Expert-Led UKG Ready Implementation & Optimization Services

Partnering with Ascend for your UKG Ready Suite projects ensures you get experienced, strategic guidance, not just technical support. Here’s why Ascend stands out:

1. Deep UKG Ready ExpertiseAscend’s team is composed of seasoned consultants who specialize in UKG Ready. We understand the platform’s complexities across HR, Time, Payroll, and Talent modules, and we bring real-world, cross-industry implementation knowledge to each engagement.

2. Client-Centered ConsultingWe don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Ascend takes time to understand your organizational goals, culture, and workflows. We tailor your UKG Ready setup to optimize functionality, drive user adoption, and align with compliance and reporting needs.

3. End-to-End Project SupportFrom initial discovery and project scoping through configuration, testing, and go-live, we provide complete project lifecycle support. Whether you need help with one module or a full-suite rollout, Ascend provides scalable consulting tailored to your needs.

4. Change Management & TrainingWe don’t just build systems—we help people succeed in using them. Ascend offers structured change management and training programs to ensure users are confident and your investment pays off long-term.

5. Trusted by UKG & Proven SuccessAs a UKG Ready-certified partner, Ascend has a track record of successful implementations and satisfied clients. Our consultants are not only UKG Ready-trained but often come from operational roles themselves—meaning we know what actually works, not just what’s possible.

6. Fast Issue Resolution & Open CommunicationWe’re proactive, responsive, and transparent. Clients frequently mention our fast response times, clear communication, and collaborative approach as major differentiators.

Choosing the right implementation partner can make or break your UKG Ready experience. Here’s why Ascend is consistently the partner of choice for organizations that want it done right the first time:

1. We Specialize in UKG Ready—Not Just Offer ItWhile many partners offer UKG support alongside dozens of other systems, Ascend is focused and specialized. Our consultants live and breathe UKG Ready every day, giving us unmatched depth across all modules—HR, Time, Payroll, Talent, and more.

2. You Get Senior-Level Consultants, Every TimeUnlike many firms that rely on junior resources behind the scenes, Ascend puts experienced professionals on every project. You’re not just a client in a queue—you get direct access to consultants who’ve managed hundreds of successful launches.

3. Our Approach Is Strategic, Not Just TechnicalWe go beyond “checking the boxes” for system setup. Ascend acts as a true thought partner, helping you configure UKG to support your business goals, simplify processes, improve compliance, and drive adoption across your teams.

4. High-Touch, Boutique-Level ServiceAscend provides white-glove service with enterprise-level capability. We’re big enough to manage complex projects, but small enough to give every client personalized attention. No red tape. No handoffs. Just consistent, clear communication and accountability.

5. Client Satisfaction Drives EverythingOur reputation is built on client referrals and long-term relationships, not just transactions. We take pride in becoming a trusted extension of your team—and our 5-star satisfaction scores reflect that.

6. Faster Ramp-Up, Smoother Go-LiveBecause our consultants are experienced and UKG-focused, we get up to speed faster, avoid common pitfalls, and get your system live without unnecessary delays. We know where the roadblocks are—and how to remove them.

7. We Stay With YouOur support doesn’t end at go-live. Whether you need post-launch optimization, training, or long-term advisory services, Ascend is there to help your UKG system evolve with your organization.

The duration of an implementation varies depending on the size of your organization, the specific UKG Ready Suite products you are implementing, and the complexity of your requirements. Typically, UKG Launch aims to have your solutions up and running within 6 Months for a full suite implementation.

Deploying UKG Ready isn’t merely an addition to your tech stack, it’s a major step forward in workplace transformation that only works when you integrate it into the fabric of your business.

DIY and vendor-supported solutions may nail the basics, but without dedicated UKG Ready support, your business risks sinking into disruption and disappointment. Here’s why so many firms today struggle to make the most of UKG workforce-ready software.

1. Hidden Complexities: Ready is designed to fit around your business, but its customizability raises challenges, including data migration, system configuration, payroll integrations, and timekeeping. One wrong move and entire departments are impacted.
2. Operational Disruption: Errors in your UKG Ready launch delay HR and payroll functions, leading to compliance risks and a loss of confidence in the platform. Missed deadlines aren’t the only risk. Missteps disrupt your day-to-day operations.
3. Lack of Internal Bandwidth: Complex HCM deployments are another headache that the high-pressure environments of HR, IT, and payroll don’t need. Without experienced UKG implementation partners, you’re looking at more strain for teams already stretched to the limit.
4. The “One Shot” Problem: Transformative solutions like UKG Ready only give you one chance to get it right. Fumbled rollouts ruin user adoption out of the gate, making future buy-in an uphill struggle.
5. Underestimating Change Management: New ways of doing things naturally create internal resistance. Without a clear change management strategy, even the best platforms can still result in low adoption, crippled employee morale, and underused functionality.

1. Define Your Internal Team

• Assign a Project Lead – Someone who can make decisions, keep things moving, and serve as the point of contact.
• Involve Key Stakeholders – Include HR, Payroll, Timekeeping, IT, and Finance early so their needs are heard and built into the design.
• Secure Executive Sponsorship – Having leadership support will help with resources, approvals, and user adoption.

2. Gather and Review Your Data

• Employee Data – Names, job titles, departments, hire dates, pay rates, etc.
• Time Policies – Schedules, pay rules, rounding, meal breaks, shift differentials, etc.
• Payroll Structure – Earnings, deductions, tax setups, general ledger accounts.
• HR Policies – Benefits, accruals, performance review cycles, onboarding steps.Tip: Clean and standardize your data now to save major time during the build.

3. Clarify Your Goals & Scope

• Why are you launching UKG? (e.g., automation, compliance, better reporting?)
• Which modules are going live?
• Are there integrations needed? (e.g., benefits, accounting, job boards)
• What’s your go-live timeline?

4. Document Current Processes

• Create flowcharts or outlines of how tasks are done today (time collection, onboarding, terminations, benefits, etc.)
• Identify what works well and what needs improvement—this will guide configuration decisions.

5. Communicate Internally

• Let your organization know the project is coming.
• Set expectations: there will be decisions, testing, and training phases.
• Start preparing users for change.

6. Set Realistic Expectations

• Implementation takes time and active participation.
• There will be bumps—but planning, preparation, and strong communication go a long way.
• Partnering with Ascend means you’ll have experts to guide you through every step.

7. Prepare for Testing and Training

• Designate testing resources early.
• Plan for end-user training and internal rollout communication.

After your go-live date, Ascend is still there for you with our Post Go-Live, Premier and Managed Payroll services.

Additionally, UKG provides ongoing support through their customer service team. Through UKG Community and your UKG Ready system you will have access to online resources, community forums, and periodic updates to ensure optimal use of the system.