OtisIO

OtisIO is workforce management software for organizations that run on shifts and need to coordinate people, attendance and operational work. It is most compelling for teams across multiple sites that want scheduling and field operations in one system. The main trade-off is a sharply capped free tier, with broader site capacity and specialist tools reserved for paid plans.

Overview

Rotas, open shifts, swaps and auto-assignment cover schedule planning, while live labour cost gives managers a way to consider staffing expense alongside coverage. Clock-ins can use GPS-stamped punches, kiosk mode or NFC tags, a useful range for teams whose staff work in different settings. Approval workflows are supported, and accrual rules can be customized.

OtisIO also combines tasks and checklists with forms, audits, equipment sign-out and security patrols. HR functions include time off, employment documents, e-sign acknowledgements, courses and certifications. These tools vary by plan, so the platform's breadth is most valuable to buyers who confirm that their essential workflows are in the tier they can afford.

Key features

Scheduling and team operations

Open shifts and swaps give teams options for handling coverage, and auto-assignment can help managers allocate shifts. The combination of scheduling and live labour cost is relevant when staffing decisions must account for both who is working and the cost of that coverage. Tasks, checklists and forms extend the system into everyday operations; audits, equipment sign-out and patrol features are more specialized and depend on plan availability.

Timekeeping, HR and integrations

GPS punches, kiosk mode and NFC tags accommodate different clock-in arrangements, while timesheet approval and payroll export appear on Starter. Pro adds payroll and accounting integrations with Xero, Staffology, QuickBooks and FreeAgent, which makes that tier more suitable for teams seeking named accounting connections rather than a basic export.

HR capabilities span leave, employment records and staff credentials. The REST API provides workspace-scoped access to people, shifts, timesheets, leave, tasks and sites, as well as webhooks, but requires a plan that includes API access. Security measures include encryption in transit, separate databases for customer workspaces, encryption for specified sensitive fields and off-site backups, Europe-based hosting and two-factor authentication on every plan.

Pricing

OtisIO offers a free tier and a 14-day Pro trial. The trial starts without a credit card; afterward, customers can select a plan or move to Free with their data retained. Annual billing is shown by default for Starter, Growth and Pro, with monthly prices also provided.

The Free plan's 10-user, single-site and 1 GB limits make it an entry point, not a broad operational platform. Starter keeps teams to one site; Growth raises that to three, while Pro removes the site cap but still has a stated storage allowance and charges for users beyond the first 30. Workspace chat and bug or feature reporting are available on every plan, including Free; Enterprise is the tier with SLA support.

Platforms

OtisIO supports Android, iOS, macOS, web and API access. The download page lists iPhone and iPad apps, Android phone and tablet support, and a Mac desktop app; a Windows desktop app is described as coming soon. The API is plan-dependent, so platform breadth does not mean every customer has API access.

Who it's for

OtisIO is aimed at shift-based teams in security, hospitality, cleaning and facilities, healthcare, construction and trades. It is a stronger fit when schedules, timekeeping and operational tasks need to sit together, particularly for organizations managing multiple sites. A small team with one location can start on Free, but organizations that need more than 10 users, additional sites or advanced operations should budget for a paid plan. It is less suitable for buyers who need a specific paid feature but cannot justify the corresponding tier.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Scheduling, attendance, HR and operations tools share one platform, reducing the need to separate those workflows.
• Pros: Multiple clock-in methods accommodate teams using GPS, kiosks or NFC tags.
• Pros: The Pro trial provides 14 days to assess the full Pro tier without a credit card, and data is retained if a customer moves to Free.
• Pros: Two-factor authentication is available on every plan, and Europe-based hosting is stated.
• Cons: Free is limited to 10 users, one site and 1 GB, so it will not accommodate many growing or distributed teams.
• Cons: Site allowances vary substantially: Starter has one, Growth has three, and unlimited sites require Pro.
• Cons: API access and many HR and operations features depend on the selected plan, requiring buyers to check tier fit before committing.

Alternatives

For a broader leave-focused shortlist, see Leave Management Software. Choose Horilla instead if open-source, self-hosted HR software with unlimited users and companies on its free tier is the priority. Toggl Track is a better alternative for teams centered on manual and real-time time tracking rather than OtisIO's shift operations. Consider Passman when a free, open-source product is the requirement. TNC Track is worth comparing for its free Team & Attendance modules and five free seats. Zoho People is another freemium HR option, with a free plan for five users. actiPLANS offers a limited free option for one to three users and a per-user paid plan for larger teams. BookYourPTO is another freemium option to consider. Day Off may suit small teams seeking leave management, with a free plan for up to 10 users.

Verdict

OtisIO is a sound choice for shift-based organizations that want scheduling, timekeeping and operational workflows together, especially once they need multi-site support. Its strongest case is breadth across workforce and field operations; its main drawback is that capacity and useful tools are split across tiers, with Pro carrying a much higher price than the entry plans. Choose it if the plan aligns with your site count, headcount and required features; look elsewhere if you need a focused leave or time-tracking tool, or cannot stretch to the tier that unlocks your essential workflows.