Sling
Sling is a comprehensive employee scheduling and time tracking software designed to help businesses manage shift-based workforces through integrated communication, task management, and labor cost optimization tools.
Shiftboard
Shiftboard provides automated workforce scheduling software designed to help you manage complex staffing needs, ensure compliance, and improve employee engagement through data-driven scheduling solutions.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Sling | Shiftboard |
|---|---|---|
| Website | getsling.com | shiftboard.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 15 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2015 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA | Seattle, USA |
Overview
Sling
Sling is a specialized scheduling and workforce management platform built specifically for businesses with shift-based employees. You can move away from messy spreadsheets and paper schedules by using a drag-and-drop interface that accounts for employee availability, time-off requests, and labor costs in real-time. It helps you eliminate scheduling conflicts and ensures you always have the right people on the clock.
Beyond simple scheduling, you can track attendance with a built-in time clock, manage tasks, and communicate with your entire team through integrated messaging. Whether you run a single restaurant or manage multiple retail locations, the platform helps you stay under budget by alerting you to potential overtime. It simplifies the entire lifecycle of shift management from the moment you post a schedule to the final payroll export.
Shiftboard
Shiftboard is a specialized scheduling platform built to handle the headaches of complex, 24/7 workforce management. Whether you are managing a manufacturing plant, a healthcare facility, or a large-scale event, you can automate your entire scheduling process while staying compliant with labor laws and union rules. It moves you away from messy spreadsheets and manual tracking into a centralized system that balances your operational needs with your employees' preferences.
You can reduce costly overtime and fill open shifts faster by using automated communication tools that reach your team instantly. The platform offers two distinct solutions—Schedules360 for healthcare and SchedulePro for high-stakes industrial environments—ensuring you get the specific tools required for your industry. By integrating your time and attendance data, you gain a clear view of your labor costs and workforce productivity in real-time.
Overview
Sling Features
- Shift Scheduling Create and publish schedules in minutes using drag-and-drop tools that automatically flag overlapping shifts and double-bookings.
- Mobile Time Clock Turn any smartphone or tablet into a digital punch-in station with GPS geofencing to ensure staff are on-site.
- Labor Cost Tracking Monitor your labor spend as you build schedules to avoid costly overtime and stay within your weekly budget.
- Internal Messaging Chat with individuals or specific groups without sharing phone numbers, keeping all professional communication in one secure place.
- Task Management Assign specific to-do lists to shifts and track completion in real-time to ensure your standards are met.
- Time-Off Management Review and approve leave requests directly within the app, which then automatically updates your scheduling availability.
Shiftboard Features
- Automated Scheduling. Generate optimized schedules automatically based on your specific business rules, employee qualifications, and current staffing demands.
- Compliance Engine. Configure complex labor laws, union contracts, and fatigue management rules to ensure every shift stays fully compliant.
- Mobile Self-Service. Give your employees the power to view schedules, swap shifts, and request time off directly from their smartphones.
- Real-Time Communication. Broadcast open shift notifications via SMS or email to fill gaps in your schedule within minutes instead of hours.
- Overtime Management. Track and control your labor costs by identifying potential overtime issues before they happen with proactive system alerts.
- Reporting and Analytics. Access detailed insights into your workforce trends and labor utilization to make smarter, data-driven staffing decisions.
Pricing Comparison
Sling Pricing
- Unlimited employees
- Unlimited locations
- Shift scheduling
- Time-off requests
- Long-term scheduling
- Mobile apps
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Mobile time clock
- GPS geofencing
- Labor cost monitoring
- Overtime alerts
- Timesheet exports
Shiftboard Pricing
Pros & Cons
Sling
Pros
- Extremely generous free tier for basic scheduling
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to check shifts
- Easy shift swapping and coverage requests
- Effective labor cost warnings during schedule creation
Cons
- Mobile time clock occasionally has GPS lag
- Reporting features can feel limited for large enterprises
- Notification settings require manual tuning to avoid spam
Shiftboard
Pros
- Handles highly complex scheduling rules with ease
- Significantly reduces time spent on manual data entry
- Excellent customer support during the implementation phase
- Mobile app improves communication with frontline workers
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant time and effort
- User interface can feel dated in some areas
- Learning curve for administrators managing complex rules