Best Attendance Software & Systems for Small Businesses
The purpose of time and attendance software is to keep track of and maximize the number of hours employees spend at work.
Small and large companies alike use this type of software to keep track of employees’ wages and salaries.
What is Attendance Software?
Attendance software keeps track of each employee’s hours worked and earnings.
As a result, this type of software often includes payroll systems.
Attendance can also measure employee productivity by recording who is working when and what task.
Software tracking employee attendance saves time and guarantees that employers are always aware of who is at the office and at what time.
Error-free wage computations and time tracking benefits also reduce absenteeism.
The staff or management can also get alert if an employee is consistently late or does not show up for work.
Time Tracking Versus Time and Attendance Software
Using time tracking software, you can maintain tabs on how much time each employee spends on their assigned work.
Whereas time and attendance software is a piece of software that tracks employees’ start, stop, and break times.
Time Tracking Software | Time and Attendance Software |
| Every minute an employee spends working on a project or assignment they’ve been given is typically recorded. | It’s common for it to keep track of an employee’s schedule, such as when they arrive and leave the office. |
| The primary function of this program is to keep track of all of an employee’s work hours. | Most of the time, this software concentrates on the exact moment an individual begins working. |
| Using this tool allows one to plan and coordinate the work of a team on the project. | It allows you to monitor and regulate your employees’ activities. |
| This simply reveals who in the company is doing what. | It simply displays who is in attendance and who is not on a daily basis. |
| This helps in time management by providing an estimate of how long a project or job will take to complete. | These help in keeping track of the time spent by an employee on a given task, allowing the employer to pay them accordingly. |
| There is no way for this system to keep track of employees who aren’t there, nor does it keep track of how much time employees spend following a set schedule. | It is possible to keep track of employees who are tardy or not showing up for work using this technique. |
| In addition to monitoring employees and giving tasks to those who are most capable, it provides capabilities such as job delegation. | Biometric verification, deafening, i.e. GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi, etc. are all included. |
| Use to estimate deadlines, manage budgets, and more. | Use it to track time off, pay bills, and more. |
Types of Attendance Software: Attendance Management System
Attendance management is important for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is employee productivity.
There are many different types of AMS, but all have the same goal: to ensure that employees are in attendance and at work on time.
AMS can be used in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies.
But the most common types of attendance management systems are:
a) Manual Attendance System
Until recently, manual attendance was the primary means of keeping track of students’ schedules.
MS-Excel spreadsheets and books can keep track of a worker’s hours.
Muster roll registers for manually entering personnel information are available at a stationery store.
This technique was no longer required when an automated solution was introduced.
We see an ever-increasing number of difficulties and demands.
It is no longer possible to manually record employees’ arrival and departure times.
This record’s manual nature makes it susceptible to frequent visits by employees seeking favours.
b) Payroll & Attendance Software Records
These sheets track the start and end timings of each employee’s shift.
This way, the employer has a complete picture of the employee’s work history.
To plan and manage resources, information like this is necessary.
These timesheets are frequently found online.
Web access to these timesheets is possible on occasion.
In this manner, an employee’s working hours can be efficiently tracked. Tracking the hours worked by employees will save them money in the long term.
An employer can estimate how long work will take by looking at the timesheet of a previous employee who did a similar job.
It’s also possible to look at how much time people spend doing various things and make comparisons.
As a result, an employee’s function can be restructured based on their performance.
The timesheets of a company’s employees also reveal information on the output of that employee.
Consequently, the amount of administrative work will be significantly decreased.
c) Automated System
Based on the data inputs, the system automatically creates a record with all employee timing in and out.
When an employee enters or exits the office, they must register.
As a result, checking on an employee at each point of entry or leave is unnecessary.
However, an automated system would be preferable for keeping employee attendance.
Because it takes less manual labor, this method may be more reliable than previous ways.
d) Time Cards
To record employees’ hours worked, they must swipe their time cards through a machine.
A credit or debit card eliminates the need for paperwork by instantly retrieving and sending data from the card.
Incorporating a card swipe system from a third party is an option.
e) Proximity Card, Badges, or Key Fobs
With these technologies, there is no need for swiping.
When employing proximity cards, badges, or critical fobs as an attendance system, the employee must bring the device as close to the reader as possible.
