ADP Run is a robust, cloud-based payroll and HR platform primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses SMBs, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that go beyond basic payroll processing to include tax filing, HR support, time tracking, and benefits administration.

While it excels in automating complex payroll tasks and ensuring compliance, making it a strong contender for businesses seeking a full-service solution, its pricing structure can be less transparent and potentially higher than some competitors for very small businesses with minimal needs.

This review will delve into its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, helping you decide if ADP Run is the right fit for your business, alongside a comparison of alternative payroll and HR software solutions available in the market.

Product Name	Primary Function	Ideal Business Size	Key Feature	Price Range Monthly
Gusto	Payroll, Benefits, HR	Small to Medium	Comprehensive HR features, user-friendly	$39 + $6/person to $149 + $12/person
QuickBooks Payroll	Payroll, Accounting Integration	Small to Medium	Seamless integration with QuickBooks Accounting	$45 + $5/person to $125 + $10/person
Paychex Flex	Payroll, HR, Benefits	Small to Large	Scalable solutions, dedicated support	Custom quotes, generally competitive
OnPay	Payroll, HR, Benefits	Small to Medium	All-inclusive pricing, excellent customer service	$40 + $6/person
Zenefits	HR Platform, Payroll Integration	Small to Medium	Employee management, benefits administration	$10-$27/person payroll additional
Rippling	HR, IT, Payroll Automation	Small to Large	Full HRIS, IT management, global capabilities	Custom quotes, often higher for basic plans
Homebase	Time Tracking, Scheduling, Basic HR	Small Businesses, Hourly Workforce	Free basic time tracking, scheduling features	Free to $99/month for unlimited employees

Table of Contents

Understanding ADP Run: Core Features and Philosophy

ADP Run, specifically designed for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, is more than just a payroll processor. it’s a comprehensive HR solution.

Its core philosophy revolves around simplifying the often-complex tasks associated with managing employees, from paying them accurately and on time to handling tax compliance and offering essential HR support.

ADP, as a company, has decades of experience in payroll and human resources, which is evident in the depth and breadth of features offered within ADP Run.

They aim to free up small business owners’ time, allowing them to focus on growth rather than administrative burdens.

Payroll Processing and Tax Filing

At the heart of ADP Run is its payroll processing engine. Windmill Fan Review

It handles everything from calculating gross wages, deductions, and withholdings to ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.

Automated Tax Filing: This is a major selling point. ADP Run automatically calculates, files, and pays your payroll taxes, including federal, state, and local income taxes, as well as Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes. This significantly reduces the risk of penalties due to errors or late filings.
Direct Deposit & Pay Cards: Employees can receive their pay via direct deposit to their bank accounts. ADP also offers pay cards, which can be a convenient option for employees without traditional bank accounts.
Check Printing: For businesses that prefer paper checks, ADP Run provides options for printing checks in-house or having ADP print and deliver them.
Customizable Pay Frequencies: Businesses can set up various pay frequencies, including weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly, to suit their operational needs.
Garnishments and Deductions: The system efficiently handles various pre-tax and post-tax deductions, such as retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and wage garnishments.

HR Support and Compliance Tools

Beyond payroll, ADP Run offers a robust suite of HR tools designed to help small businesses navigate the complexities of employee management and compliance.

HR HelpDesk: Subscribers to higher-tier plans gain access to certified HR professionals who can provide guidance on a wide range of HR issues, from hiring to termination and everything in between. This is invaluable for small businesses without a dedicated HR department.
Employee Handbook Wizard: This tool helps businesses create customized employee handbooks, ensuring consistent policies and legal compliance.
Job Description Wizard: Assists in creating clear and compliant job descriptions, essential for effective recruitment and performance management.
Background Checks: Integration with background check services helps streamline the hiring process and ensure due diligence.
Compliance Posters: ADP provides access to required federal and state labor law posters to keep businesses compliant.
HR Forms and Documents: A library of customizable HR forms and templates simplifies various HR tasks, such as onboarding documents, performance reviews, and termination letters.

Time and Attendance Tracking

Accurate time tracking is crucial for payroll and labor cost management.

ADP Run offers integrated timekeeping solutions to simplify this process.

