See why the largest multi-chain and quick-service restaurants choose HotSchedules over 7Shifts. Compare features, identify the capabilities you need, and read reviews from restaurant operators who have tested both platforms.
When should you choose 7Shifts vs. HotSchedules?
7Shifts: The go-to for small businesses
7Shifts is best suited for smaller restaurant teams and businesses operating fewer than 10 locations within a single state. Its strength lies in simplicity and ease of adoption, making it a favorite among managers accustomed to manual scheduling methods like Excel. While its platform does experience occasional outages and offers limited compliance features, the simplicity and self-service nature of 7Shifts make it an attractive choice for those looking to transition away from cumbersome, manual processes without needing extensive compliance support.
When should you choose HotSchedules vs 7Shifts?
HotSchedules: Essential for large and growing restaurants
HotSchedules is built for large, multi-chain restaurants that require a comprehensive solution for managing operations across multiple states and locations. Its robust features, including advanced AI for sales and labor forecasting, built-in compliance tools to avoid fines, and geo-fencing technology to prevent employee time theft, make it invaluable for big businesses aiming to optimize budgets and profitability. Furthermore, HotSchedules’ reputation for providing superior technical and account support ensures that large establishments receive the assistance they need to run smoothly.
| HotSchedules | 7shifts | |
|---|---|---|
| AI sales forecasting | ||
| AI labor optimization | ||
| Geo-fencing | ||
| Simple, transparent, and scalable pricing | ||
| POS integrations | ||
| Mobile apps for staff | ||
| Custom support when you need it | ||
| Manager log book | ||
| Free time clocking app | ||
| Automatic shift reminders | ||
| Auto-scheduler | ||
| Task-management | ||
| Access to earned wages | ||
| Proof of pay stubs | ||
| Hiring tools | ||
| Cloud based | ||
| Android/iOS mobile app | ||
| Support for Windows/Mac |
Based on feedback from restaurants that have used both platforms, here are the major differences between the two platforms.
“HotSchedules is one of the only companies that has the geofence technology, and that’s really one of my favorite things. I like that people can’t steal company time, and they’re held accountable for their breaks and how long they take their breaks.”
Operations Manager, Silverstone Bar & Grill (Boston, Massachusetts)
“I know HotSchedules can more easily track profits and is up to date on local labor laws more than 7Shifts.”
Operations Director, Torchy Tacos (Denver)
“HotSchedules has more detailed scheduling than 7Shifts, especially when you want to schedule based on availability and skill level.”
Operations Director, Torchy Tacos
“[HotSchedules shows] the sales forecast, so what you’re projected to make in the next few weeks, or the next month, or maybe the next quarter, or next year.”
Operations Manager, Silverstone Bar & Grill (Boston, Massachusetts)
“When we really started deploying labor according to our new matrix with HotSchedules, we saw a lift in the guest experience.”
Hal Lawlor, President, Smokey Bones
“HotSchedules has a lot more detailed scheduling and planning capabilities than 7Shifts. HotSchedules tracks not just availability but also skill level. It basically shows who can do what and who is available to do what. That’s what I really like about it, so it doesn’t get confusing like, “Oh, somebody got scheduled who’s not a bartender,” or, “Somebody got scheduled for this who doesn’t work in that position.”
Operations Director, Torchy Taco
HotSchedules offers extensive support for labor laws across various cities and states, protecting your multichain restaurant against violations through built-in integrations with local compliance laws. In contrast with 7shifts, where compliance tools are secondary to their accounting component, HotSchedules eliminates the hassle of managing legal nuances across different jurisdictions.
With AI-driven insights, HotSchedules helps with labor optimization and operational efficiency, providing analysis and foresight beyond the scope of 7shifts. This feature allows you to not just react to market conditions, but proactively manage your workforce with greater precision. HotSchedules leverages advanced technology to predict and plan for future sales and labor needs, ensuring that your restaurant is always prepared for what’s next, minimizing waste, and maximizing efficiency
Creating great schedules is more than filling time slots. HotSchedules automates optimized schedules that balance labor needs with employee roles, skill levels, and sales forecasts. This capability is finely tuned
Protect your bottom line by enforcing employees’ adherence to schedules. HotSchedules’ patented geo-fencing technology prevents time theft from employees clocking in early, off-premise, or remotely through a co-worker. This direct approach to managing onsite presence is a step ahead of systems like 7shifts, which may not offer such advanced on-site management tools. By ensuring that staff are only clocking in when truly present, HotSchedules not only enhances operational integrity but also significantly boosts profitability.
HotSchedules ensures customer success with unmatched technical and account support. This dedicated support means that any issues are swiftly addressed, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. HotSchedules provides a hands-on, always-available service team to keep your restaurant running smoothly around the clock.
When every hour of every shift matters, Fourth helps you conquer the day. Our intelligent technology and solutions remove the complexity from your day by simplifying and streamlining your operations so you can get back to doing what you do best – serving up excellent customer service.
Utilize task management features and notifications while scheduling to ensure food safety and compliance.
Enjoy a 5-star rated mobile app on both iPhone and Android, which integrates with Google Calendar, enhancing the ease of use. This integration helps in managing labor costs and workforce automation more effectively.
Metrics from POS systems help monitor menu items’ performance, sales data, and labor compliance risk. Customized dashboards display KPIs and forecasts, aiding in strategic decision-making.
Yeah I’ve used hotschedules and 7shifts and hotschedules is superior.
vglyog, 1 yr. ago
Hot schedules! 1.3 million industry workers are using it.
Raise-Emotional, 2 yr. ago
I’ve used HotSchedules and 7Shifts, prefer HotSchedules
CathedralEngine, 1 yr. ago
I’m a big fan of hot schedules. Pretty easy to communicate and pick up/drop ships.
Might_Take_A-Sip, 3 yr. ago
Posts like this make me so thankful for HotSchedules. People have lives and the ability to pickup/switch/drop shifts is always going to be a must in the service industry. Being able to control all this from one single interface that everyone has access to makes the team members and managers life much easier.
Rpritchard88, 1 yr. ago
HotSchedules allows managers to access real-time sales data, offering greater insights into every transaction. Click below to see a full list of software integration partners like Toast, Revel, and more.
Save time, reduce costs, and increase profitability with Fourth’s intelligent solutions.