As a software developer and time clock system integrator, we have implemented time clocks from all major manufacturers. We have over 40 years of experience in the industry, which has provided us with a wealth of knowledge about time clock selection and implementation.

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Paper-Based Time Clocks

•       Time Stamps: Best for Forms
•       Standalone Time Clocks: Mechanical Time Clocks
•       Standalone Time Clocks: Electronic Time Clocks
•       Standalone Time Clocks: Calculating Time Clocks

Automated, Networked Time Clocks

Many clocking types are available depending on your needs, environment, and budget.

•       PIN
•       Magnetic Stripe (Badges)
•       Barcode (Badges)
•       Proximity (Badges)
•       Hand (Biometrics)
•       Fingerprint (Biometrics)
•       Face Recognition (Biometrics)
•       Iris (Biometrics)

Implementations with No Time Clock

•       Web-Based Clocking
•       Phone-Based Clocking

How to Select the Best Time Clock for Your Company

Deployment Type

•       How many employees do we want to track in the system?
•       Do we have a buddy punching problem?
•       Is network connectivity available at all locations that require clocking?
•       Can we afford old-fashioned time clocks that use paper timecards?
•       Do we want to integrate access control with our system?

Clocking

View full article for comparison of different clocking types by Pro / Con and by reliability.

Connectivity

•       Serial
•       Networked
•       Ethernet
•       Power-over-Ethernet

Environmental Concerns & Ruggedness

•       Employees work with acid or other harsh chemicals
•       Time Clock is exposed to elements or humidity
•       Employees wear gloves while working
•       Employees work outdoors
•       Company seeks a hygienic biometric solution

Time Clock Features

•       Support for Several Clocking Types (PIN Available in Almost All)
•       Programmable Function Keys (Typical)
•       Expansion Options
•       Supervisor System Management from Time Clock
•       Employee Self-Service from Time Clock
•       Advanced Communications (More Rare: Email Audio, Photograph, or Video)
•       Real-Time Data Synchronization (if Supported)
•       Synchronization Between Many Time Clocks & Locations
•       Software-Specific Enhancements

Conclusion

Finding and buying the right time clock for your company really boils-down to the following points:

Read the full article to find out what our bottom-line advice regarding time clock purchases.

Learn More

Acumen Data Systems is a leading provider of employee time and attendance systems and software, as well as other workforce management and business automation software.

Acumen's ViewSUITE is a cost effective, robust set of workforce management applications for businesses, including systems and software for employee time and attendance, labor management, HR management, employee scheduling, facility door access control, job tracking, job costing, and shop floor data collection.

Contact Acumen at 888-816-0933 or visit their website at www.acumendatasystems.com to learn more.