Time Clocks: Various options are available, including web-based time clocks, mobile apps, and physical time clocks, allowing employees to punch in and out conveniently.
Timesheet Management: Managers can easily review, edit, and approve timesheets, which then seamlessly flow into payroll calculations.
Overtime Calculation: The system automatically calculates overtime based on predefined rules, helping to ensure compliance with labor laws.
Absence Management: Track employee absences, including sick leave, vacation, and paid time off PTO, to maintain accurate records and manage accruals.

User Experience and Interface Design

The user interface UI of ADP Run is generally considered intuitive and easy to navigate, particularly for small business owners who may not have extensive payroll or HR experience.

Dashboard Overview: Upon logging in, users are greeted with a dashboard that provides a quick overview of key tasks and information, such as upcoming payrolls, pending HR tasks, and recent reports.
Streamlined Payroll Run: The process of running payroll is guided step-by-step, making it straightforward even for first-time users. Data entry is minimized once initial setup is complete.
Employee Self-Service: Employees can access their pay stubs, W-2s, and other personal information through a dedicated online portal or mobile app. This reduces administrative inquiries for the business owner.
Reporting Capabilities: ADP Run offers a wide range of pre-built and customizable reports, providing insights into payroll costs, tax liabilities, employee demographics, and more. This data can be invaluable for financial planning and HR strategy.
Mobile Accessibility: The ADP Run mobile app allows users to run payroll, approve timesheets, and access essential HR information on the go, offering flexibility for busy business owners.

Feature	Ease of Use	Benefit for User
Dashboard	High	Quick access to critical tasks and data
Step-by-step payroll	High	Simplifies complex payroll process
Employee Self-Service	High	Reduces HR administrative burden
Mobile App	High	On-the-go management and flexibility
Reporting	Moderate to High	Provides data-driven insights

Pricing Structure and Value Proposition

ADP Run’s pricing is not always transparently listed online, often requiring a direct quote based on the specific needs of a business, including the number of employees, desired features, and chosen plan tier.

This can be a point of frustration for some users who prefer upfront pricing.

Plan Tiers and Features

ADP Run typically offers several plan tiers, each building upon the features of the previous one:

Essential: Basic payroll processing, tax filing, direct deposit, and new hire reporting. This is suitable for very small businesses primarily needing just payroll.
Enhanced: Adds features like unemployment insurance management, garnishment payment services, and background checks.
Complete: Integrates HR support, including the HR HelpDesk, employee handbook wizard, and a more comprehensive suite of HR tools.
HR Pro: Offers the most extensive HR support, including enhanced compliance assistance, dedicated HR support, and a broader array of HR resources.

Factors Influencing Cost

Number of Employees: Pricing is usually on a per-employee, per-month basis, in addition to a base fee.
Add-on Services: Features like time tracking hardware, benefits administration, and premium HR support may incur additional costs.
Payroll Frequency: While not always a direct cost driver, some plans might have slight variations based on how often you run payroll.

Value Proposition

Despite the less transparent pricing, ADP Run’s value proposition lies in its comprehensive nature and the peace of mind it offers.

Compliance Assurance: ADP takes on the burden of tax compliance, significantly reducing the risk of penalties for small businesses.
Time Savings: Automation of payroll and HR tasks frees up valuable time for business owners.
Expert Support: Access to HR professionals in higher tiers is a huge benefit for businesses without in-house HR expertise.
Scalability: As a business grows, ADP Run can scale with it, offering more advanced features and support without needing to switch providers entirely.
Integration: While ADP Run is a standalone system, ADP offers integrations with various accounting software and other business tools.

Security and Data Protection

ADP, as a large and established provider, places a strong emphasis on data protection. Aura Review

Encryption: Data transmitted to and from ADP servers is encrypted using industry-standard protocols SSL/TLS to prevent unauthorized access.
Physical Security: ADP’s data centers are secured with physical access controls, surveillance, and environmental monitoring to protect hardware.
Regular Audits and Compliance: ADP undergoes regular security audits and maintains compliance with various industry standards and regulations, such as SOC 1 and SOC 2.
Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication MFA is often available or required, adding an extra layer of security for user logins. Role-based access controls ensure that employees only see the data relevant to their job functions.
Backup and Recovery: Robust data backup and disaster recovery plans are in place to ensure business continuity and data availability in case of unforeseen events.
Dedicated Security Teams: ADP employs dedicated cybersecurity teams to monitor for threats, respond to incidents, and continuously improve their security posture.

