifies the integration of capabilities from both legacy companies and a unified vision for future HR and workforce management innovation.
Key Aspects of the Transition
| Aspect | Before (UltiPro) | After (UKG Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Ultimate Software | UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) |
| Product Name | UltiPro | UKG Pro |
| Foundation | Ultimate Software's HCM platform | Ultimate Software's HCM platform + Kronos's expertise |
| Focus | Comprehensive HCM | Comprehensive HCM + enhanced workforce management, payroll, and HR services |
Understanding UKG Pro Today
UKG Pro continues to offer a comprehensive suite of tools designed to manage the entire employee lifecycle, from hire to retire. It is a cloud-based solution that helps organizations streamline critical HR processes, improve workforce productivity, and foster better employee experiences.
Core Capabilities of UKG Pro:
- Global Payroll: Robust payroll processing for diverse workforces, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Talent Management:
- Recruiting: Attracting and onboarding new talent efficiently.
- Performance Management: Setting goals, tracking progress, and providing feedback.
- Learning & Development: Empowering employee growth through training programs.
- Workforce Management: Tools for scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and labor forecasting (an area significantly strengthened by Kronos's expertise).
- HR Service Delivery: Empowering employees with self-service options and HR teams with efficient case management.
- HR Analytics & Reporting: Data-driven insights to inform strategic HR decisions.
- Employee Experience: Features designed to enhance engagement, communication, and overall well-being.
Why the Rebranding Matters
The transition from UltiPro to UKG Pro was more than just a name change; it represented a strategic move to combine the strengths of two industry leaders. For customers, this meant access to:
- Expanded Capabilities: The integration of Kronos's deep expertise in workforce management with Ultimate Software's strengths in payroll and talent management created a more holistic solution.
- Enhanced Innovation: A larger combined R&D budget and a broader talent pool enable faster development of new features and technologies.
- Broader Global Reach: The unified entity can better serve organizations worldwide.
- Streamlined Solutions: A single provider for a wider array of HR, payroll, and workforce management needs simplifies vendor management.
In essence, while the name has changed, the core commitment to empowering organizations with powerful HR and workforce solutions remains, now under the unified UKG brand.
