Knit vs Collage

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Choosing a new payroll provider is no easy task. And the whole process becomes even more complicated when you throw in HR.

To aid you in your hunt for an integrated HR, payroll, and benefits platform, we’ve conducted a head-to-head comparison of two Canadian providers: Collage and Knit. To find out how they compare, we’ll look at Knit vs Collage on the basis of software, payroll features, HR and benefits, customer service, and cost.

Note: You might have noticed we’re writing about the difference between our service and someone else’s. We’ve done our best to give them a fair shake because we want you to make an informed decision. That said, we think we offer the best payroll service in Canada. Want to give Knit a try? Find out how to get started here.

Knit vs Collage: An Overview

Software

When searching for a new payroll and HR provider, the first thing to consider is the software itself.

Both Knit and Collage are cloud-based programs. This means that instead of storing information on a single computer, information is stored over the Internet—much like online banking. This is a great feature for business owners of any size because it means their data is accessible from virtually anywhere, at any time, as long as there is an Internet connection. However, neither company offers a mobile app at this time.

Knit and Collage also both offer the protection of 256-bit SSL security. This means that your data is just as safe with either of these two payroll providers as it is with any major bank. Some business owners will also be happy to know that both Knit and Collage host their data here in Canada at data centers that are high-security and access controlled through multiple levels of security.

Payroll Features

When it comes to the payroll side of things, it is not possible to directly compare Knit vs Collage. This is because Knit boasts its own payroll platform, while Collage syncs directly to your existing payroll provider. As a result, Collage’s payroll features are dependent upon a company’s current provider.

In contrast, Knit boasts a robust payroll system that can handle everything from straightforward to more complex payrolls. Unlike some of the no-frills payroll providers on the market, Knit offers advanced payroll functions such as multiple pay groups, unlimited off-cycle pay runs, WSIB remittance, and the ability to pay third-party payees such as RRSP management companies. Knit also offers some “nice to have” payroll features like email reminders to process payroll and complimentary ROEs and T4s. Finally, Knit boasts a self-service employee portal that allows employees to access their paystubs, T4s, ROEs, and more, all without the need to contact an administrator—a time-saver for both employees and employers.

HR & Benefits

While Knit specializes in payroll, Collage’s main product is its HRIS software, which is well established as one of the most comprehensive HR management solutions for small to medium-sized companies. In addition to basic HR functionalities such as time-off tracking and an employee directory, Collage also boasts a user-friendly employee portal, 360-degree performance reviews and check-ins, an applicant tracking system, custom employee surveys, and more. Collage also offers comprehensive HR reporting, with the option to create detailed custom reports, or choose from a library of pre-configured reports. This allows HR personnel to seamlessly track employee demographics and make data-driven decisions.

Although Knit’s primary product is not its HR software, Knit does boast its own proprietary HR module, which integrates directly with its payroll services. Some of Knit’s standout HR features include an employee database, e-signature documents, employee performance reviews, employee onboarding, and vacation tracking.

In terms of benefits, Knit works with its preferred partner Jones Deslauriers Blevins to create custom benefits plans for each company. In contrast, Collage digitizes group benefits enrollment and can sync with any insurance provider in Canada.

Customer Service

When it comes to customer service, both Knit and Collage are well aware of the importance of addressing payroll and HR concerns as soon as possible.

Collage employs in-house experts who know Canadian HR and payroll inside and out. The company also has an extensive library of support documents to help users answer common questions without the need to call into the support line

Knit also employs in-house payroll experts, including licensed accountants and bookkeepers. Similar to Collage, Knit also boasts an extensive library of support documents that can guide users through most FAQs.

Cost

Collage does not make its pricing available publicly, meaning interested customers will need to contact the company directly to receive a quote. In terms of packages, Collage offers one package for its HRIS platform and one package that combines the HRIS platform with payroll services.

On the other hand, Knit makes its pricing publicly available on its website. Knit’s payroll and a lite version of its HR platform are available for $39/month + $4/employee. For payroll and the full HR suite, the price is $39/month + $6/employee. These prices include unlimited pay runs, which means that companies that run frequent payrolls or often find themselves running off-cycle pay runs won’t incur any additional fees.

The Bottom Line

Both Collage and Knit offer integrated HR, payroll, and benefits. However, Collage is primarily an HR provider, with the option to add outsourced payroll services. On the other hand, Knit offers both its own payroll and HR modules, with a heavier emphasis on providing comprehensive payroll services.

To find out how Knit stacks up against other payroll providers, read our full Guide to the Best Payroll Software in Canada.