5 Best HRMS Systems for Manufacturing & Factory Workforce in India (2026)

In the fast-evolving manufacturing sector in India, managing a deskless workforce, including shift workers, factory floor employees, and blue-collar staff, presents unique challenges. From handling multi-shift scheduling, accurate attendance tracking for hourly workers, overtime calculations, to ensuring statutory compliance with Indian labor laws like PF, ESI, TDS, and professional tax, an effective Human Resource Management System (HRMS) is essential. As we move into 2026, HRMS trends emphasize cloud-based HRMS, AI in HRMS, biometric attendance integration, mobile HR apps for non-desk employees, and real-time HR reporting to reduce employee turnover in manufacturing and boost engagement.

A robust HRMS for manufacturing goes beyond basic payroll processing and leave management. It supports HRMS for deskless workers, shift scheduling software for manufacturing, time and attendance tracking in dusty or high-traffic factory environments, and compliance management for multi-location operations. With India’s manufacturing push under initiatives like Make in India, companies need HR software for manufacturing companies that handles contractor management, safety training tracking, and people analytics to address high employee turnover in manufacturing.

Why Manufacturing Needs Specialized HRMS Software

Manufacturing firms often deal with a non-desk workforce, where traditional office-based HR tools fall short. Key pain points include:

• Attendance Tracking Challenges: Proxy attendance, manual errors, and difficulties in tracking shifts/night shifts.
• Payroll Complexity: Overtime, arrears, variable pay, and night shift payroll calculations compliant with Indian laws.
• Compliance Risks: Automating PF, ESI, TDS, gratuity, and state-specific labor laws to avoid penalties.
• Employee Engagement: Low visibility into shop floor metrics leads to higher turnover rates.
• Multi-Location Management: Centralized control for factories across states with location-based holidays and weekly offs.

Modern HRMS systems address these with mobile HRMS apps, biometric integration, geo-fencing for field/contract workers, and automated HR processes. Benefits include cost savings through HR software, reduced admin workload, faster payroll, and data-driven insights via HR analytics.

Key HRMS Features for Manufacturing & Factory Workforce

When selecting the best HRMS for manufacturing India, prioritize:

• Attendance Tracking: Biometric (fingerprint/face), geo-tagged mobile check-ins to prevent proxy.
• Payroll Management: Automated calculations, FnF settlements, CTC structures, and statutory filings.
• Shift & Roster Management: Easy configuration for multi-shifts, night shifts, and weekly offs.
• Leave & Compliance: Custom policies, women employee welfare, optional holidays.
• Mobile Accessibility: Intuitive apps for factory workers with limited tech exposure.
• Integrations: Seamless with biometric devices and existing systems.
• Analytics & Reporting: Real-time dashboards for absenteeism, overtime, and turnover prediction.
• Scalability: Suitable for SMBs to enterprises, with affordable HRMS pricing.

How to Choose the Right HRMS for Your Manufacturing Business

Consider your workforce size, number of locations, and specific needs like HRMS for blue-collar workforce. Evaluate HRMS implementation ease, customer support, data security, and free trials. For small manufacturing units without dedicated HR departments, opt for easy-to-use HRMS with minimal training.

On-premise vs cloud HRMS: Cloud options win for remote access and lower costs. Look for HRMS ROI through reduced errors and faster processes.

Now, let’s dive into the 5 best HRMS systems tailored for manufacturing and factory workforces in India.

1. Salarybox – The Ideal Choice for Factory & Deskless Workforce Management

Salarybox stands out as a mobile-first, affordable HRMS designed specifically for Indian SMEs and manufacturing units managing blue-collar and shift-based employees. It’s an all-in-one HRMS focusing on attendance and payroll software, with seamless biometric integration making it perfect for factories.

Salarybox offers robust time and attendance tracking via its app and dedicated biometric devices like the Gamma series (hybrid fingerprint + facial recognition) and Face Scan Pro (advanced AI-driven face recognition with liveness detection for anti-spoofing). These devices are rugged, support Wi-Fi/LAN, and handle high user capacities (up to 10,000+), ideal for shop floors. The Gamma provides quick, accurate scans even in varying lighting, while Face Scan Pro emphasizes contactless, hygienic attendance, crucial post-pandemic.

Key features include geo-fencing, selfie attendance, shift rostering, overtime automation, leave linkage, and direct payroll sync. It prevents proxy attendance effectively and supports multi-location factories with real-time syncing.

