Time Clocks

Get the best time clock solution for your company

Written by Steve Bryan

Time clocks help keep the modern office humming along during the typical workday. Thanks to modern technology, these devices can do a lot more than simply log hours.

Punching time clocks

According to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, time is just a measure of motion. As a modern business owner, you now have many choices about how you measure and record the time your employees spend at work each week:

• Traditional time clock. Able to withstand hundreds of employee punches each day, the old-fashioned time clock was once a common fixture in offices and factories. For small operations, though, it still is a practical option that retails for less than $300.
• Ethernet ready. Small terminals can be installed anywhere in your building or office suite that has an Ethernet connection. This lets you connect several time clocks to the network and transfer all the data to the human resources department. More expensive than a traditional setup, this time management system retails for less than $1,000.
• Swipe card terminals. These types of time clocks can be mounted in a common area such as a lunchroom or the reception area. Each employee gets an individual identification card that they swipe through the clock as they go on and off duty. If you have a small company, expect to pay around $500 for the equipment and swipe cards.
• Hand punch. A hand punch system reads each employee's unique handprint. This eliminates the problem of an employee clocking in and out for absentee friends. Depending on the number of employees you have on staff, this device runs between $1,500 and $2,000.
• Thumb scan. Based on the same principles as the hand scanner, this type of time clock is easy to use. Your staff clocks in and out using their thumbprint which is quick and reliable. Biometric scanners like these can cost $1,000 or more, depending on the number of employees.

Always make sure to look for clocks that have battery backups, internal storage, and those that can be connected to the USB port of a computer.

Using time clock software

Modern time clocks are only as useful as the software you use to drive them. Most manufacturers will supply time management software that gathers and analyzes employee time and attendance records. With this data, you can create useful reports that point out chronic absenteeism and your true human resources costs. The software also can help with payroll calculations and create projections on future staffing needs.

Are you ready to purchase time clocks? Submit a free request for price quotes and get matched to multiple dealers who will try to get you the best deal for your business.

Free Time Clock Price Quotes

Fill out our short form to get free rates for time clocks.