Request a Free Demo

 

Workforce Management and HR Software Comparison

The Best Alternative to IRIS Cascade HRi

Looking for a workforce management and HR solution that does more? HR Duo offers an all-in-one platform, combining shift scheduling, time tracking, payroll reporting, and HR tools, without the need for multiple subscriptions.

In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between HR Duo and IRIS Cascade HRi, showing why HR Duo is the smarter choice for businesses that need seamless operations, HR compliance support, and complete workforce oversight.
  • Brazen logo

     

  • British and Irish Lions

     

  • LAMDA B&W

     

  • Supermacs logo

     

  • Gym Plus B&W

     

  • TSG logo

     

  • Longacres Garden Centres HR Duo

     

  • allied care logo

     

  • Manna Drone B&W

     

  • mirius hygiene solutions HR Duo

     

  • Cpac B&W

     

  • Greyhound racing logo

     

  • Butlers logo

     

  • Locality B&W

     

Manage Complex Workforces

IRIS Cascade focuses on HR admin but lacks core tools for managing shift-based or field teams. HR Duo includes built-in rotas, shift scheduling, and real-time attendance tracking, making it ideal for industries like manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.

No Feature Gaps

Many Cascade features, like timesheets, recruitment, or payroll, require separate modules or add-ons. HR Duo delivers a fully integrated solution out of the box, with connected HR workflows, digital contracts, performance reviews, and workforce tools included as standard.

Mobile and Deskless Teams

IRIS Cascade offers basic mobile self-service, but lacks features like geofence clock-ins or task management. HR Duo gives managers and employees full mobile access to shifts, time tracking, documents, and even team chat, ideal for decentralised or mobile-first teams.

Compliance and Risk Reduction

IRIS Cascade includes reporting and workflows but lacks integrated compliance support. HR Duo reduces HR risk with digital audit trails, employee relations assistance, model HR letters, and policy templates, all designed to support legal compliance.

Performance and Development Tools

Cascade supports appraisals, but stops short of offering structured engagement tools. HR Duo includes 360 reviews, one-to-ones, development plans, and goal tracking, giving you a complete framework to retain and develop top performers.

A Platform That Grows With You

IRIS Cascade works well for HR admin but becomes restrictive when a business scales and grows. HR Duo is built to scale, offering advanced workforce planning, subcontractor management, equipment tracking, and automation of over 80% of manual HR tasks — without relying on third-party systems.

HR Duo

That's us!

0 /month

IRIS Cascade HRi

Other Provider

8 /month

HR Duo

IRIS Cascade HRi

Workforce Management

Time-Tracking
Digital Rotas
Shift Scheduling
Absence Management
Leave and Holiday
Payroll Reporting
Employee Profiles
Analytics and Reports
Project Tracking
Mobile App
Employee Self-Service
Geofence Clock-In
Subcontractor Management
Skills Matrix
Task Manager
Document Storage
Equipment Tracking
Permission Groups
Benefit Recording
Instant Messaging
Organisation Charts
Knowledge Centre
Platform Support

HR Management Software

Connected Forms
Model HR Letters
HR Policy Templates
Integrated Emails
Digital Contracts
Secure E-Signature
Employee Relations Assistance
Employee Assistance Programme
Applicant Tracking System
Enhanced Onboarding
Performance Management
360 Reviews
One-to-ones
Improvement Plans
Goal & Objective Tracking
Analytics and Reports
Document Management
Team Engagement

Disclaimer: We’ve done our best to provide up-to-date and accurate information, as of March 2025, to help you compare your options. HR Duo provides this information to offer general insights and it shouldn’t be taken as professional advice. Some of the competitor data comes from competitor sites with the information they provide as well as platforms like Capterra and G2, and while we trust these sources, we haven’t independently verified every detail. We recommend doing your own research and seeking expert advice before making any big decisions.

Work
Workforce Management
Optimise your daily operations with advanced time-tracking, flexible shift scheduling, and accurate payroll reporting.
HR Assist
HR Assist
Automate routine HR tasks and ensure complete compliance with a human-backed digital assistant to support your team.
Employ Path
EmployPath
Manage every stage of the employment lifecycle with all the tools you need to recruit, engage and nurture your workforce.

Everything you need to manage your workforce

We offer game-changing plans tailored to your specific requirements.

Workforce Management

A core solution to manage your frontline teams, enhance operations, and reduce labour costs. 


What's included:

  • Time-Tracking
  • Digital Rotas
  • Shift Scheduling
  • Absence Management
  • Leave and Holiday
  • Payroll Reporting
  • Employee Profiles
  • Analytics and Reports
  • Project Tracking
  • Mobile App
  • Employee Self-Service
  • Geofence Clock-In
  • Subcontractor Management
  • Skills Matrix
  • Task Manager
  • Document Storage
  • Equipment Tracking
  • Permission Groups
  • Benefit Recording
  • Instant Messaging
  • Organisation Charts
  • Knowledge Centre
  • Platform Support
  • MoreLess

HR Assist

A one-of-a-kind offering that simplifies your people processes and automates up to 80% of your HR tasks.


What's included:

  • Connected Forms
  • Model HR Letters
  • HR Policy Templates
  • Integrated Emails
  • Digital Contracts
  • Secure E-Signature
  • Employee Relations Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Programme

EmployPath

Manage your entire employment lifecycle with the tools to help you recruit, engage, and nurture your people.


What's included:

  • Applicant Tracking System
  • Enhanced Onboarding
  • Performance Management
  • 360 Reviews
  • One-to-ones
  • Improvement Plans
  • Goal & Objective Tracking
  • Analytics and Reports

Thinking of combining our plans? 
Unlock top-notch workforce automation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between HR Duo and IRIS Cascade HRi?

HR Duo is an all-in-one HR and workforce management platform built for shift-based, mobile, and operational teams. IRIS Cascade HRi is primarily focused on HR administration and requires add-on modules for features like timesheets, recruitment, and payroll.

HR Duo includes time tracking, digital rotas, shift scheduling, performance management, and compliance tools as standard, with no hidden extras.

Is HR Duo better for managing shift workers and mobile teams?

Yes. HR Duo includes features like digital rotas, geofence-enabled clock-ins, mobile team messaging, and real-time scheduling tools.

IRIS Cascade lacks built-in shift planning and mobile-friendly workforce tools, making HR Duo a stronger choice for businesses with frontline or field-based employees.

Does IRIS Cascade include compliance tools or employee relations support?

No. IRIS Cascade offers reporting and workflow automation but does not include employee relations support, digital HR templates, or model HR letters.

HR Duo helps reduce legal risk with a full compliance toolkit, including secure digital contracts, e-signatures, connected forms, and in-platform HR guidance.

Can HR Duo replace multiple IRIS Cascade modules in one platform?

Yes. HR Duo combines the functionality of multiple IRIS Cascade modules, including core HR, timesheets, absence tracking, onboarding, and performance management,  into a single, centralised system.

This reduces costs, complexity, and integration points.

 

Is HR Duo suitable for growing or multi-site businesses?

Absolutely. HR Duo is built for scalable, multi-location operations, with tools for subcontractor management, project tracking, equipment logging, and advanced permission groups.

It automates over 80% of HR and workforce admin, making it ideal for high-growth businesses that need both compliance and operational control.

Does HR Duo offer better performance management tools than IRIS Cascade?

Yes. HR Duo includes 360 reviews, one-to-ones, goal tracking, and in-platform communication — helping you build a high-performance culture.

IRIS Cascade supports appraisals but lacks structured engagement, development, and feedback features that drive retention and growth.

Ready to talk?
Get in touch.