Importance for Small Businesses

For small businesses, which often lack the resources for in-depth IT security, relying on a provider with robust security measures like ADP Run is crucial.

A data breach could have severe financial and reputational consequences.

ADP’s investment in security infrastructure means small businesses can benefit from enterprise-level protection without having to build it themselves.

Integrations and Ecosystem

While ADP Run is a powerful standalone solution, its ability to integrate with other business tools enhances its utility and streamlines workflows.

Accounting Software: This is one of the most critical integrations for any payroll system. ADP Run typically integrates with popular accounting platforms like:
These integrations allow for seamless syncing of payroll data, simplifying reconciliation and financial reporting.
Time and Attendance Systems: While ADP Run offers its own timekeeping, it can also integrate with third-party time tracking solutions if a business already uses one.
Benefits Brokers and Providers: ADP can integrate with various benefits providers, simplifying the enrollment and administration of health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
HR Information Systems HRIS: For businesses that grow beyond the scope of ADP Run’s built-in HR features, ADP offers more advanced HRIS solutions that can integrate or migrate seamlessly.
Other Business Applications: Through APIs or partnerships, ADP can connect with a broader ecosystem of tools, including performance management software, learning management systems, and recruiting platforms. Logitech Signature Ai Edition M750 Wireless Mouse Review

Benefits of Integration

Reduced Manual Data Entry: Automation of data transfer between systems saves time and minimizes errors.
Improved Data Accuracy: Consistent data across platforms ensures accurate reporting and decision-making.
Streamlined Workflows: Connecting various business functions creates a more efficient and cohesive operational environment.
Centralized Information: Access to comprehensive data from different systems within one ecosystem provides a holistic view of the business.

Customer Support and Resources

Customer support is a critical factor for any business software, especially for small business owners who may not have dedicated IT or HR staff.

ADP Run offers multiple channels for support and a wealth of resources.

Phone Support: Direct phone access to support representatives for immediate assistance with payroll runs, technical issues, or HR queries. The quality and wait times can vary, but generally, ADP aims to provide responsive service.
Chat Support: Online chat options for quick questions and troubleshooting.
Online Knowledge Base: An extensive library of articles, FAQs, guides, and tutorials that users can search to find answers to common questions. This is often the first stop for self-service problem-solving.
Webinars and Training: ADP frequently offers webinars and online training sessions to help users get the most out of the platform and stay updated on payroll and HR best practices.
Dedicated HR Support: For businesses on higher-tier plans, access to certified HR professionals through the HR HelpDesk provides invaluable expert advice on complex HR issues. This is a significant differentiator for ADP Run.
Account Representatives: Some plans or larger clients may have dedicated account representatives who can provide personalized support and guidance.

What to Expect

While ADP is a large company, the support experience for ADP Run is generally tailored to small businesses.

Users often report positive experiences with the HR HelpDesk, citing the expertise and helpfulness of the professionals.

For basic technical issues, the online resources are comprehensive, but complex problems might require patience with phone support.

Pros and Cons of ADP Run

Like any software solution, ADP Run has its strengths and weaknesses.

Understanding these can help businesses make an informed decision.

Pros:

Comprehensive Features: Goes beyond basic payroll to include significant HR support, time tracking, and benefits administration, making it an all-in-one solution for SMBs.
Automated Tax Filing: A huge time-saver and compliance booster, ADP handles all federal, state, and local payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments.
Robust HR Support: Higher-tier plans offer access to certified HR professionals HR HelpDesk, employee handbook creation, and a wealth of HR forms and guides, invaluable for businesses without an in-house HR department.
Scalability: Suitable for businesses that anticipate growth, as ADP offers more advanced platforms e.g., Workforce Now for larger companies, allowing for seamless transition.
Reliability and Reputation: As a long-standing leader in payroll and HR, ADP brings extensive experience, reliability, and robust security measures.
User-Friendly Interface: Generally intuitive and easy to navigate, with a streamlined process for running payroll.
Employee Self-Service: Reduces administrative burden by allowing employees to access pay stubs, W-2s, and manage personal information independently.
Mobile Access: Convenient mobile app for managing payroll and HR tasks on the go.

