Rippling is a cloud-based platform that brings together HR, IT, and finance operations in one place. Founded in 2016, it helps businesses handle everything from payroll and benefits to device management and spending controls.
The platform tackles common business headaches by automating many time-consuming tasks. Companies can onboard new employees, manage global payroll, handle benefits, and keep track of company devices all from a single dashboard. With over 500 app integrations, including popular tools like Slack and QuickBooks, Rippling fits naturally into existing workflows.
Small startups and large companies alike use the system to streamline their operations. The pricing starts at $35 per month plus $8 per user, with additional costs for extra features like global payroll or IT services. Companies can pick and choose which modules they need, creating a custom solution that grows with their business.
The platform shows its real value in how it connects different parts of company management. When you hire someone new, Rippling automatically sets up their payroll, creates their email account, orders their computer, and handles benefits enrollment. This saves hours of manual work and helps prevent mistakes that often happen when using separate systems.
Rippling offers a comprehensive workforce management platform that users generally find easy to use and packed with helpful features. The software integrates multiple HR tasks smoothly, and most users appreciate its streamlined interface and wide-ranging capabilities like time tracking and employee training.
However, the platform isn't without drawbacks. Customers have reported significant frustrations with customer support, noting that only administrators can contact their support team. Some users also experience technical issues that can take weeks to resolve, and have found it challenging to obtain initial pricing or demo information. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment remains mostly positive.
Rippling stands out from competitors with its unusually deep integration across HR, IT, and finance systems. Unlike platforms that patch together different modules, Rippling built its system from the ground up with a single employee database that powers everything. This means when you update something in one place, it updates everywhere. While ADP and Gusto offer solid HR and payroll, and Bamboo HR provides strong employee management, Rippling's true advantage is eliminating the constant switching between systems that drives most HR teams crazy.
Can I use just part of Rippling or do I need to buy everything?You can absolutely pick and choose which parts of Rippling you want to use. Their system is built to be modular, so you might start with just the core platform and payroll, then add benefits administration or device management later. Many companies begin with a few key modules and expand over time. The base Unity Platform has a monthly fee plus a per-user charge, and you can add specific modules based on your needs. This flexibility makes it work for both small businesses and large enterprises with complex requirements.
How long does implementation typically take?Most companies get up and running with Rippling in 2-4 weeks, depending on which modules you're implementing and the complexity of your organization. Basic payroll and HR setup can happen in as little as two weeks, while full implementation with benefits, IT systems, and custom workflows might take 4-6 weeks. This is significantly faster than many enterprise HR systems that can take months to implement. Rippling provides an implementation specialist to guide you through the process and help with data migration from your existing systems.
What size company is Rippling best suited for?Rippling works well for companies from 2 to 2,000+ employees, but it really shines for growing businesses with 20-500 employees. Small companies love how it eliminates the need for multiple HR tools, while mid-sized companies benefit from the automation of complex workflows. Very large enterprises sometimes find that while Rippling has great features, they may need more customization options for certain specialized functions. The pricing model scales with your headcount, making it relatively affordable for startups while still providing the sophistication larger companies need.
Can Rippling handle international employees and contractors?Yes, Rippling supports global workforces with its international payroll system that covers dozens of countries. You can pay employees in their local currency and comply with country-specific tax requirements. For contractors, Rippling lets you make payments in over 140 countries. The platform also handles different employment models like Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) where needed. This global capability is a major advantage if you're planning to expand internationally or already have team members around the world.
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