Namely: Modern Payroll and HR for Mid-Sized Firms

Handling payroll and HR can be an administrative headache for growing companies.

Namely aims to simplify these critical business operations for mid-sized firms through an integrated cloud platform.

In this review, we'll examine Namely's key features, capabilities, and suitability for modernizing payroll and HR management.

Introduction to Namely

Namely is a modern human resources (HR) and payroll platform designed for mid-sized companies typically with 100-1,000 employees. Founded in 2012, Namely aims to provide an all-in-one HR, payroll, time tracking, and benefits administration solution to streamline key people operations.

With $217 million raised in funding and a growing customer base, Namely has established itself as a leading HR technology provider for midsized firms. Its cloud-based platform leverages automation to simplify payroll, provide real-time analytics, and help HR managers scale their teams.

Overview of Namely

Namely was founded in 2012 by Lars Schmidt, Matt Straz, and Kabir Shahani to modernize HR technology and better meet the needs of mid-market companies. Headquartered in New York, Namely has raised over $217 million in funding to date.

The company focuses specifically on serving midsized businesses with between 100-1,000 employees across a range of industries. More than 1,300 mid-market companies currently use Namely as their HRIS and payroll system.

Key facts and figures:

• 1,300+ mid-sized business clients
• $217 million in funding
• Founded in 2012
• 450+ employees
• Headquartered in New York City

Key Features and Benefits

Namely provides the following key features and benefits:

• Intuitive user interface: Simple, consumer-grade dashboard to manage the entire employee lifecycle.
• Payroll automation: Automates tax calculations, direct deposits, and garnishments.
• Real-time analytics: Insights into headcount, compensation, diversity metrics, and other workforce analytics.
• Benefits administration: Manage, track, and customize health insurance and other employee benefits.
• Compliance: Ensures legal compliance with COBRA, ACA reporting, and other regulations.
• API integrations: Connects with other business apps like BambooHR, Jobvite, Slack, and more.

These capabilities deliver significant value to HR managers at mid-sized companies by providing an all-in-one platform to streamline people operations. The automation and integration tools allow lean teams to scale more efficiently.

Suitability for Mid-Sized Firms

Namely stands out as a cost-effective, easy-to-use HRIS platform designed specifically for the needs of mid-market businesses. Companies with 100-1,000 employees require robust capabilities to manage a larger workforce, but often lack the budget for enterprise HR tools.

Namely's feature set addresses key pain points for companies aiming to scale up their HR function. The software centralizes employee records, automates manual processes, provides analytics to inform decisions, and ensures legal compliance as the business grows.

Mid-sized firms can leverage Namely's platform to support strategic goals around improving productivity, retention, diversity hiring initiatives, and overall workforce optimization.

With strong funding and steady customer growth, Namely remains well-positioned as an HR leader purpose-built for the future of work at midsized organizations.

Capabilities for Core HR Functions

Namely provides robust capabilities to support critical HR functions like benefits enrollment, org charts, talent management, and more for mid-sized companies.

Streamlined Onboarding

Namely simplifies and automates the new hire onboarding process through customizable workflows. HR administrators can easily configure onboarding checklists with tasks like submitting paperwork, scheduling equipment, and signing documents. New hires receive automated reminders while managers have visibility into task completion. This ensures a smooth experience at scale.

Intuitive Benefits Enrollment

The Namely platform makes benefits enrollment intuitive for employees through self-service portals. Employees can view and elect health insurance, 401k, FSA, and other benefits during open enrollment periods. Namely integrates with top insurance carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, Aetna, and more for consolidated billing.

Org Charts and Reporting

Namely enables administrators to build dynamic org charts that reflect team structures and reporting lines. Custom fields can be added for locations, departments, salaries, and more. The real-time reporting dashboards provide insights into headcount, turnover, compensation, demographics, and other workforce analytics to inform talent management decisions.

Robust Payroll Management

Namely provides mid-sized companies with a modern payroll solution tailored to their needs. By automating complex pay rules and compliance, Namely ensures accurate, on-time payroll processing.

Time Tracking and Pay Rules

Employees can conveniently track hours worked directly in Namely. Meanwhile, administrators configure pay rules specifying overtime eligibility, reimbursements, garnishments, and more. Custom schedules help streamline payroll tasks like setting different shifts. Overall, Namely enables robust time and attendance tracking to pay people accurately.

Payroll Processing and Payments

Smooth payroll processing starts with Namely's approval workflows to review and approve hours. Direct deposits then enable employees to conveniently access pay. For on-demand access outside regular pay cycles, Namely offers expedited payments. Tax filings are automated as well based on pay and deductions. With Namely, mid-sized businesses can pay employees reliably while remaining compliant.

Analytics and Compliance

Namely provides insightful payroll analytics through custom reports and interactive dashboards. By benchmarking payroll metrics over time, administrators optimize costs. Most importantly, Namely keeps companies compliant through integrated tools ensuring labor law adherence. Staying on top of changing regulations is critical for mid-sized companies, and Namely simplifies compliance.

Platform Security

Namely takes robust measures to secure customer data and maintain compliance with industry standards. This provides peace of mind for companies trusting Namely with sensitive employee information.

Data Encryption and Access

Data transmitted over Namely's platform is encrypted using 256-bit TLS, the same technology used by banks. Sensitive data at rest is encrypted using 256-bit AES encryption.

Role-based permissions allow HR admins to control which employees can view or edit certain information based on their job function. Additional authentication via SMS and two-factor authentication provides extra layers of protection.

Compliance Certifications

Namely maintains SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, following strict protocols around security policies, access controls, auditing, and more. Achieving these high bars demonstrates Namely's security posture meets or exceeds industry best practices.

