From basic, standalone time clocks systems to sophisticated network, web-based or biometric versions, employers can find diverse options with Mitrefinch. Any company with employees needs to have a time and attendance device that keeps track of hours worked accurately.
Automated Time Clocks
Contemporary attendance tracking systems have automated calculation functions that eliminate payroll errors. Integrated processes with time and attendance software provides advanced functionality. These electric time clocks protect companies from the costly buddy punching.
Preventing employees from clocking in for one another is an essential feature for networked time clocks. This increases costs when an employee receives underserved pay. Uncovering this practice requires spending more to replace employees who were stealing time.
Instead of the limitations inherent with paper timecards, most time clocks need unique input from an employee. This could be a personal identification number or biometrics. Networked systems are designed to match data between time entered and information in attendance software.
Time tracking is made easy via the network, web, mobile device or with biometrics. Employees can check in and out for work at their desks with network capabilities. Time information is easy to input. The same information is also easy to retrieve through reporting mechanisms. For supervisors.
Biometric Time Clocks
Combining attendance software with biometric time clocks requires employees to personally identify themselves for each shift. By expecting biometric data such as a fingerprint, companies achieve the best return on investment for any system rollout to track attendance.
Simple implementation, coupled with a substantial drop in labor costs makes biometric clocks the ideal solution for any size company. Any company that wants to achieve the highest ROI and eliminates buddy punching will appreciate the benefits of this innovative technology.
Initially, employees may object to having their fingerprint scanned. It is just a matter of educating them on the technology. Fingerprint scans cannot be used outside of the system. The image is really a template that is only used at the moment an employee uses the system to clock in for work.
Software-Based Time Clock
A software-based time clock is effective for a workstation, laptop, smartphone or tablet. It uses a program that runs on the company server to help keep data secure. Employees can clock in at the office, from home or at a satellite location.
From whichever device an employee uses, this time clock emulates traditional features. For example, the software-based time tracker does not need to keep the time. Instead, it refers to the self-service module or main system for attendance data.
Electronic Time Clock Features
One of the best advantages of using a software-based, or computer, time clock is the multiple features that come with this solution. Simply using a standalone electronic time clock would not deliver the same level of usage for companies of all sizes.
Auto-totaling is another common feature. It uses basic math to print actual hours worked directly onto a time card. Companies avoid a tremendous amount of bookkeeping work with this simple automated process.
Practical business processes are easier to manage with time clock programs configured to adapt to any workplace setting. Companies can customize features based on need. Managers can schedule employees, download reports and monitor attendance trends such as absenteeism.
Being able to select peripheral or non-peripheral features that resemble time clocks while connecting via a network server optimizes the time and attendance process. When that level of connectivity is not needed, companies can setup door entries or user logins instead.
For some companies a standalone works best; for others, a distributed time clock system is needed. If all employees work remotely and must log in and out each workday, a distributed system would work better than the standalone.
Clocking Technologies for Different Work Settings
Some work environments make standard clocking systems impractical. Construction workers, for example, could not use the same type of clock in mechanism if they were working at a construction site. Companies would need to have a mobile clock in system where workers could use a smartphone when their shift begins and ends.
There are also certain work requirements that make it difficult to use the normal clock in system. Some common rugged or environmental considerations that require time clock alternatives include:
• Working with harsh chemicals
• Wearing latex gloves throughout the day
• Working outdoors
• Exposing the time clock to humidity or other weather elements
There are technologies suitable for these situations. The solution is to have a time clock method that is flexible enough to work for every employee across the company. Otherwise, companies will waste a great deal of money installing multiple systems for time and attendance.
Selecting an electronic time clock solution demands confidence that companies have a system that delivers on what it promises. With a broad range of options, including customizable features, Mitrefinch helps companies run smoother.
