Namely Payroll: From Complexity to Clarity

Namely in a Nutshell

Namely, a New York-based company founded in 2012, offers a comprehensive HR platform designed to automate and simplify HR services for businesses. Designed to meet the varied demands of modern enterprises, the platform provides a full range of services, such as HR analytics, payroll and time monitoring, benefits administration, compliance tools, and talent management. Namely enhanced their product offerings and served SMEs better with innovative cloud-based HR solutions in 2022 by merging with PrismHR and Vensure Employer Services.

Namely's payroll software, launched in 2014, includes features like employee self-service portals, customizable reporting tools, simplified tax filing, and straightforward payroll management. These features aim to streamline HR procedures, increase operational efficiency, and give employees greater control over HR-related issues. Namely makes it easy for companies to handle their HR needs with one platform that integrates all of these features, boosting productivity and morale.

Security is a top priority, with robust technical safeguards to protect data and systems. Using AES 256-bit encryption, data is protected both while in transit and when stored. They also use two-factor authentication and role-specific access restrictions to protect client data. These measures are meant to adhere to the principles of need-to-know and division of tasks. The company's SSAE18 SOC 1 Type II report further demonstrates their commitment to upholding strict security standards and ensuring the integrity of their services.

Features & Services

Payroll software

Using Namely's online payroll software, you can run limitless on- and off-cycle payrolls. Their automated time off and overtime integration guarantees accurate deductions, tax processing, and payments. In addition, you can quickly access payroll data with the software's payroll dashboard and wizard, making payroll processing effortless. The self-service function also allows employees to examine their pay stubs and alter their personal and direct deposit information.

Tax compliance

Their software guarantees compliance by automatically calculating and managing federal, state, and local taxes, payments, and filings. They also manage wage garnishments, issue quarterly and annual reports, and electronically process federal and state W-4s, W-2s, and 1099s.

With powerful HR compliance tools, you can compare state rules and regulations for managing a workforce across all states and receive notifications about new laws and regulations. Additionally, the platform offers a learning management system that provides staff with more than 300 courses for training and compliance.

Time and attendance management

When it comes to time-tracking, Namely allows employees to enter their time from various sources, including desktops, kiosks, mobile apps, and biometric clocks, ensuring flexible time tracking depending on the business’s needs. The time and attendance management system enables HR professionals to oversee their hourly workforce through a single dashboard, identifying overtime, tardies, late approvals, and more. 

Employee benefits tracking

Employee benefits tracking is an integral part of Namely's system, allowing for the automated recording of insurance, retirement, vacation, and sick days. The benefits administration software's smooth integration with the payroll system automates benefit deductions without human intervention. Your benefit plans can also be accessed and managed from your mobile phone, with the dashboard providing an overview of all programs.

Additional features

Managed payroll: A dedicated payroll specialist can handle payroll processing, state tax ID creation, pay data import, and more through Namely's managed payroll services. They also handle payroll audits and changes, wage verification, garnishments, tax notifications, and verification of employee hours worked.

Pricing & Plans 

To meet the demands of a wide range of businesses, Namely has several different price plans, with the lowest starting at $9 per employee per month and varying in functionality accordingly. The entry-level plan, Namely Now, includes essential features such as payroll and HR, with onboarding and large group benefits as add-ons. 

Namely Plus is the next tier up from Namely Now and adds other capabilities, including a benefits administration module, onboarding, performance management, compliance, and recruitment. Managed payroll and benefits administration are not part of this package, but time tracking is.

Namely Plus People adds even more value by incorporating managed payroll services and managed benefits services, including all the features in Namely Plus. 

Businesses get the whole array of services at the highest tier, Namely Complete. All the functionalities of the other plans are included, as well as managed benefits services, large group benefits including medical, dental, vision, and other coverages, workers' compensation plans, risk and safety management, and shared liability compliance. This plan is suited for large companies looking for all-encompassing human resource solutions. 

The pricing for Namely Plus, Namely Plus People, and Namely Complete is customizable based on the services each business requires. 

