Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

sumHR VS ClockOn

Compare sumHR VS ClockOn and see what are their differences

sumHR logo sumHR

sumHR is a modern, delightful, and extremely easy to use Human Resource Management Software that helps startups and SMEs streamline their HR & payroll processes. We are on a mission to change the way companies look at Human Resource Management. W...

ClockOn logo ClockOn

All-in-one workforce management platform for managing staff, shifts, leave, and pay. Stay compliant with payroll & STP, award interpretation and HR tools.
  • sumHR Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-19
  • ClockOn Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-06
  • ClockOn Timesheets
    Timesheets //
    2025-07-14
  • ClockOn Mobile app
    Mobile app //
    2025-07-14

ClockOn is a powerful Australian workforce management platform designed to streamline rostering, attendance, payroll, and HR processes โ€” all in one system. Built for businesses with 5 to 500+ employees, ClockOn helps teams stay compliant with Fair Work requirements while reducing administrative overhead.

Key Features

  • Smart Rostering
    Create efficient, costed rosters with drag-and-drop tools, role-based scheduling, and built-in availability and leave conflict checks. Publish rosters instantly via SMS, email or the ClockOn GO app.

  • Accurate Time & Attendance
    Track clock-ins via mobile app or tablet kiosk with geofencing and photo capture. Automate timesheets and manage breaks, rounding, and approvals to simplify payroll prep.

  • Award-Interpreted Payroll
    Run Single Touch Payroll-compliant pay runs with built-in award interpretation for Australian Modern Awards. Automatically calculate overtime, allowances, leave accruals, and superannuation.

  • Integrated HR Module
    Manage employee records, contracts, visa checks, WHS, and document storage in one secure location. Includes onboarding, job details, and compliance tracking.

Why Choose ClockOn?

  • Purpose-built for Australian compliance
  • Modular setup โ€” use what you need
  • Scales easily from small teams to 500+ staff
  • Local support and training included
  • Optional outsourced payroll service available

ClockOn is ideal for industries like healthcare, retail, hospitality, and services โ€” helping managers build rosters, track time, and pay staff with confidence.

sumHR

Website
sumhr.com
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

ClockOn

$ Details
paid Free Trial AU$2.7 / Monthly (per user)
Platforms
Google Chrome Firefox Safari Edge Windows Android iOS
Release Date
1999 April
Startup details
Country
Australia
State
NSW
City
Erina
Founder(s)
Graham Mylne
Employees
10 - 19

sumHR features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    sumHR offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy for users to navigate, making it accessible for organizations with varying levels of tech-savviness.
  • Comprehensive HR Features
    The platform provides a wide range of HR functionalities, including attendance tracking, payroll management, leave management, and employee self-service, supporting various HR processes within an organization.
  • Cloud-Based Solution
    As a cloud-based platform, sumHR allows users to access the system from anywhere, facilitating remote work and real-time data updates.
  • Scalability
    The software is scalable, catering to the needs of both small startups and large enterprises, making it a versatile solution as a company grows.
  • Customer Support
    sumHR is known for its responsive customer support, providing timely assistance and solutions to any user issues or queries.

Possible disadvantages of sumHR

  • Limited Integrations
    The platform doesn't offer as many integrations with third-party applications compared to some other HR software, which might limit its compatibility with existing systems.
  • Cost
    While sumHR offers a range of features, the cost might be a concern for very small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
  • Customization Limitations
    Some users have reported that the customization options are not as extensive as they would like, which can be a drawback for businesses with specific HR needs.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, new users might still face a learning curve when familiarizing themselves with all the features and functionalities of the platform.
  • Internet Dependency
    As a cloud-based solution, sumHR requires a stable internet connection to function effectively, which can be a limitation in areas with poor internet connectivity.

ClockOn features and specs

  • Comprehensive Payroll Features
    ClockOn offers a wide range of payroll features, including tax calculations, superannuation contributions, and detailed reporting, making it a robust solution for employers.
  • Time and Attendance Tracking
    The platform provides efficient time and attendance tracking options, allowing businesses to seamlessly monitor employee hours, overtime, and leave.
  • Employee Self-Service
    ClockOn includes a self-service portal where employees can view their schedules, clock-in/out, and access their payslips, increasing transparency and convenience.
  • Compliance with Local Regulations
    The software is designed to adhere to Australian labor laws, ensuring businesses remain compliant with local regulations through automatic updates and accurate record-keeping.
  • Flexible Deployment
    ClockOn offers both cloud-based and on-premises solutions, providing businesses with the flexibility to choose a deployment method that suits their needs.

