# Compose Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Compose the right Compensation Management solution for you? Explore 29 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/106697/COMPOSE/reviews --- Compose 4.7 (29) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of Compose Ease of use 4.6 Customer Service 4.9 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews SR Scott R Head of Total RewardsFinancial Services, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Also important is the customer service: our representatives and support folks are very knowledgeable and responsive.“ March 14, 2024 DP Dan P Sr. Comp AnalystRestaurants, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Our support team has been great to work with, very responsive, patient and willing to offer suggestions when we not sure the best way to handle something.“ August 6, 2020 AP AVNI P Director-Corporate ControllerFinancial Services, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Ease of use, configuration, customization and customer service“ August 12, 2020 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 29 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use RL RoseAnn L. Director Total Rewards Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Compose" April 17, 2019 5.0 Compose gave the company the ability to handle very complex incentive plans that integrated with our HRIS system. The product functionality is exceptional and the customer service and client relationship for salary planning, incentive planning and stock planning is the best that I have found. The software is customizable for each company and you are not forced with a standard out of the box tool. The integration team is well versed in compensation and are beyond helpful at any hour of the day during our planning season. Pros It was very important to find a system that could handle our complex incentive plans as well as our annual salary planning and stock planning programs Cons Would have liked more expansive ad hoc reporting. Review Source SB Sheldon B. Project Manager Financial Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Franklin Templeton - Sales Implementation" October 14, 2020 5.0 Great management and implementation team to work with. Very reasonable and very flexible to accommodate our needs. We would recommend Decusoft. Pros Our Global Total Rewards Team had decided on Decusoft COMPOSE as a replacement platform for PayReview. This made the choice clear for the Global Sales Team to work with Decusoft on the Global Sales Compensation Product Replacement. The ease setup and implementation along with data sharing among the two applications were key features. Cons Some of the features with Decusoft COMPOSE needed to be built out to fit the Global Sales Compensation business needs. Although - these features were not part of the core product offering - they were built out in a timely manner and to specification. Reason for choosing Compose COMPOSE was already in use across the Franklin Templeton enterprise and well supported. Switched from [Optymyze](https://www.capterra.com/p/137148/Optymyze/) The Optymyze product was too costly and was not used effectively - making it a cost prohibitive and poor return on investment for our company. Review Source MM Michael M. Sr. HR Analyst Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Service Team!" September 25, 2020 3.0 Pros The service team is very flexible in accommodating our firm's unique compensation structure within the system. We've been able to track and report on a number of different types of compensation elements with various payment rules. Cons We've found it a bit difficult to navigate the security setup, though the service team has done a great job in getting us set up. Review Source AR Alejandro R. Marketing Manager Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Helped to ensure more accurate and efficient commissioning of work" April 21, 2025 4.0 Pros The utilisation of the sales commission functionality in Compose helped me to organise well the administration of sales bonuses. Thus, it ensured that commission structures were clear and allowed for the timely processing of payouts, which tied sales efforts to employees’ pay.​ Cons At the time when Apex deals with a large number of customers and their commissions in AT&T, it took a little longer to upload online commission data. It also resulted in a delay in the calculation of commissions and additional supervision.​ Review Source RB Ruhan B. Head of Unit for Contract Implementation Oil & Energy Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Aligning our compensation strategies with organizational goals" April 21, 2025 4.0 Pros Real-time report and analytics of Compose enabled me to get a summary of our company’s compensation information in real-time. This was helpful in decision-making processes and made exposures transparent across all departments. Cons I experienced some lags when generating extensive reports within the system. These turnovers were however not very frequent but they resulted in some delay especially during time that was crucial in planning. Review Source JF Judy F. Consultant Security and Investigations Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Even better than building your own" October 12, 2020 5.0 I've implemented both home-grown systems and off-the-shelf compensation planners in three Fortune 500 companies. Compose was the best software and the best support team I've encountered. From a functionality perspective, there was no request I made that Compose could not accommodate. In many ways, implementing Compose was like building an in-house custom system except that the team working on it had years