PDS Software Reviews – Pricing, Pros/Cons, and User Feedback

PDS Software’s Vista HRIS offers mid-sized businesses in traditional industries flexible deployment options (on-premise or cloud) and personalized service. With over 40 years of HR expertise, PDS excels in stability

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
September 16, 2024
user looking at computer with PDS logo

Choosing the right Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is essential for mid-sized businesses looking to streamline HR operations, improve employee management, and ensure smooth processes. PDS Software, established in 1974, brings decades of HRIS expertise, stability, and a personalized service model to the table. In this review, we explore the key features, strengths, challenges, and considerations when evaluating PDS Software’s Vista platform for your business.

Overview of PDS Software

PDS Software’s HRIS platform, Vista, is tailored specifically for mid-sized companies with employee counts ranging from 350 to 3,000. With over 40 years of industry experience, PDS has earned a reputation for reliability and personalized service. One of the key differentiators of PDS is the flexibility it offers, with both on-premise and cloud-based solutions, giving businesses the option to select the deployment model that best fits their needs.

Vista is well-suited for industries such as government, public sector, and other traditional fields, where stability and a proven track record are highly valued. PDS also allows for phased implementations, meaning businesses can roll out modules as needed, offering further flexibility in meeting organizational goals.

The Strengths of PDS Software

1. Decades of HRIS Experience

Founded in 1974, PDS brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the HRIS space, making them a stable and reliable partner for mid-sized businesses. Their long-standing experience provides businesses with the confidence of a tried-and-tested system, particularly in traditional industries like government and public sectors.

2. Flexible Deployment Options

One of PDS’s standout features is its flexibility in offering both on-premise and cloud-based solutions. This allows companies to choose the deployment that best suits their infrastructure and strategic direction. Additionally, the phased implementation approach allows businesses to implement modules at their own pace, giving them control over their HR transformation journey.

3. Strong Customer Service and Community Support

PDS is highly rated for its personalized service. The company emphasizes building strong relationships with its clients, ensuring they receive the attention and support needed. This is further enhanced by user groups and peer advisory boards, creating a sense of community and providing additional support avenues.

4. Training and Support Services

PDS offers a comprehensive range of training services that help clients fully leverage the Vista platform. From initial onboarding to advanced user training, PDS ensures that users are well-equipped to maximize the system’s potential. This strong emphasis on training contributes to higher satisfaction and better system utilization.

5. Versatility Across Industries

While many HRIS systems target specific industries, PDS has a broad reach, particularly in traditional industries like government, public sector, and manufacturing. Their platform has demonstrated its versatility, making it a reliable choice across different business environments.

Learn More: Compare PDS and other leading HRIS platforms on OutSail's marketplace

Points to Consider with PDS Software

1. Limited Modern Features

While PDS has a strong history and provides solid functionality, it may not have all the modern features that larger, publicly traded HRIS platforms offer. The user interface and usability are adequate but may not stand out compared to newer platforms with more intuitive and streamlined designs.

2. Limited Integration Capabilities

Given its older platform architecture, integration options with PDS Software may be limited. The platform does not offer robust open APIs, and there is no extensive marketplace for plug-and-play integrations. While file feeds and EDI are possible, businesses looking for easy integration with multiple third-party tools may find PDS lacking in this area.

3. Slower Advancement and Innovation

PDS operates as a boutique provider, which means its development pace may be slower compared to larger HRIS providers. This could impact the scalability and future innovation of the platform, potentially limiting long-term growth for businesses that require cutting-edge technology and rapid feature updates.

Pricing Structure

PDS Software follows a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model, similar to other HRIS providers. The estimated cost for Vista ranges between $17 and $25 PEPM, depending on the size of the company and the specific modules selected. PDS offers competitive pricing compared to larger HRIS platforms, making it an attractive option for mid-sized businesses that value stability and customer-centric service.

Deciding if PDS Software is Right for Your Business

When considering PDS Software for your HRIS needs, it’s essential to weigh its strengths and potential limitations to determine if it aligns with your business objectives.

Leveraging Strengths:

  • Long-Established Expertise: PDS’s decades of experience and proven track record make it an ideal partner for mid-sized businesses in traditional industries.
  • Flexible Deployment and Implementation: PDS offers both on-premise and cloud options, along with phased implementations, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
  • Personalized Customer Service: High ratings for service and client relationships ensure that businesses feel supported throughout their journey.

Addressing Challenges:

  • Lack of Modern Features: Companies looking for the latest HRIS features may find PDS’s platform lacking in terms of user experience and advanced functionality.
  • Integration Limitations: The older platform architecture may pose challenges for businesses that rely heavily on third-party tools and integrations.
  • Slower Innovation Pace: PDS’s smaller size may result in slower updates and fewer new features over time, potentially limiting long-term growth for rapidly expanding companies.

Conclusion

PDS Software offers a solid HRIS solution for mid-sized companies, particularly those in traditional industries like government and the public sector. Its flexibility in deployment and phased implementations, coupled with its long-standing customer-centric service, make it an attractive option for organizations seeking stability and personalized support. However, businesses looking for cutting-edge features or extensive third-party integrations may find the platform’s limitations restrictive.

If your company values stability, a personalized service approach, and a flexible deployment model, PDS Software could be an excellent fit for your HR needs. For companies requiring more advanced features and faster innovation, it may be worth exploring other options.

FAQs

  1. What are the core strengths of PDS Software?
    PDS excels in offering flexible deployment options (on-premise and cloud), personalized customer service, and a long-standing track record in traditional industries like government and public sectors.
  2. What are the challenges of PDS Software?
    PDS faces challenges with limited integration capabilities, a slower pace of innovation, and a platform that may not offer the most modern features compared to larger HRIS providers.
  3. What is the pricing structure for PDS Software?
    PDS Software’s Vista platform typically costs between $17-25 per employee per month (PEPM), depending on the size of the company and the specific modules implemented.
  4. Who is PDS Software best suited for?
    PDS is ideal for mid-sized businesses in traditional industries that value stability, personalized service, and flexibility in deployment. It may not be the best fit for companies looking for the latest HRIS features or robust integration capabilities.
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Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

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