17 years of helping Indian businesses
choose better software
Actus
What Is Actus?
Actus is the complete people performance solution for organisations with 100+ employees. Highly comprehensive, Actus Performance Management Software will evolve with your organisation's needs, saving you time, money and simplifying processes for the long-term. Functionality includes objectives, appraisal, 121s, recognition, survey, onboarding, talent mgmt, succession planning & much more. Request a free demo at www.actus.co.uk.
Who Uses Actus?
Our UK-based platform designed by HR professionals is most suitable for mid-sized organisations who are looking to embed a meaningful year-round approach to people and performance management
Not sure about Actus?
Compare with a popular alternative
Actus
Actus Reviews for Indian Users
Advance Change support staff have been wonderful, very prompt and patient.
Comments: More engaged staff in 1:1 meetings. Much improved documentation. Ease of preparation for mid-year reviews.
Pros:
We like how all the components (1:1, competencies, objectives, development etc) funnel into the mid-year & final reviews. It saves significant time. Capturing the content of the 1:1, empowering staff to help set the agenda and the automatic reminders about annual mandatory testing (like CPR, WHMIS and TDG) are all valuable features
Cons:
Creating templates is not very intuitive, but the Support Team is always very helpful. I'd also recommend that there be some way to differentiate the manager's comments from the staff comments in the 1:1 and for date of entry to appear in the fields in the competency boxes. We do that manually now, but it is hard to get people to remember.
Alternatives Considered:
Simple to use and always improving
Comments: We have found the service and support from the Actus Team to be exceptional. I am a techie so they have also provided lots of guidance around people stuff and culture which has been helpful.
Pros:
I like the simple intuitive design of Actus, we have only a small team and they regularly change so I dont have time to train up new users every time they start. The fact that you can easily find your way around Actus without training is a real advantage.
Cons:
We have found the absence module has a few clunky aspects compared to the other modules, although you do get used to them. I understand it will be having a refresh next year so hopefully that will be resolved.
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Thank you Lukasz for your constructive feedback, it means a lot as you are a tech expert yourself. There are lots of exciting new developments coming in 2020 so we hope you will be delighted then.
Mixed bag. Some real positives and some frustrations.
Comments:
We have recommended this product...
The focus on performance management is higher within the organisation than it was. This helps people make clearer links to business objectives and focuses their performance against personal targets. It has ensured that people have clear records where performance is good or where there are issues to be addressed and having the system in place has helped embed a more regular 1:1 process.
Pros:
The fact it keeps a focus on performance through the year. It is logical (mostly) and provides a wealth of information should you choose to use it and allows for performance management to be continuous rather than set to specific financial years. The new appraisal format brings together everything onto one page which is brilliant and ensures an holistic view is taken to performance looking at personal development, career aspirations, objectives, links to the organisation... it is well thought out with great monitoring tools for managers and individuals to track where things are at. The support team are really helpful and have worked through issues that we've had and helped implement suggestions for development and improvement which is really positive.
Cons:
It can be glitchy and it is not always clear what / where to do things so comments can look saved but they are not. It is in places too specific or complex so there is the capacity for user error and a well developed system should be set up for this not to be the case. I know that some of the issues we've had have not been seen elsewhere and can not be replicated to test but they have still happened and having no reason why is frustrating as preparing for 1:1's or appraisals is time consuming and personal.
Advance Change Response
7 years ago
Thanks Megan for continuing to recommend us despite some of the challenges that we have undoubtedly experienced. I am pleased that you still gave our support and functionality a five star rating despite the glitches. I very much hope that we can continue to get your feedback and involvement via the forthcoming Customer Forums to enhance the product further, certainly around ease of use. Most people are saying the new format is really simple so we will be in touch soon to see if there is anything we can do configuration-wise to improve your perception! Lucinda
Great for 360 feedback
Pros:
Clear and easy to use and customisable to your business.
Cons:
Not all of the questions are relevant and by selecting non applicable this seemed to be a waste of the feedback.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Comments: Our experience with Actus has been outstanding. From initial contact and tender process through to implementation and launch of the system I cannot fault the service we received. We had a very short schedule for build and launch to meet our internal deadlines but the whole team at Actus worked hard to ensure that we were able to achieve this. Every member of the team we have dealt with has been extremely helpful and patient with all requests we have made. I would highly recommend Actus to any organisation looking to implement a Performance Management system.
Pros:
The main selling point of Actus was the level of personalisation they offered us as a business. When we began looking for a Performance Management system this was our No.1 criteria and Actus where able to deliver exactly what they had sold us. It was very important to us that the system we purchased was both user friendly and adaptable to the differing needs of our diverse workforce and this is exactly what Actus delivers. The reporting in the system is also excellent and has already enabled us to significantly improve our Performance Management reporting across all areas.