Cons:

Pricing Transparency: Pricing is not always upfront on their website and often requires a custom quote, which can be frustrating for those seeking quick comparisons.
Cost for Very Small Businesses: For businesses with only one or two employees, the comprehensive features and associated costs might be overkill compared to simpler, cheaper alternatives.
Potential for Upselling: Like many large providers, there can be a tendency to upsell additional services or higher-tier plans that may not be necessary for all users.
Customer Support Experience: While many find the HR HelpDesk excellent, general technical support can sometimes involve longer wait times or multiple transfers, depending on the complexity of the issue.
Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic payroll is easy, utilizing all the advanced HR features might require some time to learn and configure properly.
Limited Customization for Reports: While reports are plentiful, deep customization options might be less flexible than some users desire.
Initial Setup: Setting up the system, especially migrating data from a previous payroll provider, can be a time-consuming process.

Ideal User Profile for ADP Run

Given its features, pricing, and support, ADP Run is best suited for specific types of small to medium-sized businesses.

Growing Small Businesses 5-49 employees: These businesses benefit most from the comprehensive HR features and scalability. As they add employees, the HR tools become increasingly valuable.
Businesses Prioritizing Compliance: If avoiding tax penalties and staying on top of labor laws is a major concern, ADP’s automated tax filing and HR compliance support are strong selling points.
Businesses Without Dedicated HR Staff: The HR HelpDesk and guided HR tools are incredibly beneficial for owners or managers who wear multiple hats and need expert HR guidance.
Businesses That Value Integration: Those already using or planning to use common accounting software QuickBooks, Xero will appreciate the seamless integration.
Businesses Seeking an All-in-One Solution: If a business prefers to manage payroll, time, and core HR functions from a single platform rather than piecing together multiple systems, ADP Run is a strong contender.
Businesses That Appreciate Professional Support: Those who value access to expert HR advice and robust customer support rather than relying solely on self-service knowledge bases.

Who Might Consider Alternatives?

Micro-businesses 1-4 employees with very basic needs: These businesses might find ADP Run’s cost and feature set to be excessive. Simpler, cheaper options like Gusto’s Core plan or QuickBooks Payroll might be more appropriate.
Businesses with extremely complex, niche HR requirements: While ADP Run is comprehensive for small businesses, those with highly unique or specialized HR needs might require a more customizable HRIS.
Businesses that prioritize rock-bottom pricing above all else: While competitive, ADP Run might not be the absolute cheapest option on the market, especially for minimal needs.

In summary, ADP Run shines as a comprehensive, reliable, and supportive payroll and HR solution for small businesses ready to invest in streamlining their operations and ensuring compliance.

It provides a robust foundation for managing employees, allowing business owners to dedicate more time to strategic growth. Solos Airgo3 Smart Glasses Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADP Run?

ADP Run is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform specifically designed for small businesses typically under 50 employees that handles payroll processing, tax filing, HR support, time tracking, and benefits administration.

Is ADP Run good for small businesses?

Yes, ADP Run is generally considered very good for small businesses, especially those looking for a comprehensive solution that goes beyond basic payroll to include HR support and tax compliance.

How much does ADP Run cost?

ADP Run’s pricing is not publicly disclosed and usually requires a custom quote based on the number of employees, desired features, and chosen plan tier Essential, Enhanced, Complete, HR Pro.

Does ADP Run handle payroll taxes?

Yes, ADP Run automatically calculates, files, and pays all federal, state, and local payroll taxes on behalf of your business, significantly reducing compliance risk.

Can employees view their pay stubs on ADP Run?

Yes, ADP Run offers an employee self-service portal and a mobile app where employees can securely view and download their pay stubs, W-2s, and other personal information.

Does ADP Run integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes, ADP Run offers integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online to streamline data transfer and financial reconciliation.

