The last thing you want as a business owner is not to pay your workers what they are owed and be slowed down by tasking administrative duties. One of the best ways to solve both of these problems is through the use of punch clock systems to optimize your time and your workers. These systems can make a huge difference for your business and provide multiple benefits. Here’s how.

Editor’s Note: Some of the companies mentioned below have financial relationships with 350Connect.

What is a Punch Clock System?

A punch clock system, commonly called a time clock, is a mechanical or electronic device that records employees’ working hours. These devices can be physical punch systems, for instance, swiping a paper time card through the machine and having the time printed on the sheet.

Punch clocks have evolved substantially throughout time. From simple mechanical models, we now have digital and biometric systems. These contemporary devices not only monitor time but also interact with payroll software, increasing efficiency and accuracy. They are also great incentives for employees to show up on time.

Types of Punch Clock Systems

Mechanical Punch Clocks: These are the classic models, which employ paper cards. They are simple but can be susceptible to faults and manipulation.

Digital Time Clocks: These clocks employ digital technology to keep time. They are more accurate than mechanical clocks and frequently can be integrated easily with software.

Biometric Systems: The most advanced form, these use unique biological traits like fingerprints or retinal scans to record attendance. This method reduces fraud and eliminates the need for physical time cards.

Web-Based Systems: These systems allow employees to clock in and out via a computer or a mobile device. These systems can be great for remote workers and those looking for cheaper options.

Benefits of Punch Clock Systems

Improved Accuracy

Punch clock systems considerably limit the possibility of typical errors in manual time recording. Businesses that automate the process ensure that working hours are accurately documented, resulting in accurate compensation and transparent work practices.

Enhanced Employee Accountability

Employees who use a dependable time monitoring system are more likely to stick to their hours. This accountability is critical to sustaining operational efficiency and equitable workload distribution.

Streamlining Payroll Processing

Integrating punch clock systems and payroll software can help to streamline the payroll process. It eliminates the need for manual hourly calculations, decreasing administrative effort and payroll problems.

Compliance with Labor Laws

Punch clock systems make it easy to follow labor laws and automate part of the requirements for documentation.

Reduced Time Theft

Punch clock systems create a paper system to document when employees are working and help prevent theft from both employers and employees. Employees and employers won’t feel taken advantage of.

Common Features of Punch Clock Systems for a Business

Punch clock systems have evolved with technological improvements and now offer a variety of functions to meet a wide range of company demands. These features not only improve the basic function of time monitoring, but also add levels of efficiency, security, and integration. Some of the common features you can expect:

• Precision in time tracking with accurate punching
• Flexible “punch-in” methods like key cards, punch cards, biometrics, phone applications, etc.
• Automated payroll with time calculations
• Break and overtime tracking
• Ease of use compared to manually inputting the time
• Web accessibility
• Customizable reports
• Multi-location support and usage
• Scalable and self-service portable
• Biometric security features for employee verification

5 Best Punch Clock Systems for a Business

Lathem Atomic Time Clock with Tru-Align 1600E

The Lathem 1600E Tru-Align Time Clock is distinguished by its Tru-Align technology and LED light, which assures exact and easy-to-read time punches while considerably lowering the chance of errors. They contain an internal clock that goes all to 2099, and you can even keep clocking in/out even when the power is out. You can easily mount the clock on the wall or desk.

The Lathem 1600E is particularly appealing to company owners due to its user-friendly design, which includes an LCD display that shows the date, time, and day of the week. The system’s ability to retain time during power outages, as well as its versatile mounting choices (ideal for both wall and desktop use), contribute to its ease of use and reliability.

Price: $355

Acroprint BioTouch Time Clock

The Acroprint BioTouch Time Clock is a highly efficient and user-friendly solution for time and attendance tracking that comes ready to use right out of the box. This totally self-contained system requires no software installation, making it extremely simple to set up and operate. Employee can record their “punch-in” in three different ways:

• Fingerprint scanner
• RFID card/Key fob
• Pin number

All data is safely kept on your computer and can store information on flash drives as well. This method not only simplifies the process of monitoring time and attendance but also assures that the data is easily accessible and controllable from your computer. BioTouch is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a simple, dependable, and secure time-tracking system with minimal setup and maintenance.

Price: $119

uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle

Looking for a starter bundle that can help you execute time recording and have no frills? uPunch starter time clock bundle could be the right one for you. This bundle includes the uPunch HN3000 Auto Align Time Clock, 100-time cards, two keys, a card rack, and one ink ribbon, providing everything needed to get started right away.

One of the primary benefits of the uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle is its simplicity. Employees’ start times, breaks, lunches, and finishes may all be easily tracked. The system is designed to handle a variety of pay intervals, including weekly, bimonthly, semi-monthly, and monthly schedules. Furthermore, the bundle includes a two-year time clock guarantee and lifelong customer support, providing peace of mind and dependability to business owners.

Price: $129

OnTheClock

OnTheClock is a comprehensive and user-friendly time-tracking tool aimed for small enterprises, with over 125,000 employees utilizing the platform. It’s an online punch clock system that employees can “clock in” on their mobile phone, a company tablet, or on their computer. OnTheClock offers integration with popular payroll integrations such as QuickBooks, Gusto, and ADP. 

The online punch systems like Geo-tagging and authorized sign-in devices make sure employees are only clocking in when specifically at a job site. The platform also includes a simple PTO management system, where time-off totals are automatically updated on employee timesheets, reducing administrative work. OnTheClock also has shit scheduling tools to map out when your workers are on a job site and better manage personnel. The important thing to remember is that OnTheClock can be just a simple punch clock, but it can also be so much more.

Price: Fee per employee / per month ranging from $3.20-$3.50. For 15 employees you could expect to pay around $51.

BambooHR

Looking for both a punch clock system and a full HR platform to manage all of your employee’s needs? Employees can punch in and out directly within the software, as well as submit time, check PTO status, and more. Employees can also log specific hours on projects, clients, locations, and more. This feature alone can help you track how long projects will take and help you better plan out projects.

HR managers can then turn around and approve time and shifts with a couple of clicks. What used to take teams of people can now be paired down to one person. Employees can not only clock in on their mobile application but also adjust time while on the go and manage other benefits through the application. 

Price: Custom pricing but they do offer a free trial.

Looking for a Punch Clock System that Works for You?

Are you looking for a provider that truly understands your needs? Need someone to help you find the best solution for your company? 360Connect can help! Just fill out our form and we’ll connect you with up to 5 suppliers that can help you find that perfect system for you!

Sources for infographic:

“The Ultimate List of Time and Attendance Statistics: QuickBooks Time.” The Ultimate List of Time and Attendance Statistics | QuickBooks Time, QuickBooks, quickbooks.intuit.com/time-tracking/resources/time-attendance-stats/. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.

Howarth, Josh. “49 Shocking Employee Theft Statistics (2024).” Exploding Topics, Exploding Topics, 5 Dec. 2023, explodingtopics.com/blog/employee-theft-stats.