of experience doing so and it cost significantly less. We launched Compose to managers two months after our first design meeting with all of our requirements addressed -- something that could never have happened with an in-house build. Once we went live, the support we received was outstanding. When we had a problem, we could simply call our implementers and fixes/changes were made within hours. Knowing that we would be able to handle it if something went wrong made the planning process much less stressful for the Compensation team. This level of support is not something I've found with any other vendor before Compose or since. Pros As a complex, global company, we had requirements for our compensation planner that other systems just could not meet. Compose was able to meet all of them -- any calculation, any bonus plan design, any business rule. Cons We implemented an older version of Compose which looked a lot like an Excel spreadsheet. The look and feel of Compose has since been updated and is much more modern now. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer SVP, Compensation and Benefits Banking Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Versatility in Compensation Planning" May 2, 2019 5.0 Compensation planning for base salary changes, bonus awards and equity grants were the primary reasons to choose the product. The flexibility and reliability of the tool along with the dedicated support team are just awesome! Pros We purchased and implemented COMPOSE in 2016 to provide a compensation planning tool for our managers that was not available in our current human capital application. COMPOSE differs from many of the current modules available on the market in that you're able to customize the data that you include in the tool, provide historical and market data for managers to use during the compensation planning process. The Decusoft team listens to the needs of the compensation professionals and they were well prepared to advise our team through all phases of the implementation and training. They provided customer-focused solutions and support. It's a very user-friendly product for managers and administrators alike. Cons Having worked at an organization that developed a compensation planning tool internally, the ability to see historical data side by side with current data was initially a drawback for me. Shortly after we implemented, it became second nature to open the links to review the historical data. It was a matter of adjustment from a user standpoint. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Vice President - Finance, Accounting & Operations Investment Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Compose was a huge upgrade from comp planning in Excel!" March 28, 2019 4.0 Overall, my experience with Compose has been great. The learning curve was moderate, but after I got the hang of it, it got much easier. While there is always room for enhancements, Decusoft created a complex system that makes compensation planning more efficient, accurate and organized. It feels great to have all of our historic data in one place and be able to empower managers to access their data in a secure fashion as needed. Pros From what I've seen, the software is very customizable which is huge for companies with very specific needs. There were very few specific requests that couldn't be accommodated. I loved that the team of specialists assigned to our company were with us from planning to completion. It's extremely helpful to communicate with someone who has been involved throughout so you don't have to start from square one with another contact every time an issue arises. I felt that each individual specialist assigned to us was an expert at their job and it was evident that they took their craft seriously. Cons Would have liked to be able to see the Manager's view and the Admin's view all in one place without having to switch back and forth. I think the filters and page views could use improvement. Review Source TP Todd P. Principal Financial Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "COMPOSE is flexible and meets the business needs of the most complex and demanding client's" April 1, 2019 5.0 Pros The user interface is similar to Excel so it is flexible and familiar to use, and it is very secure. This makes it easy to transition from Excel to software which often tends to be a difficult change management process for compensation managers. Decusoft is a great company to work with. They have deep knowledge of compensation processes and they are able to interpret unique situations and build solutions into the software to meet clients needs. Their support service is second to none as their implementation team is typically the post production support team and they strive to help their customers during their busy season. Cons Nothing negative to report on. The latest version of the user interface is modern and liked by all. Review Source LD Lauren D. HRIS Consultant Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Comp Planning Made Easier" March 28, 2019 5.0 One thing that stands out about COMPOSE is the team working on the project. The level of support received is exemplary and of the highest quality. They are always available and work as a true partner. Pros The flexibility in the tool helps organizations to be able to handle their annual comp process easily and effectively without having to change their plans to fit the solution. Cons I don't really see a con but if I had to select something it may just be ability to get the data out of the HRIS system easily with the history that would be required. This is something that we were able to satisfy. Review Source SR Scott R. Head of Total