Software-Based Time Clock
A computer time clock, or software-based time clock, is a program that usually runs on a server but can also run on a workstation, laptop, tablet or even smartphone.
Typically, the program will use the resources of the device its running on to emulate traditional time clock features. For instance, a computer time clock doesn’t actually have to keep time and can simply refer to the system or the employee self-service module.
Feature Set
A great advantage of a computer time clock is that it can have features that wouldn’t be common or practical if businesses were limited to using just standalone devices. Mitrefinch have configured their time clock programs with architecture that allows a company to drop in the features it needs and even makes it possible to program custom features.
Peripheral or Non Peripheral
A computer time clock allows the system to behave like a traditional time clock if the business chooses, and there are even peripherals available that resemble time clocks but connect to the software via the network or a hard line. In many cases, that kind of access point is not needed, so the system reacts to door entries, user logins or similar events.
Standalone or Distributed
By reacting to such events, a computer time clock can be a distributed system rather than a standalone one. Consider a business where all employees work remotely must log in and out of the system. In this case, a traditional time clock would be redundant. The ideal system, on the other hand, is able to make use of the system access and use each terminal as an employee access point.
System Integration
Another advantage of a computer time clock is that it’s easily able to integrate into other computer systems. For instance, most businesses already have an employee database, and it’s much more convenient and efficient if the computer time clock is able to access and manipulate that resource.
Versatility and Maintenance
A business will change over time, and it will eventually require more or different features from its time clock system. A traditional system would require a costly upgrade, but a computer time clock on the other hand, can usually update with no or little cost at all simply by changing its configuration.