Retain vs Tempus Resource vs Smartsheet Comparison
Retain
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Retain is a resource management platform for operations and HR teams that need to coordinate workforce planning across timekeeping, payroll, talent acquisition, and ERP systems. It centralizes scheduling and capacity dat…
Tempus Resource
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Tempus Resource from ProSymmetry is a resource management tool for IT, engineering, and audit departments. It includes resource analysis, planning tools, and capacity forecasting to help enterprises allocate and track re…
Smartsheet
Starting at $9 /month
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
Smartsheet is a dynamic project management tool that simplifies tracking and planning for teams of all sizes. Offering a user-friendly interface, it’s designed to adapt to your unique workflows, whether you're managing s…
Tempus Resource leads on user satisfaction with a 4.7-star rating across 3 reviews.
Spotsaas Analysis
RetainTempus ResourceSmartsheet
The core difference lies in Retain's focus on integrated resource and compliance management, making it ideal for enterprises with stringent regulatory needs, while Tempus Resource emphasizes intelligent resource optimization for data-driven decision-making. Retain is best suited for medium to large enterprises requiring seamless system integration, whereas Tempus Resource targets project and resource managers in mid-to-large companies seeking real-time insights for effective resource allocation.
- Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management - Ideal for medium to large businesses - Focus on seamless integration with various systems - Ensures strict regulatory compliance across workflows - Suitable for teams with complex compliance needs - Price not listed
- Best for enterprises needing intelligent, data-driven resource optimization - Ideal for companies with 50 to 5,000 employees - Focus on resource allocation across IT and engineering departments - Provides real-time insights for optimizing skills and workloads - Targets project managers and resource managers - Price not listed
Retain vs Tempus Resource vs Smartsheet — at a glance
| Feature | Retain | Tempus Resource | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Reviews | 43 | 3 | 2,444 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing | $9 /month |
| Free trial | No | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Resource Management Software | Resource Management Software | Project Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows | SaaS/Web/Cloud | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | — | Available | Available |
| Support modes | Online | Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | — | — | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | US | US | US |
Key differences between Retain and Tempus Resource
- Free trial: Tempus Resource offers a free trial; Retain does not.
- User satisfaction: Tempus Resource scores higher with a 4.7-star average.
- Deployment: Retain supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows; Tempus Resource supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
Compare Retain vs Tempus Resource vs Smartsheet — and walk away knowing which one fits.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Resource Management Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
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Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management.
- You require seamless integration with timekeeping, payroll, ERP, and talent acquisition systems.
- Your team must ensure strict regulatory compliance across workflows.
- You want to optimize resource allocation to boost productivity across departments.
- You are a startup or very small business with minimal resource management needs.
- You need standalone timekeeping or payroll software without complex integrations.
Best for enterprises needing intelligent, data-driven resource optimization and planning.
- You manage resource allocation across IT, engineering, or audit departments in mid-to-large companies.
- You require real-time insights to optimize skills and workloads effectively.
- You need enhanced collaboration tools to improve cross-team communication and coordination.
- You are a very small business with fewer than 50 employees.
- You need transparent, out-of-the-box pricing and self-serve purchasing options.
Best for teams needing customizable, spreadsheet-style project management with automation.
- You require flexible workflows adaptable to complex project plans and diverse teams.
- You want strong project management features like Gantt charts, dashboards, and resource tracking.
- You value automation to reduce manual errors and save time in project execution.
- Your team needs extensive offline functionality due to unreliable internet access.
- You prefer simple, ready-to-use workflows without investing time in customization or training.
Retain: Best for enterprises needing integrated resource and compliance management. Tempus Resource: Best for enterprises needing intelligent, data-driven resource optimization and planning.
Description | Retain is a resource management platform for operations and HR teams that need to coordinate workforce planning across timekeeping, payroll, talent acquisition, and ERP systems. It ... Read More about Retain | Tempus Resource from ProSymmetry is a resource management tool for IT, engineering, and audit departments. It includes resource analysis, planning tools, and capacity forecasting to help ... Read More about Tempus Resource | Smartsheet is a dynamic project management tool that simplifies tracking and planning for teams of all sizes. Offering a user-friendly interface, it’s designed to adapt to your unique ... Read More about Smartsheet |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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SpotScoreWhat's this? ↗ | Not Available | Not Available | 9.8/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | |||
Best Company Size | Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises | 50 to 500 employees501 to 5,000 employees | 50-500 employees501-5,000 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Where each option fits best
See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.
Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.
Key strengths
No key benefits available yet.
- Intelligent Resource Optimization: Tempus Resource lets your team allocate resources effectively, so every project is staffed with the right skills at the right time. You'll find it easier to manage workloads and improve productivity.
- Data-Driven Insights: Using real-time analytics, Tempus Resource gives you actionable insights into resource utilization. This means you can make informed decisions that improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.
- Improved Collaboration: The platform allows easy communication among team members, improving coordination across projects. As a manager, you'll appreciate how it breaks down silos and builds collaboration.
- With Smartsheet, teams can collaborate in real-time, keeping everyone aligned. This builds transparency and accountability within projects, making it easier for managers to track progress.
- Customizable Dashboards: Smartsheet offers customizable dashboards that let you visualize project data at a glance. This feature helps executives make informed decisions quickly, as they can monitor key metrics without digging through extensive reports.
- Automation Capabilities: By automating repetitive tasks, Smartsheet saves time and reduces errors. Administrators will appreciate how this feature allows them to focus on higher-value activities rather than getting bogged down with manual processes.
Best fit
No best-fit guidance available yet.
- 50 to 5,000 employees
- Consulting, SaaS, Project Management, Financial Services, and IT Services
- Project Managers, Resource Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Operations Directors
- 50-5,000 employees.
- Industries include Project Management, IT Services, Marketing Technology (Martech), Financial Technology (Fintech), Consulting, and SaaS.
- Typical users are Project Managers, Operations Managers, Marketing Coordinators, IT Directors, and Business Analysts.
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
No alternatives guidance available yet.
- Users may seek alternatives to Tempus Resource due to budget constraints, as some organizations might find other resource management tools more cost-effective while still meeting their essential needs.
- The need for enhanced customization options could drive users to explore alternatives, especially if their projects require tailored features that Tempus Resource does not fully support.
- Organizations looking for a more user-friendly interface might consider other solutions that offer intuitive designs and better onboarding experiences, making it easier for teams to adopt and utilize effectively.
- Pricing exceeds $25/month per user for most teams — competitors like Monday.com and Asana offer similar features at $10–15/month
- Lacks native construction and software development templates — teams in these industries typically layer in specialized tools like Procore or Jira
- Steep learning curve requires 4–6 weeks of training for new users — alternatives like Trello and ClickUp have faster onboarding
Software Demo
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How do Retain, Tempus Resource and Smartsheet Compare on Features?
Total Features | 12 Features | 12 Features | 21 Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Retain, Tempus Resource and Smartsheet on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Pricing Page | Pricing information not available | Pricing information not available | ![]() |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | — | — |
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HIPAA | ✗ No | — |
GDPR | — | — |
ISO 27001 | — | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | — | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | — | — |
Data Encryption | — | — |
Audit Logs | — | — |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🇺🇸 US |
Retain vs Tempus Resource User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | 4.6 (based on 43 reviews) | ||
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Rating Distribution | |||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Users generally rate Retain highly for its integration capabilities and compliance features, though detailed user feedback is limited. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights the platform’s intelligent resource optimization and data-driven insights, though limited review volume tempers confidence. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights Smartsheet’s flexibility, collaboration features, and powerful project management tools, tempered by concerns about learning curve and offline limitations. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
List of Customers
Customers | ![]() Capgemini ![]() Amgen ![]() Bank Of America | ![]() EY ![]() Deloitte ![]() RBC | ![]() Pfizer ![]() Whirlpool ![]() Western Digital |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots | No screenshots available. | No screenshots available. |
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Videos | ![]() 1 Videos | ![]() 4 Videos |
Alternatives
Alternatives |
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Related Blogs and Articles for Resource Management Software
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Retain or Tempus Resource?
- Tempus Resource edges out the other on user ratings (4.7 vs 4.6). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Retain and Tempus Resource offer a free trial?
- Tempus Resource offers a free trial. Retain does not.
- What is the starting price of Retain vs Tempus Resource?
- Retain starts at Contact for pricing. Tempus Resource starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to Retain?
- Top alternatives to Retain include Smartsheet, MRMcentral, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, eResource Scheduler, Resource Guru.
- What are the top alternatives to Tempus Resource?
- Top alternatives to Tempus Resource include Smartsheet, InVision, Saviom Enterprise Resource Management, Retain, eResource Scheduler.
