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

• Integration capabilities: With Namely's integration features, companies can connect with other software platforms to simplify HR operations. Businesses can connect their services to external systems through interfaces with 50+ third-party partners, creating an interconnected ecosystem. Additionally, they offer an open API for enhanced connectivity
• Nationwide payroll processing: Namely provides nationwide payroll processing services to businesses operating in all 50 states, guaranteeing compliance with diverse legislation regardless of their location
• Employee self-service portal: Employees can check their pay stubs, update their personal information, and request time off using Namely's employee self-service portal, which streamlines HR-related processes and reduces administrative tasks
• Garnishment management: They incorporate garnishment management functionalities, streamlining the task of managing wage garnishments for businesses and guaranteeing adherence to legal obligations 
• Customizable plans: Their plans allow businesses to tailor their HR and payroll solutions according to the specific functionalities they require and their budget. This enhances flexibility and scalability

Disadvantages

• No international services: Businesses based outside the US are not able to use Namely because they do not provide international services
• Features at a higher price: Namely has certain additional features, which may require a higher-cost plan upgrade. Due to the possible higher expenses associated with getting these functionalities, this might affect the affordability for small businesses
• No free trial: Although they provide a demo, they do not offer a free trial. This makes it difficult for businesses to assess their services and solutions before making a purchase
• Limited details about features: Namely offers many features but does not detail what each one does. In light of this, prospective buyers must communicate with them directly to learn everything about the features of the software before purchasing

User Experience

Although Namely has a business profile on the BBB, they are not accredited and do not hold any rating. In addition, they hold a 3.2 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, a 3.9 out of 5 rating on G2, and a 7.3 out of 10 rating on TrustRadius.

Positive reviews

Customers consistently praised Namely for their comprehensive HR and payroll solutions, highlighting the ease of use and reliability. Payroll, employee leave tracking, and benefits management were just a few areas where users found the platform's user-friendly design particularly helpful. Positive feedback was received on the extensive support system, and issues were rapidly resolved, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

Additionally, customers praised Namely's benefits administration, integrated tools, and intuitive user interface, making HR management simple. Customers were also drawn to the platform for several reasons, including the quick handling of multi-state tax issues and excellent customer service. Although potential customers are advised to contact Namely for details on individual features, the system's user-friendly interface and extensive feature set make them popular.

Negative reviews

Customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Namely's payroll system due to specific features, like the inability to view upcoming payroll checks. Furthermore, users have encountered issues due to the absence of direct integration between the accounting and payroll systems. As a result, reports must be manually modified to be imported. Others have pointed out that there is a need for improvement in the reports and payroll capabilities, specifically with limitations on proration and the fact that the payroll and time management systems are not integrated.

The platform's customer service was another common subject of criticism, with customers complaining about long wait times and trouble contacting representatives. Additionally, the software has been criticized for its complexity and lack of cohesion, with users describing challenges in generating reports and navigating the interface. 

What Customer Service Options Do They Offer?

You can reach the customer support team by phone at 1-888-757-4804 or requesting a call. In addition, you can browse their comprehensive blog for the latest news and updates. 

For administrator support, you can log in and access Namely’s help community, access their robust library of educational resources, create and view support cases, and view their client discussion community.

Conclusion

To sum up, Namely has been a dependable provider of HR solutions since their launch in 2012, meeting the varied demands of businesses. Businesses, especially SMBs, can use Namely's comprehensive portfolio of solutions for human resources analytics, payroll processing, and personnel management to simplify and streamline HR administration. Namely provides customizable solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern organizations, including simplified payroll processing, precise tax compliance, and benefits management.

Namely has received praise for their all-inclusive solutions, especially for being easy and dependable. However, they have also received complaints about some features, how quickly customer care responds, and their difficulties with integration. It is important to note that you should carefully evaluate Namely's features, price, and customer support options before deciding to utilize their payroll software.

If you have doubts about Namely but are still searching for the perfect solution for your business, we recommend examining our comprehensive reviews of payroll software companies and comparing each one to determine their respective positions. Furthermore, we encourage you to visit our blog page for valuable insights into this industry.

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