Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) is a leading global provider of human capital management (HCM) software. UKG offers a comprehensive suite of cloud-based HCM solutions that cover key HR functions such as payroll, workforce management, HR service delivery, talent management, and more. The company aims to provide organizations with an integrated HCM platform to manage their entire employee lifecycle and improve business outcomes.
History and Background
UKG was formed in 2017 through the merger of two leading HCM vendors – Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software. Prior to the merger, Kronos was focused on workforce management solutions while Ultimate Software specialized in cloud-based HCM. By bringing together these two powerhouses, UKG has established itself as an end-to-end HCM provider.
Kronos was founded in 1977 by Mark Ain and brothers Paul and Sandy Weiner. The company pioneered the concept of automated timekeeping and workforce management. Over the decades, Kronos expanded its offerings to include solutions for payroll, HR, talent acquisition, and more. The company served customers across various industries including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and the public sector.
Ultimate Software was founded in 1990 by Scott Scherr. It was one of the earliest adopters of cloud technology for delivering HR solutions. Ultimate’s flagship offering was UltiPro – an award-winning HCM platform for HR, payroll, and talent management. By the time of the merger, UltiPro was used by thousands of customers to manage millions of employee records in the cloud.
In 2017, Kronos and Ultimate merged in an $11 billion deal to create one of the largest cloud companies in the world focused on HCM. The combined company was named UKG, reflecting its new global reach. UKG instantly became a leading player in the HCM solutions market across geographies.
UKG’s Solutions and Services
UKG offers the most complete HCM technology suite through its various product lines:
Workforce Management
UKG’s workforce management solutions help organizations manage labor costs, productivity, compliance, and employee engagement. Key offerings include:
- Time and attendance tracking
- Labor cost controls
- Automated scheduling
- Absence management
- Fatigue management
Human Resources
UKG provides a unified HR system covering the entire employee lifecycle – from recruitment to retirement. Main HR solutions include:
- Core HR
- Benefits administration
- Payroll
- Talent acquisition
- Compensation management
- Performance management
Talent Management
UKG offers advanced talent management capabilities like:
- Career development planning
- Succession management
- Learning management
- Performance reviews
Time and Attendance
UKG’s time and attendance solutions enable organizations to:
- Track employee time
- Understand labor costs
- Optimize schedules
- Improve payroll accuracy
Advanced Analytics
UKG provides real-time analytics and intelligence through its HR, payroll, and workforce management systems. This enables data-driven decision making across the organization.
UKG’s Technology
UKG offers its HCM solutions through two primary technology platforms:
Kronos Workforce Dimensions
This is UKG’s latest workforce management system built on a next-generation cloud platform. Key features include:
- Real-time visibility into workforce data
- AI-driven insights and predictions
- Automated time tracking
- Mobile access
- Configurable workflows
UltiPro
UltiPro is UKG’s flagship HCM cloud platform delivering complete HR, payroll, and talent management capabilities. Key highlights:
- Unified solution for HCM needs
- Analytics-driven people management
- Consumer-grade employee experience
- Flexible delivery options (public cloud, private cloud, managed services)
In addition to these two platforms, UKG offers other purpose-built applications like timeclocks, scheduling tools, and more.
Industries Served
UKG provides HCM solutions to organizations across all major industries including:
- Healthcare
- Financial services
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Higher education
- Professional services
- Public sector
Some of UKG’s major customers include Walgreens, WestJet, Citizens Bank, Miami University, and many more prominent brands.
Global Presence
UKG serves over 70,000 customers across more than 185 countries. Some key facts about UKG’s global reach:
- Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida
- 10,000+ employees worldwide
- Offices in 20+ countries
- Supports 50+ languages
UKG’s broad international presence allows it to serve multinational corporations around the world.
Partnerships and Ecosystem
UKG maintains an extensive partner ecosystem to complement its HCM technology and drive innovation. Key partner initiatives include:
UKG Connect Marketplace
This is an online marketplace that offers hundreds of third-party applications and integrations with UKG products. It enables customers to extend UKG platforms.
UKG Pro Partner Program
This is a network of certified implementation and technology partners who provide services around UKG solutions.
UKG Embed Program
This allows independent software vendors to embed UKG technology into their own applications via APIs.
UKG Extend Program
This helps customers and partners build custom extensions on top of UKG products.
Through these partner ecosystems, UKG fosters an environment of continuous innovation around its HCM technology.
Acquisitions
UKG has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its HCM capabilities and technology footprint:
- PeopleDoc – A leading HR service delivery platform acquired in 2018
- Zugata – An AI-driven employee engagement and performance management solution acquired in 2019
- Raet – A UK-based HR and payroll software provider acquired in 2020
These acquisitions have allowed UKG to augment its suite with new solutions for HR service delivery, employee engagement, global payroll, and more.
Awards and Recognition
UKG’s HCM solutions have earned numerous awards and industry accolades, including:
- Ranked a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites 2021
- Named a Leader in Nucleus Research’s HCM Technology Value Matrix 2021
- Earned the Top Rated Award for Workforce Management from TrustRadius in 2022
- UltiPro recognized as No. 1 HCM system in G2’s Best Software Awards 2022
- Winner of the HR Tech Awards for “Best Workforce Management Solution” in 2021
These recognitions validate UKG’s status as a leading global provider of next-gen HCM technology.
Conclusion
UKG has established itself as a dominant player in the HCM solutions market through its comprehensive suite of workforce management, HR, payroll, and talent management applications. Powered by innovative platforms like Kronos Workforce Dimensions and UltiPro, UKG enables organizations worldwide to optimize their workforce and achieve desired business outcomes. With robust global presence, strategic acquisitions, and continued innovation, UKG is poised to transform the future of work for thousands of customers and millions of employees.