Cons:
There were a couple of amendments we would have liked to make in the system before launch that we weren't able to implement due to it being part of the core build of the system. These however were only minor points and the implementation team worked hard to come up with suitable suggestions on how we could adapt these elements to better suit our needs.
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Dear Rebecca Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I know it will mean a lot to Swags and the team who are so dedicated. Credit is also due to you and your internal team because it was definitely a partnership approach getting everything over the line on time. We look forward to continuing to work and collaborate together Warm regards Lucinda Carney CEO
Feedback on Actus Software
Comments: As a company employee feedback highlighted a lack of development discussions and employee engagement. The software has benefited in both areas as well as allowing managers to see the benefits of more regular discussions.
Pros:
I found the software was user friendly and each screen operated in the same way. It lends itself to an all year cycle of managing performance and ensuring dialogue is frequent with the employees. It also is split into logical sections so a review/meeting can be tailored and as long or short as required to cover possibly one area at a time. This helps with focus and allows reflection between meetings.
Cons:
To start with it seemed disjointed but the more you use the product the more you realise it's better to be sectioned as I mentioned above to keep meetings short and focused.
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Helen thanks so much for taking the time to provide us with a review, we are glad that the design of Actus lends itself to year round conversations and brought benefits to your business in terms of development discussions and employee feedback. We always welcome constructive criticism as well so we can continue to improve the product.
Simple process to set up, helpful friendly support staff
Comments: The ability to ensure all our employees are receiving quality, regular 121s and appraisals
Pros:
It is extremely simple to use, cost-efficient and it has helped us role out a collaborative, transparent 121 and appraisal process which benefits both the direct reports and the line managers. Additionally, they are continually improving the product and ask for feedback.
Advance Change Response
7 years ago
Hi Gail - thanks so much for your Capterra review and your ongoing referrals. Your feedback is hugely appreciated!
My clients use Actus and have nothing but praise for the way it has transformed their business
Comments: It enables my clients to manage their staff effectively and efficiently therefore making my life easier
Pros:
Any business that is looking to grow and achieve its long term objectives has to engage with staff and ensure that they come along for the journey. Buying into those objectives creates opportunities for self development and opportunities. Actus provides the platform to document those objectives and ensure staff know exactly what is expected of them, creating a personal pathway to success and helping the business reach its targets
Advance Change Response
7 years ago
Stuart, it is great working with partners like yourself, thanks very much for taking the time to give us a review
Intuitive and simple- built with the user experience at the forefront
Pros:
Enables systematic implementation of performance management throughout the business - incl. head office based staff & field teams
Cons:
Previous version didn't allow certain functionality but this has now been rectified
Straightforward and easy to use
Pros:
The software is very easy to use and we found the workforce took to it very quickly. The times we have had to raise support requests we found the team very responsive and helpful.
Advance Change Response
7 years ago
Thank you for your feedback we would love to know who you are!
Actus
Comments: Throughout the selection, implementation and launch we were kept well-informed. We've been appointed an account manager post-implementation and received regular calls and training when needed. The system is straight-forward to use but has some really useful features, such as adding milestones to Objectives and creating Department Objectives to demonstrate how individual targets are linked to the overall business goals.
Pros:
We liked that the software has the features that we need and is easy to navigate, and gives us a trigger when something is due, such as Appraisals, Probation Reviews, 360 Surveys, Objectives and Training Needs - this takes some of the burden away from the HR team in having to monitor and co-ordinate these tasks. We like that all employees have access to their performance record and this allows ownership of their goals, objectives and their career progression.
Cons:
We can't think of anything we do not like about this software. A new talent management function is in the pipeline and this is perfect timing for our organisation as we are working on creating a succession plan which will now be possible through Actus.
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Emma thank you so much for taking the time to provide the team with such a glowing review. I know that both Swags and Jane have worked really closely with you and this is wonderful recognition of their support. Thanks again
Efficient, Useful & Supportive
Comments: A very effective tool for managing performance and increasing employee ownership. Like the actions sections very much as a to do list so that outcomes and actions can both be recorded. Flexibility of system to really bespoke to individual organisational needs is also useful as well as the ability to link to Vision and Values to embed behaviours as the way we do things around here (the reward element).
Pros:
Ease of use - agile and intuitive Excellent technical support and the provider really listens to opportunities to develop the system further Working groups to support development and ongoing enhancement
Cons:
Ability to link with other software systems in a streamline way , eg, Relias Not as easy to align to other platforms such as mobile phone and tablets. Training hindered implementation as the principles of performance management took too long so roll out and use of the system was rushed during the training session and felt like an afterthought - this was rectified by the team v quickly though
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Hi Fran Thanks so much for taking the time to provide such a constructive review. As you know, we take feedback on board all the time and more features are coming in 2020 Many thanks Lucinda
Good concept, but find the interface not very intuitive.