For payroll, Salarybox automates calculations, deductions, bonuses, arrears, and compliances (PF, ESI, TDS). It handles variable pay, night shifts, and FnF seamlessly. The intuitive mobile app allows workers to view payslips, apply leaves, and clock in easily.

Additional perks: Document management, employee self-service, reports on absenteeism/engagement, and scalability without complexity.

Pros:

• Highly affordable and modular pricing, pay only for needed features.
• Excellent biometric hardware ecosystem tailored for Indian factories.
• User-friendly mobile apps ensure high adoption among deskless workers.
• Strong focus on preventing time theft and accurate payroll for hourly/shift staff.
• Quick implementation and responsive support.

Cons:

• Advanced enterprise analytics are emerging (continuously improving with updates).
• Best suited for SMEs; larger enterprises may need custom integrations (which are supported).

Salarybox excels in HRMS for manufacturing India, reducing admin time by up to 70% and improving compliance.

2. greytHR – Reliable Compliance-Focused HRMS for Mid-Sized Manufacturers

greytHR is a veteran cloud-based HRMS popular among Indian manufacturing firms for its strong statutory compliance and payroll automation.

It offers comprehensive core HR, payroll, leave, and attendance modules. Biometric integration is solid, supporting various devices for factory attendance.

Features include shift management, overtime rules, multi-location support, and detailed reporting.

Pros:

• Excellent Indian labor law compliance automation.
• Affordable for SMBs.
• Good mobile app and ESS portal.
• Reliable for payroll accuracy.

Cons:

• Interface feels dated compared to newer platforms.
• Customization options are limited.
• Biometric features rely more on third-party devices.

Suitable for manufacturers prioritizing compliance over advanced mobile/biometric innovation.

3. Zoho – Modern, Employee-Centric HRMS with Growing Manufacturing Adoption

Zoho is a fast-growing HRMS emphasizing employee engagement and performance management, with solid payroll and attendance tools.

It supports biometric integration, mobile check-ins, shift scheduling, and analytics.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface and strong engagement tools.
• AI-powered insights for turnover prediction.
• Affordable with good scalability.
• Multi-language support is useful for diverse factory teams.

Cons:

• Biometric ecosystems are not as specialized as dedicated players.
• Some users report occasional glitches in high-volume payroll.
• Less tailored for pure blue-collar shift management.

Good for manufacturing firms focusing on retention and modern HR.

4. Keka – Feature-Rich HRMS for Growing Manufacturing Businesses

Keka is employee-experience focused, with robust payroll, performance, and attendance modules.

It integrates biometrics, offers geo-tracking, and handles complex shifts.

Pros:

• Modern UI and strong mobile app.
• Advanced performance management.
• Good integrations and analytics.
• Handles Indian compliances well.

Cons:

• Higher pricing as employee count grows.
• Can feel overwhelming for small factories without HR teams.
• Biometric support is good but not hardware-specialized.

Ideal for mid-sized manufacturers investing in employee engagement.

5. factoHR – Efficient Payroll & Attendance for Multi-Location Factories

factoHR is mobile-first, with strong payroll automation and attendance tracking.

It supports biometrics, shift rostering, and compliance for manufacturing.

Pros:

• Fast payroll processing and accurate compliances.
• Good for multi-location operations.
• Intuitive mobile access.
• Strong reporting for workforce analytics.

Cons:

• Limited advanced AI features.
• Customization requires support.
• Biometric integration works but lacks proprietary rugged devices.

Reliable for factories needing efficient core HR and payroll.

FAQs

1. What is the best HRMS for manufacturing and factory workforce in India?

Salarybox is widely regarded as the top choice due to its specialized biometric devices (Gamma and Face Scan Pro), seamless payroll integration, and focus on deskless/blue-collar workers. It excels in shift management, proxy prevention, and affordability for Indian factories.

2. How does biometric attendance help in manufacturing HRMS?

Biometrics like face/fingerprint eliminate proxy punching, ensure accurate overtime/shift tracking, and integrate directly with payroll, reducing errors and disputes in factory settings.

3. Which HRMS is most affordable for small manufacturing units?

Salarybox offers modular, low-cost plans ideal for SMBs, with excellent ROI through time savings and compliance automation.

4. Can these HRMS handle multi-shift and night shift payroll?

Yes, all listed support shift rostering and automated overtime/night differentials, with Salarybox leading in ease for factory workers.

5. Why choose Salarybox over others for the factory workforce?

Its dedicated biometric hardware, mobile-first design, and tailored features for blue-collar management make it superior for preventing time theft, streamlining onboarding/offboarding, and ensuring compliance, making it the better overall choice for manufacturing in 2026.