Rewards Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Flexible and User Friendly" March 14, 2024 4.0 Pros The flexibility which allows us to create a positive user experience to the business. Also important is the customer service: our representatives and support folks are very knowledgeable and responsive. Cons There are non-critical functionalities (e.g. more robust sorting and filtering) that I feel should be farther along. Note that there are improvements in latest version, still hoping for more in the future. Review Source DP Dan P. Sr. Comp Analyst Restaurants Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Compose has been a great partner to work with" August 6, 2020 5.0 The systems ability to conform to the bonus plans designed by each of our brands was very helpful. The conversion team was great to work with. They jumped in and learned our system and then worked to determine the best way to implement our process into their software. It is very adaptable and has the ability to calculate bonuses several different ways. Each of our brands are able to be open and creative with the ways they want to incentivize their employees. This has been a productive partnership that I hope will continue. Pros The system is configurable and has been able to accommodate any challenges we have brought to Compose. Our support team has been great to work with, very responsive, patient and willing to offer suggestions when we not sure the best way to handle something. Cons Like all new software, there is a learning curve and along the way we have suggested some improvements based on the way our data is sent over and how we need to use it. The support team has been willing to listen to us and implement any changes they can. Review Source LL Lily L. HRIS & Compensation Analyst Banking Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "New user, big fan!" May 9, 2019 5.0 Not only can COMPOSE handle all of our complex calculations flawlessly, but the developers were able to mirror the spreadsheet view our executives were used to and make the system look identical to our dashboard. This has helped with change management and led to a successful roll-out of the system. We have many compensation cycles and programs, and with the help of the implementation team, we were able to find a way to manage all programs in the system without issue. Even with many changes from our executive team as we implemented, Decusoft handled each change easily and implemented every change promptly. The Decusoft team has been an absolute pleasure to work with, this cannot be overstated enough. The software is working great so far, and we've had a lot of great feedback. Pros COMPOSE is endlessly customizable. Our organization has an extremely complex system for a performance-based bonus program, in addition to being a newly public company navigating ESOP for the first time. COMPOSE was able to customize the system to our exact specifications and mirror the look and feel of our spreadsheet-based system prior to rolling out COMPOSE. The customer service is the best I've received in any HR-related software I've ever worked with. If you ask clients why they moved away from a specific SaaS, most of the time poor customer service is at the top of the list. Not so with Decusoft! The team is very prompt, knowledgeable, and helpful. Honestly, above and beyond helpful. We had many hiccups on our end during implementation, but they picked up the slack in a major way. The implementation team was very hands on and an absolute pleasure to work with. Cons Sometimes the loading times can be a little slow. The design is very utilitarian and bland, not very "pretty". Review Source JP Jason P. Senior Compensation Analyst Banking Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great System, Great Team to work with!" October 20, 2020 5.0 Pros In speaking with the teams that utilize Compose for monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and merit cycles the below are the top kudos I regularly hear. 1. Being able to easily navigate within the system 2. The display of the vital information within the system is arranged in a way that is easily understood. Cons I would like to be able to run more reporting directly from the system. We load and store a ton of information within the platform, that being able to do this would be a major plus. Review Source MG Melissa G. Executive Director, HR Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Satisfied Return Customer" March 29, 2019 5.0 Overall we have had a great experience with Compose. We were return customers after separating from a parent company, and immediately thought of Compose when we were ready to implement a compensation system of our own. We have been using the system again for 2 years and have been extremely happy with it. We have also benefited from many of the enhancements in the latest version. Pros We like the flexibility that Compose gives us to maintain our existing process, but use software to execute. The customer service is also an important part of why we continue to use Compose. Cons It would be nice to have some more access to do things on our own within the system. The system offers a lot of customization that can be done by the developers, but it would be great to have some front end configuration options so we can make our own changes as well. Review Source AC Ann C. Director, Total Rewards Oil & Energy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Service and ease of use" March 28, 2019 5.0 Compose has allowed us to automate workflow around our grant process across the globe. It is easy for managers to use, even the first time, and it is quick and easy to modify criteria or data on the fly. Pros Compose is very