Possible disadvantages of ClockOn

  • Complex Setup
    Some users may find the initial setup of ClockOn complex and time-consuming, requiring a learning curve to effectively utilize all features.
  • Limited Integration Options
    ClockOn may have limited integration capabilities with other software platforms, which could pose challenges for businesses using multiple systems.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of ClockOn may appear outdated or not as intuitive as other modern software, which could affect the user experience.
  • Customer Support
    Some users report that customer support can be inconsistent, with variable response times and levels of assistance.
  • Cost
    For small businesses or startups, the cost of ClockOn might be a concern, especially if they require only basic features.

Analysis of sumHR

Overall verdict

  • SumHR is a good choice for businesses seeking an affordable, feature-rich HR solution that's easy to implement and use. However, larger organizations with more complex needs might find it lacking in certain high-level functionalities compared to bigger HR systems.

Why this product is good

  • SumHR is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features tailored to small and medium enterprises. It offers a range of functionalities like payroll management, leave tracking, and performance appraisals, making HR processes more efficient. The platform is cloud-based, allowing easy scalability and access from any location. Users often praise its customer support and regular feature updates.

Recommended for

    Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a comprehensive, cloud-based HR management solution that is cost-effective and easy to use. It's particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to streamline their HR operations and improve productivity without the need for extensive customization.

sumHR videos

sumHR HRMS & Payroll Software Features

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to apply for leave in sumHR

ClockOn videos

ClockOn's integrated Rostering, Attendance & Payroll Features

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to sumHR and ClockOn)
HRMS
100 100%
0% 0
HR And Payroll Software
0 0%
100% 100
HR
89 89%
11% 11
Online Services
100 100%
0% 0

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing sumHR and ClockOn.

What's the story behind your product?

ClockOn's answer:

๐Ÿข The Story Behind ClockOn

Founded in 1999

ClockOn began its journey after receiving a federal government start grant aimed at creating an affordable, comprehensive Time & Attendance, Rostering, HR, and Payroll solution for Australian small businesses

Evolving the Workforce Tech Stack

From those early roots, ClockOn has grown into a robust, awardโ€‘interpreting platform featuring:

  • A configurable rule engine to automate awardโ€‘specific payroll settings
  • Biometric fingerprint scanners & attendance kiosks for verified time capture
  • The ClockOn GO mobile app for twoโ€‘way messaging, GPS checkโ€‘ins, and realโ€‘time shift updates

Expanding into Outsourced Payroll

To support businesses when their payroll officers are absentโ€”or simply for added convenienceโ€”ClockOn introduced a flexible outsourced payroll service, enabling them to step in at a momentโ€™s notice

Recent Innovation: Integrated HR Module

In June 2025, ClockOnโ€™s Pro plan added a fully embedded HR module. This new tier brings:

  • Centralized employee records & document storage
  • Leave management workflows
  • WHS incident logging, visa checks, EEO/WGEA reporting
  • Roleโ€‘based approvals and manager portals โ€” all within the same unified system

That move reinforced ClockOnโ€™s mission: to eliminate the inefficiencies of patchโ€‘together systems and deliver a single source of truth for Australian workforce management


โœจ Why It Matters

From helping pubs, pharmacies, and clubs consolidate up to 4+ disconnected tools, to ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance, ClockOn has stood out for its:

  • Deep understanding of Australian award rules
  • Focus on userโ€‘configurable automation
  • Local support, ongoing innovation, and both inโ€‘house and outsourced payroll options

Today, based on the NSW Central Coast, ClockOn is trusted by SMEs across industriesโ€”offering a mature, scalable, and complianceโ€‘driven workforce solution.

User comments

Share your experience with using sumHR and ClockOn. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare sumHR and ClockOn

sumHR Reviews

We have no reviews of sumHR yet.
Be the first one to post

ClockOn Reviews

Top 3 Best Xero Payroll Alternatives in Australia
Switching from Xero Payroll can be a smooth and manageable transition for businesses seeking cost-effective alternatives. Solutions like ClockOn, ELMO Software, and Reckon provide reliable, compliant, and user-friendly payroll options tailored to the needs of Australian businesses. Each platform offers distinct advantages, with ClockOn known for its simplicity and...

What are some alternatives?

When comparing sumHR and ClockOn, you can also consider the following products

BambooHR - Personalized HR software for SMBs

Microkeeper - Onboard staff, create rosters, track time and attendance, and pay your employees with compliance.

Keka - Keka is India's most desired HR & Payroll software. Keka's HR Payroll software help organizations create the best employee experience EVER! check for a free trial.

Employment Hero - Australia's No.1 Integrated HR People Management Platform

greytHR - Essential HR Business Tools To Survive And Thrive

Payroller - Simple, easy payroll web app for small businesses