Comments: Getting manager and employees to engage more.
Pros:
Auto save in sections is very helpful! Visually it is appealing. The concept of everything we need is there, it's just getting people to embrace it!
Cons:
The usability of the program "out of the box" is not there. People regularly tell me how convoluted they feel the software is. I think with lots of use, you can become more comfortable with it (but we are not there yet), but more streamlined and less thinking about where you have to go to do things would be helpful.
Advance Change Response
7 years ago
Hi Tara Thank you for taking the time to give us a review, and also for pointing out how useful Actus is in encouraging people to engage more. Clearly, we are disappointed with the fact that you feel that your users are finding Actus difficult to use - this is really unusual so makes me wonder whether your configuration is not optimised. You are not one of our known Gooch and Housego contacts so I wonder whether you are aware of our free HRAdmin training sessions that take place monthly? Perhaps you would like to book on one of those and we can better understand what people are finding difficult about the system and perhaps improve your rating? Just contact [email protected] UK if you would like to book on and we will do our best to help you! I will also check in with Andrew McBride to understand his view point on this subject. Thanks Lucinda Carney - CEO- Actus
Essential Recruitment Ltd Review
Comments: Overall the experience, implementation and the using of the system as been a positive addition to our working day. [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] our Account Manager is always on hand to assist, give suggestions - she is a pleasure to work with and a credit to the Actus team.
Pros:
I liked that our training programme could be in one place and all could have access to this. That all development reviews are tracked, monitored and accessible in one place. Most of the features on this system add value and give you a structure to work to.
Cons:
The system is sometimes a little slow. A couple of the features we are not currently using as these didnt appear to fit with how we work.
Great company to work with. Actus is a very user friendly system.
Pros:
The fact the employee and manager can both make updates and the system advises whichever of them did not make the update so they can chose to look if they wish. It is so easy to use that even employees who do not use technology in their daily roles can use it. They can use it anywhere that has internet access. Dashboards make it easy to see where you and your team are in terms of progress Easy to read reports Lots of add-on's available I implemented this system with my previous employer and used it for a couple of years before moving onto my current role. I implemented it with my current employer within 6 months of arriving. I love the fact it constantly develops and the technical team find smarter ways of doing things. It will never get out of date with legislation or look like an old system as the development team are first class. If you want to work with a company who value their customers, give personal service, can provide training and have a system that does everything it says on the tin then work with Advance Change Actus
Cons:
We have just had a 2 day internet issue which has meant that nobody has been able to log onto the system at work. Not great when it is review time and managers are getting their objectives into the system! Not the systems fault at all. To be honest there is not anything you really could dislike.
Much better!
Comments: Things just work and when there is an issue, the support desk are swift to sort things out.
Pros:
Intuitive for our users which means less hassle for our admin function. Allows people to integrate 360 feedback easily into appraisals. Easy to maintain organisational hierarchy now we are set up. Easy for people to add in external emails etc.
Cons:
Had to set up an FTP to maintain user hierarchy but this is all set up now. Not making use of the whole functionality so hopefully something we can do in 2020
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Thanks Paul, we appreciate you taking the time to provide a review. Hopefully in 2020 you can make use of more of the functionality!
Great overall experience - the team are excellent and a brilliant support throughout the project
Pros:
It is easy to use and developed to be specific to our organisations needs. Its overall functions - reviews/1;1's/Feedback/recognition - all in one place and linked.That it is web based so our staff can access it outside of their work environment if appropriate.
Cons:
I cant think of anything that i dislike about the system as the team have reviewed and updated it for us as we go along
Advance Change Response
7 years ago
Hi Nikki Thanks for taking the time to give us a review, we love working with you and the team at ESTH and look forward to continue developing the system functionality with your input Lucinda
Highly versatile software and excellent OD support, the team can't do enough to help
Comments: Improved engagement, culture change, we hope it will support us in achieving a Good CQC rating at our next assessment.
Pros:
Actus provides visibility of performance right down the organisation and the simplicity and user friendly design has proven really popular with our field based paramedics who are able to carry out 121's and update their CPD in quiet times. Actus is supporting us in our culture change programme and we are using it to encourage more frequent, quality conversations and to embed and bring our values to life. New functionality like the recognition tool and the 360 feedback is also proving popular. The Actus team have also been highly responsive to us, helping us to configure bespoke elements of the system so we hope to gain added value for using the system for onboarding and exit interviews as well as clinical audits.
