6 Ways to Clock in and Clock out

by David Azzopardi July 15, 2016

Attempting to manually track your employees’ time and attendance can be a tedious process, and as such many businesses are starting to rely on software to automatically track and deliver these types of records. Here are 6 ways employees can clock in and out via an electronic time and attendance system such as uAttend.

1.) Proximity Card

Proximity systems have two components, a card and proximity terminal. The terminal is strategically located at a point of entry in the workplace. Each employee is given a unique card containing a tiny data chip. A sensor in the proximity terminal reads this data chip to identify which employee is clocking in or out. Proximity cards can be conveniently detected through bags, purses, and wallets.

2.) Fingerprint Scan

Technological advancements and substantial price reductions have made the implementation of biometrics systems a reality for businesses today. Fingerprint time clocks eliminate the practice of budding punching by relying on a unique physical attribute to identify employees.

Each employee’s fingerprint is analyzed by the scanner system, which records a specific pattern of ridges and valleys then saves it as a binary code. When clocking in and out, the binary code is matched to the identity of the employee.

3.) Facial Recognition or Face Scan

Facial recognition systems are the touch-free biometric alternative to fingerprint scanning. Once an employee’s face has been registered in the system, the device will scan and verify their face within a second. After verification, they are automatically clocked in or out. Because of their hands-free nature, facial recognition systems are less prone to physical damage.

4.) Using web browser

Web-based time and attendance systems are 100% virtual and don’t require any additional hardware or software. Instead, employees log into a web-based application to clock in or out via an online time clock. Preventing buddy punching is still a possibility, as some applications are compatible with USB fingerprint readers.

This option is also useful for staff working remotely like employees of a construction contractor who go directly to the construction site. They can either use mobile phone app or a web browser.

5.) Phone

Phone-based time and attendance systems are the ideal solution for employees who work in the field. Upon arriving at a customer location, employees clock in by calling a special toll-free number before commencing work. After completing the task, they’ll call the same number again to clock out. Time records, caller ID (used to verify location), and voice messages are all transferred to web-based reports, which can be accessed by office employees in real-time.

6.) Mobile App

Many time attendance solutions like uAttend, come with a mobile app. Encourage employee accountability by granting them access to their virtual timecards with a time and attendance mobile app. In order to clock in and out, employees must be within the geographical perimeter set by their employer. When clocking in and out, some apps use the device’s camera to verify the employee’s identity by taking a quick snapshot of their face.

Time and attendance systems excel at accurately tracking and improving labor management. To start cutting operating costs and boosting your profits, simply choose a time and attendance system that best suits your company’s needs.