We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Time Clock Software?

By L.S. Ware
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,333
Share

There are many types of time clock software, ranging from free and simple open-source standalone programs to expensive and complicated programs that integrate with payroll software. A physical time clock might or might not be needed for the functionality of the software. Some time clock software packages are software as a service (SaaS) or cloud-based, and others reside on a company's local computer network. Features and compatibility vary greatly from system to system.

The one feature available with all systems is the capturing of an employee's "in" and "out" punches either via a computer terminal interface or via a physical time clock. Punches can be gathered using direct entry, time cards, badges or biometrics. Basic reporting for management is generally offered, and almost all time clock software tracks overtime and breaks.

The smaller — and typically less expensive — programs generally have fewer features and often do not integrate with payroll or accounting software. Most of the larger, more robust time clock software programs integrate directly with accounting and payroll programs and offer an array of additional features such as tracking of vacation time, paid time off (PTO) and other benefits. There are a seemingly endless number of features and combinations that are available with each type of time clock software.

Different types of time clock software offer different methods of interface. The most common is a personal computer (PC) entry method. This is often coupled with a web-based entry method. With this method, time and attendance information is entered using a computer terminal and opening or logging into the time clock program. In many configurations, PC entry is available in addition to a physical time clock.

Physical time clock variations that combine with time clock software include punch-card systems, biometric devices and badge readers. The punch-card system is the oldest variation and is simply a card that is physically inserted into the clock, which then timestamps the card. Biometric devices — devices that can securely identify a specific person — come in many shapes and sizes. There are fingerprint readers, hand readers and retina readers. Badge readers offer two ways to clock in and out: proximity scanning and swipe scanning.

Another difference in types of time clock software is whether it is networked. This means that some systems work only on a single computer terminal or from a physical time clock entry method. Other systems are installed on a company's server and can be accessed at any computer terminal on the network. A cloud-based system is available on any device that has an Internet connection.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Grivusangel — On Apr 25, 2014

I hate time clocks. I'd rather just keep track of my hours. If I forget to clock in after lunch, say, I have to remember to add it to my time sheet at the end of the pay period. What a pain in the neck!

By Scrbblchick — On Apr 24, 2014

Our time clock software is integrated into payroll, and it's out of commission about half the time. I clock in and out, but still have to tell my supervisor the hours I worked. Might as well have the old-fashioned time sheets we used to have. They were at least reliable.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-time-clock-software.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.