easy to use and the service team is very supportive and quick to respond. Cons There is nothing specific to note, but I would say for me, it was starting to work in the system without a training session. With the grant for this year, I was able to get some quick training support from the service team and that made a great deal of difference. Review Source JA Jennifer A. Vice President Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Compensation System Review" March 29, 2019 4.0 Great customer service; willing to tailor the customer experience based on their needs; respond time to issues is extremely fast; team is always a pleasure to work with Pros \- customized interface based on client needs - audit fields - advance reporting Cons \- due to all our customization needs, systems at times is slow - navigating through some of the reporting features not as intuitive, ex: change date stamp of compensation statements Review Source EW Elyse W. Vice President, HR Financial Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "decusoft compse review" March 28, 2019 5.0 Previously, all of our compensation data and processes (US and internally/ multi currency) were housed within excel. Compose has allowed us to streamline the entire compensation (base, bonus, shares) recommendation processing which has allowed for increased efficiency on the administrative side and an easy to use end user product. Pros highly customizable to meet our business needs, excellent user experience, extremely knowledgeable and responsive team. Cons due to entire product being highly customized, it may be challenging for the system to be agile if business demands change in the future. We have not experienced this yet but did sign on with compose knowing this could come up at a later date. Review Source RS Rob S. CTO Investment Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Initial Feedback on Compose" October 9, 2020 5.0 Pros The Decusoft team demonstrated a detailed knowledge of the requirements of compensation plans within our industry. The evaluation and subsequent design of Compose's data model was easy given the support and experience of the Decusoft team. Cons We currently do not have any negative points of feedback on Compose or the Decusoft team. Alternatives considered [beqom Pay Management](https://www.capterra.com/p/74313/Sales-Performance-Management/) Review Source SG Sandra G. Global Head of Payroll Investment Banking Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Compose Super User" October 1, 2020 5.0 The experience with the Staff is stellar. They really dig in deep into your requirements, and needs. They are professionals and always delivering what they promised. I think our needs evolved (as most companies do) and they rose to the challenge, and even if there was no system way to do what we needed, they helped us with workarounds. Pros The software is very intuitive. The user guide is a beast, but we found in practice that we only use it when we have to do annual or infrequent tasks. Things you need are where you'd expect them to be. The system is very customizable. Don't like that column? just remove it. It was also nice to learn it could handle 99% of the complex calculations we needed. Cons The date import is a beast. There is no room for error, and fixing something once it's loaded is very hard. We couldn't let everyone use the system because the data was incorrect and we couldn't fix it without a fresh load. Review Source AP AVNI P. Director-Corporate Controller Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Configured to meet our needs" August 12, 2020 5.0 My overall experience has been great with Compose and its customer service team Pros Ease of use, configuration, customization and customer service Cons Not able to get data out of the system easily. Review Source HB Howard B. MD, Compensation Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent Compensation Application" April 3, 2019 5.0 Pros Flexible to customize complicated plans Great customer service Easy to use application Cons I've been happy with the application and don't have anything to add here. Review Source AB Alex B. Compensation Analyst Publishing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "COMPOSE by Decusoft Review" June 25, 2019 4.0 The team understands our various plans, and what it takes to have the tool calculate and communicate them appropriately. Pros We have very complex bonus plans that Compose is able to handle Cons Difficult to make one-off changes to employee bonus plans Review Source MF Monica F. Sr Compensation Specialist Retail Used the software for: 2+ years ### "User friendly system with amazing customer support." April 9, 2019 5.0 Pros The system is extremely user friendly. I have been using Compose for a few years and I always have a smooth experience implementing new plans annually. Processing monthly/quarterly bonus cycles are only a few clicks. Customer support is quick and very helpful. Cons There is currently nothing I do not like. I recently upgraded the software and it only improved my experience with the system. Review Source PH Pamela H. Director Compensation Publishing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "COMPOSE Incentive Management Review" May 6, 2019 5.0 We use COMPOSE to manage the administration of metric statements, payment calculations and payment statements for our annual bonus program. Pros The ability to configure it to our needs, which change every year and its ability to handle all the complexities of our program. Cons It is sometimes cumbersome to make changes or add participants if not accurate or included in the initial upload. Review Source Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.