Ongoing Security Monitoring

Namely employs a full-time security team using automation and manual review to continuously monitor systems for vulnerabilities or suspicious activity. Any issues are quickly addressed through Namely's incident response workflows.

Regular third-party penetration testing further reinforces Namely's defenses. By proactively identifying and resolving vulnerabilities, Namely prevents threats before they can be exploited.

With layered encryption, access controls, compliance certifications, and constant vigilance, Namely offers state-of-the-art protection for sensitive HR data. Companies can feel confident entrusting employee information to Namely's secure platform.

Mobile Accessibility

Namely's mobile apps for iOS and Android provide managers and employees with convenient access to key HR and payroll features while on the go. The apps focus on enabling remote access to time tracking, document review/signing, notifications, and other productivity features.

iOS and Android Apps

Namely offers native iOS and Android apps that are optimized for major mobile platforms. The apps provide an interface similar to the web dashboard to ensure familiarity.

Key features accessible on mobile devices include:

• Time tracking for remote employees
• Review and approval of timesheets
• Push notifications for urgent HR items
• Review and electronic signing of documents
• Viewing pay stubs and tax documents
• Submitting or approving PTO requests
• Accessing company directory and contact info

Managers and employees alike are able to accomplish critical workflows remotely via Namely's mobile apps. This enables HR processes to continue smoothly regardless of location.

Key App Features

Namely focuses its mobile apps on providing access to features that drive productivity for managers and employees on the go:

• Notifications - Push notifications alert managers to pending approvals, important HR items requiring review, timesheet reminders, and more. Employees also receive notifications for items requiring their attention.
• Time Tracking - Employees can track time and submit timesheets remotely. Managers can review and approve timesheets via mobile. This ensures payroll continuity regardless of location.
• Document Review/Signing - Documents like offer letters, workplace policies, manuals, and more can be reviewed and signed electronically on mobile devices. This eliminates paperwork and speeds up onboarding.
• Directory/Contact Info - Mobile access to employee profiles and company contact information keeps everyone connected.

By focusing on key features tied to workflows, productivity, and communication, Namely's mobile apps enable true HR agility.

Access and Permissions

Namely has robust controls to manage mobile access and permissions:

• Authentication - Accessing the mobile apps requires username/password authentication. Two-factor authentication can be enforced for additional security.
• Permissions - Admins can configure fine-grained permissions to restrict data access on mobile devices based on user roles.
• Data Protection - Namely uses encryption and other security measures to protect company and employee data accessed via the mobile apps.
• Remote Wipe - If a device is lost or compromised, admins can remotely wipe Namely mobile app data while leaving personal data intact.

These controls give companies flexibility in determining appropriate mobile access. Tight permissions can ensure only necessary data is exposed on mobile devices to meet security needs. At the same time, broader access can empower employees to be truly mobile.

Customer Support Resources

Namely offers multiple channels for customers to get support with any issues or questions that come up when using the platform. This allows clients to get assistance through their preferred method and ensures prompt resolutions.

Multiple Support Channels

Namely provides several ways for customers to get help:

• Phone Support: Speak directly with a Namely support rep to troubleshoot issues in real-time over the phone during business hours
• Email Support: Submit support tickets via email to document issues and receive detailed responses
• Live Chat: Instantly chat online with a support rep during business hours for quick assistance
• Knowledge Base: Search Namely's extensive self-service knowledge base for existing help articles and DIY troubleshooting

Having varied channels enables users to choose how to best reach Namely's team for their specific needs.

Onboarding and Training

To smoothly transition customers onto the platform, Namely offers:

• Dedicated Reps: Individual account managers guide each client through the initial software setup and configuration
• Custom Onboarding: Tailored onboarding plans help customers easily migrate existing data and integrate unique workflows
• Ongoing Training: Namely provides complimentary monthly webinars plus on-demand video tutorials in their learning portal

Namely commits extensive resources to fully educate customers from day one and beyond.

Online Community Forum

Namely hosts online community forums for users to:

• Ask Questions: Customers can post inquiries to crowdsource answers from fellow users
• Share Solutions: Users collaborate to share troubleshooting tips and creative platform uses
• Suggest Enhancements: Customers can propose and vote on desired new Namely features

The forums create a user knowledge exchange that complements Namely's formal support.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Key Takeaways

• Namely provides an all-in-one HRIS and payroll solution tailored to the needs of growing mid-market companies
• Automates administrative tasks like payroll, benefits enrollment, compliance reporting, etc. to simplify operations
• Offers robust employee self-service portal and mobile apps that enhance user experience
• Seamless integrations with popular mid-market accounting, benefits, and productivity software
• Dedicated customer support and implementation specialists guide transition and ongoing success

Ideal Customer Profile

The Namely platform is designed for mid-sized companies with between 200-1,500 employees that want to modernize and consolidate their HR technology as they scale operations. Typically professional services, healthcare, financial services, technology, and manufacturing firms in high growth mode fall into the ideal customer profile. Companies that will benefit most have complex organizational structures, dynamic teams, and growing administrative needs that demand process automation and real-time data access.

Next Steps for Evaluation

Businesses interested in adopting Namely's HRIS and payroll offering should take the following steps to evaluate the solution:

• Request a demo and customize it around current workflows and pain points
• Speak with a Namely solutions consultant to map capabilities against requirements
• Review sample reports, dashboards, and interfaces to envision future employee experiences
• Estimate cost savings based on current overhead
• Develop a transition plan and timeline with Namely's implementation team

Taking these steps will allow leadership teams to fully assess Namely's fit, prepare stakeholders for change management, and facilitate a smooth rollout that maximizes ROI.

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