5 Ways to Track Employee Attendance
Sick days, vacation time, family emergencies and jury duty are all part of work life. Still, tracking employee attendance does not have to be a nightmare. There are a variety of tools designed to simplify the process of making sure employees’ time is logged accurately.
Use of an employee time clock is better than relying on manual time tracking methods prone to costly mistakes. Securing peace of mind is a matter of implementing the type of time clock that covers every area affected. Each system aids in the reduction in overpayments, workforce security and elimination of buddy punching.
Electronic terminals designed for clocking employees in and out can function as a remote device or through the company network. Additionally, clocking terminals can be conveniently placed near each department for employees to electronically record arrival and departure times.
With the use of a biometric scanner, employees’ arrival and departure times are registered with the touch of a finger. Installation throughout work locations is easy to make it convenient for employees to clock in and out at the start of their day, for lunch and other scheduled breaks.
A benefit of tracking employee attendance with Biometric clocking terminals is it can operate remotely or on the company network. Additionally, there are key benefits to consider as employers have less concern about:
• Breaches in security – misplaced cards are not an issue; access to controlled areas remain secure
• Buddy punching – fraudulent clocking is eliminated
• Payroll overpayment – improved labor costs
• Reporting accuracy of time and attendance
By using the latest in Lumidigm multispectral sensors, a biometric employee time clock enables precise scanning. Even if employees have dirt, grease or moisture on their fingers, this system operates successfully at diverse work environments.
Ideal for companies of all sizes, the proximity time clock also works well for industries with varied work schedules. Shifts are recorded from start to finish with the use of a variety of methods. Some ways employees’ time is tracked includes:
• ID Badges
• Key Fobs
• PIN/Keypad Entry
• Swipe Cards
Time entered by employees is recorded in a database with an internal memory. This protects the data inside the terminal even if there is a lost connection. Another function for the proximity time clock is the ability to view past clockings. Employees can check their flex time balances.
No matter the company size or industry, this attendance tracking system can accommodate multiple workforce patterns. Multiple locations or varying work schedules will not restrict the functionality of proximity clocks.
Companies can now take advantage of powerful biometric technology to automate the process of authenticating how and when employees access company property. This includes remote locations. By using a portable USB fingerprint reader, companies can enhance their security in more ways than one. Fingerprint scanner technology helps to eliminate high costs that were prominent with conventional time tracking systems.
Automating employee attendance tracking for the workplace brings many advantages such as:
• Flexible workforce scheduling
• Secure and easy access from remote sites
• Use of a portable authentication system
• Elimination of fraudulent time input
• Streamline login processes for supervisors to monitor real-time workflow
Online resources will continue to grow in prominence as more companies make the switch to computer software.
One option to consider for tracking employee attendance is a self-service module. This web-based solution allows employees to maintain some control in how they clock in for work. Software is not necessary for employees to clock in or for different cost centers, projects and tasks.
Another feature of this type of time tracking will allocate hours automatically, which is similar to project management systems. Based on the type of time tracking process already in use, this system is configured to identify employees from a fingertip, key fob, ID card or swipe card. Employees have full visibility of their absences, leave requests, vacation time and hours worked.
Key benefits and features worth noting include:
• Time and attendance information available in real-time for supervisors and managers
• One PC terminal or employees to manage their time
• Identity confirmations via a secure system to help with eliminating buddy punching
• Employees can use their PCs to manage their time
• No software installation required
Mobile phone clocking literally places time and attendance into the palm of employees’ hands. By using this system, employees track their time while on the road working from home or from a different office location. They can also submit leave requests. Information entered is transferred immediately to the main time and attendance system.
Mobile phone clock systems work well for supervisors and managers. From the supervisor mode, management can perform a number of functions after logging into the system with their mobile devices. The system gives supervisors several view selections, including a single employee, group and live employee onsite.
The system also has a time management administrator role to manage who has access to remotely use the application. This additional layer of security ensures no unauthorized hours are entered.
Employers can focus on the big picture while these time clocks cover the task of tracking employee attendance. Because it only requires a few clicks to automate these systems, money and time is saved. Anywhere, anytime with a web connection, mobile device or innovative technology that is not limited to movies, employees can confidently enter their time. Tracking is simple and accurate at the same time.