Cons:
I like the fact that Actus is mobile, but I do find it fiddly to use on my IPAD. We would love to integrate it with ESR but are unable to do so
I am an admin user and attended a webinar. I found it very informative and helpful
Comments: We brought in the Actus appraisal system to engage and motivate staff and get them to make development and reflection something that they are doing on a continuous basis so to get more out of it. Hopefully this will be the case when it has been fully embedded into the Trust. Feedback from staff around appraisals also found that they wanted the process to be easier and more user friendly and Actus certainly is this.
Pros:
The Actus system is very user friendly and easy to understand. I like the fact that all your objectives, 1-1's etc throughout the year can be stored in one place so when it comes to the end of year appraisal all information is easily accessible
Cons:
From an admin point of view on the modify screen when you are in the first name box and you press tab it goes to the e-mail box instead of the last name box which would be more logical. This is a really minor issue and I am nit picking. The system is great.
Advance Change Response
7 years ago
Thanks Chris for taking the time to review Actus and thanks for the 'nit picking' points too, your feedback is what helps make the system great!
It makes sense!
Pros:
The fact that valuable information that drives business results is recorded in an accessible way. The fact that it easily aligns peoples individual objectives and tasks to organisational goals. The user friendly nature of the software The fact it can be customized to need
Cons:
Nothing, over the years it has be tweaked and adapted to remain valuable and easy to implement and operate
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Jo you are such a valued training partner, thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback
Great Experience and Extremely helpful in changing culture
Comments: We are a small (42 staff) organisation working in the not for profit sector. We have had a fantastic experience in working with Actus. The introduction to the product and the support for implementation was excellent. The product itself is easy to use, intuitive and 'light'; having worked with other systems that felt cumbersome, this was a delight. We have a very high level of use and an improving level of performance on management and supervision being done properly through Actus. Every member of our team now has objectives and the setting and monitoring of these is visible to the senior team for oversight and support to managers. The same is true of 121 processes and reviews. It gives transparency to our management practices and it also really helps both managers and staff to create good habits and to remember what was actually transacted and agreed in meetings. The timetabled actions and reminders are a great tool. No system is perfect but as someone who has always been good at having the discussion and bad at the paperwork, I can honestly say this has helped me to make more progress than anything else in the last 25 years. We would strongly recommend it as a tool for improving management and performance management.
Advance Change Response
9 years ago
Linda, thanks so much for taking the time to review for us. It is very much appreciated. We look forward to continuing our partnership
Hazlewoods
Comments: Changing from paper to electronic appraisals was always going to be a challenge and some staff have really got on board with it yet others are lagging behind. We will get there and I am looking forward to transferring to the upgraded system to use it as an opportunity to highlight the benefits of such a system and how easy it is to use
Pros:
Easy to use, simple
Cons:
Small text boxes, difficult to read. This may change when we move to the latest version
Perfect for getting the most out of your team!
Comments: Excellent! Whether a company wants to reduce paper based systems, improve productivity,enhance reporting and compliance or acvhieve all of these via one system, Actus will help you do this.
Pros:
As a small business owner that works with a whole range of other SMEs, Actus immediately appealed to me. It is low cost and a great way to implement and embed best practice. As a SaaS product it is simple and easy to set up. It's intuitive and gives me a great overview of my team and ensures everyone is truly aligned without needing heavy handed management. I no longer need to dig around for information and nag people for documents. Staff seem to be really enjoying the clarity and direction Actus is providing.
Cons:
As with all software systems Actus is only as good as the information that is input. This is already not a problem however and and staff members are using the system properly. They are managing their time, tasks and abjectives via the system and don't report that this is onerous.
Overall impression of using Actus
Comments: My experience of using Actus, compare to other Performance management tool, I like their structure, it contains key elements of PM, and not over functioned. It fits to our company size and needs.
Pros:
very straightforward structure, easy to use
Cons:
It would be better if there is the possibility to add some pages specialized to different customers.
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
Hi Cicy - We are so pleased that you have had a good experience using Actus, I know that your requirements were not straightforward so it has been a real team effort. I am pleased that you are happy with your service
Brilliant Software and Team
Comments: Streamlines our people and business processes
Pros:
Actus is really user friendly which is important because I am a bit of a technophobe. The team are there at the end of the phone if I have any questions and are very responsive.
Cons:
I might say that it has almost too much functionality for a clinic like ours - not really a con, just some stuff we dont get round to using as a small business
Advance Change Response
5 years ago
So appreciate your feedback Gordon, we have worked together for years and it is brilliant that you are still happy with the product and service we provide after all this time. Thanks again