Is ADP Run difficult to use?

No, ADP Run is generally considered user-friendly with an intuitive interface and a guided process for running payroll, making it accessible even for those new to payroll software.

What is the ADP Run HR HelpDesk?

The HR HelpDesk is a feature available in higher-tier ADP Run plans that provides access to certified HR professionals for guidance and advice on various human resources issues.

Can ADP Run help with employee onboarding?

Yes, ADP Run provides tools and templates to assist with employee onboarding, including new hire reporting, customizable forms, and an employee handbook wizard.

Does ADP Run offer time tracking?

Yes, ADP Run offers integrated time tracking solutions, including web-based time clocks, mobile apps, and physical time clocks, which seamlessly link to payroll. Beats Solo 4 Review

What kind of customer support does ADP Run offer?

ADP Run offers phone support, online chat support, an extensive online knowledge base, webinars, and for higher-tier plans, access to the HR HelpDesk and potentially dedicated account representatives.

Is ADP Run secure?

Yes, ADP Run employs robust security measures, including data encryption, physical security at data centers, multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and compliance with industry standards.

Can I manage benefits with ADP Run?

Yes, ADP Run can help manage benefits administration, including integration with various benefits providers for health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.

What is the difference between ADP Run and ADP Workforce Now?

ADP Run is designed for small businesses typically under 50 employees, while ADP Workforce Now is built for larger businesses typically 50-1,000+ employees and offers more advanced HR, talent, and benefits management features.

Does ADP Run offer background checks?

Yes, higher-tier ADP Run plans may include or integrate with services for conducting background checks as part of the hiring process.

Can I print checks with ADP Run?

Yes, ADP Run allows businesses to print checks in-house, or ADP can print and deliver checks on your behalf.

Does ADP Run help with unemployment insurance?

Yes, certain ADP Run plans can assist with unemployment insurance management, including claims processing and tax filing.

What reports are available in ADP Run?

ADP Run offers a wide range of pre-built and customizable reports, including payroll summaries, tax liability reports, employee earnings, and various HR-related reports.

Is there a mobile app for ADP Run?

Yes, ADP Run has a mobile app available for both employers to run payroll, approve timesheets and employees to access pay stubs, W-2s.

What are the main disadvantages of ADP Run?

The main disadvantages can include less transparent pricing, potentially higher costs for very small businesses, and occasional wait times for general customer support. Hp Spectre X360 16 2024 Review

Does ADP Run provide an employee handbook wizard?

Yes, the employee handbook wizard is a feature available in higher-tier ADP Run plans, helping businesses create customized and compliant employee handbooks.

Can ADP Run handle garnishments?

Yes, ADP Run can efficiently manage and process various wage garnishments and other court-ordered deductions.

Is ADP Run suitable for a single-employee business?

While it can be used for a single employee, the comprehensive features and associated costs might be overkill.

Simpler and potentially cheaper alternatives might be more suitable for micro-businesses.

How long does it take to set up ADP Run?

The initial setup time for ADP Run can vary depending on the complexity of your business and the completeness of your existing data, but ADP provides guidance and support throughout the process.

Does ADP Run offer direct deposit?

Yes, direct deposit is a standard feature of ADP Run, allowing employees to receive their pay directly into their bank accounts.

Can I track PTO and sick leave with ADP Run?

Yes, ADP Run allows you to track and manage employee PTO Paid Time Off, sick leave, and other absences.

Does ADP Run offer a free trial?

Free trials are typically not offered for ADP Run.

Instead, they provide demonstrations and custom quotes based on your business needs.

What industries is ADP Run best for?

ADP Run is suitable for a wide range of small to medium-sized businesses across various industries, particularly those with standard payroll and HR needs. Acer Aspire Tc 1780 Ua92 Review

How does ADP Run compare to Gusto?

ADP Run and Gusto both offer comprehensive payroll and HR, but Gusto is often praised for its transparent pricing and very user-friendly interface, while ADP Run offers deeper HR compliance expertise and scalability.

Can ADP Run help with state new hire reporting?

Yes, ADP Run automatically handles new hire reporting to relevant state agencies, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

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