What is WorkForce Software (WFS) and is it the right HCM solution for your organisation?

WorkForce Software (WFS) is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed to help complex, compliance-heavy organisations manage time, attendance, scheduling, and employee engagement at scale.

Built to support shift-based, distributed, and highly regulated workforces, WFS is especially strong in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, public services, and utilities.

While not a full Human Capital Management (HCM) suite, WFS is often used alongside broader HCM systems to deliver deeper functionality in scheduling, award interpretation, and workforce compliance. For organisations needing granular labour control and better visibility into frontline operations, WFS offers a configurable and enterprise-grade solution.

This page outlines WFS’s key capabilities, ideal fit, and how to evaluate whether it supports your workforce strategy.

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Key features of WorkForce Software (WFS)

  • Time and attendance management with award interpretation
  • Workforce scheduling, rostering, and shift management
  • Absence and leave management across regions and roles
  • Fatigue management and compliance automation
  • Employee and manager self-service tools (mobile-enabled)
  • Analytics and reporting for workforce visibility and planning
  • Integration with ERP and HCM platforms (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Workday)
  • Scalable for multi-site, multi-jurisdiction operations

Which organisations is WFS best suited for?

WFS is typically a strong fit for:

  • Large or mid-sized organisations with shift-based or hourly workforces
  • Businesses operating in regulated environments with complex award rules
  • Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, utilities, logistics, retail, and government
  • HR and operations leaders needing to improve scheduling, compliance, and engagement
  • Teams looking to extend core HCM systems with specialised WFM capabilities

Pros and cons of WFS

Where WFS delivers value:

  • Purpose-built for workforce compliance, rostering, and time tracking
  • Deep award interpretation and rule automation
  • Scalable for enterprises with thousands of employees across multiple locations
  • Strong integration with leading ERP and HCM platforms
  • Mobile-first tools for employee self-service and engagement

Where it may fall short:

  • Not a full HCM suite – best used in conjunction with ERP or HCM systems
  • Implementation can be complex without experienced delivery partners
  • May be more than required for small or non-complex workforce environments
  • Requires clear governance to align HR, operations, and compliance functions

Alternatives to WorkForce Software

Depending on your operational complexity and existing systems, other platforms to consider include:

  • UKG Dimensions – unified workforce management and HCM platform
  • SAP SuccessFactors with SAP Time Management – strong for global enterprises
  • ADP Workforce Manager – for integrated payroll and time solutions
  • Humanforce – built for shift-based industries with ANZ compliance
  • Employment Hero or ELMO – for SMBs needing simple scheduling and HR

Compare these options in our Enterprise Workforce Management Guide.

Planning your WFS HCM journey

Whether you’re deploying WFS as a standalone workforce management tool or integrating it into a broader HR transformation, SMC can support you from strategy to go-live.

Expert insights from SMC

At Solution Minds Consulting, we’ve worked with public and private sector organisations to assess and implement workforce management solutions like WFS—particularly where rostering, compliance, and employee experience are strategic priorities.

Our structured, vendor-neutral process helps you align platform selection with business needs, workforce models, and transformation objectives—ensuring the right balance of control, automation, and usability.

Explore our services in HCM and WFM Selection, Change Management, and Digital Strategy and Roadmaps.