These systems can also keep tabs on employees’ whereabouts inside a company, as some do.
f) Biometric Attendance Software System
A biometric device verifies and identifies an employee’s status in an organization.
Using this template, users (employees) can use their smart cards or biometric machines to prove their identities.
A user’s biometric traits are the only means by which they can be identified; no smart card or username is required.
In the biometrics system, there are two types of devices.
- Fingerprint Biometric System
- Facial Recognization System
However there are additional biometrics systems that are available based on a person’s activity, such as voice recognition, signatures, and keystrokes, are also available.
Biometric readers typically recognize fingerprints or retinas in the workplace.
And fingerprints are the most widely used physiological biometric.
g) Interactive Voice Response
Employees can punch in, check their schedules, get operator messages, and request time off using only their touch-tone phones when employing an Interactive Voice Response system.
Starting with the call dialogue and professionally recorded voice prompts, it is tailored to match the demands of each organization.
h) Online Attendance System
It is a cloud-based timekeeping system that can be accessed anytime via the Internet or a mobile app.
Thanks to cloud computing, attendance data, logins, and logouts can all be accessed from nearly anywhere via the Internet.
Additionally, if you have a substantial section of your team working remotely at client sites or inbound sales positions, these tools can be helpful.
There are many advantages to using cloud-based attendance management software instead of more traditional methods like paper attendance logs.
Integrated software for managing attendance works better together than separate software for managing attendance.
Online attendance systems allow schools and other organizations to keep track of the attendance of their employees, students, or members.
And any device can access these systems that have internet. They are commonly used in businesses, government institutions, and schools.
The system records the time a person is logged in and the time they left the site.
This information can be used to calculate an employee’s work hours or to find out who was absent from a class.
Features of Attendance Software System
A good attendance management system should provide features such as tracking absences, automated reminders, and communication with hr managers.
It should also allow for easy modification to meet the needs of different businesses.
An Attendance Management System (AMS) is a tool to track each employee’s daily attendance.
Said, being present at work is the definition of attendance. And the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) keeps an eye on it.
A well-designed attendance management system can save businesses time and money by automating the process of tracking employee attendance.
A good attendance management system can help you identify potential problems early on and take appropriate action.
By implementing an attendance management system, you can ensure that your business runs smoothly and that your employees are productive members of your team.
There are a number of features that should be included in any attendance management system, and this article outlines some of the most important ones.
1. Clocking in and out
The ability to clock in and out is a critical component of an attendance control system.
You should be able to allow your employees to clock in, arrange punch-in breaks, and finally clock out.
For this, you can use biometric devices and apps on your phone.
2. Leave Management
Your attendance management system should address this as well.
When a student misses a school day, they shouldn’t automatically be marked as absent.
Employees could also take a half-day off and clock in as such, or they could ask for a leave of absence.
3. Attendance Software & Payroll Integration
When you’ve integrated your payroll system with the ATS you’re already using, it’s easier to manage payroll, as compensation is computed based on the time the system records.
In addition to calculating your daily payroll, a well-rounded ATS will also handle hourly pay and other forms of flexible payment.
4. Automated Communication
Software for managing attendance should be able to interface with access control systems and time attendance devices automatically.
Your plan should be able to communicate with devices located in different parts of the world, regardless of where they are.
5. Notifications
Every company should implement an effective system for receiving updates and alerts on significant occurrences.
When an important event occurs, the cloud-based attendance management system provides the option to notify its users.
6. Self-Service for Employees
Self-service is a vital feature to look for in an attendance management system.
It’s a game-changer in every sense of the word.
An app or web-based attendance tracking solution can eliminate the need for your employees to clock in and out of the office.
Requests for time off, alterations to attendance records, and other duties relating to self-compliance can be completed without the assistance of HR management.
7. Calendar Syncing
One of the essential features of an excellent attendance management system is the ability to be synced with various popular digital calendars.
Everyone on your team can tell if you’re available or not with this information.
They are particularly beneficial for remote teams because you can check the shared calendar to see if a member has been present or absent.
8. Biometrics Attendance System
You need biometric integration with a biometric machine if you have a large staff and require them to clock in and leave at a particular time.
The biometric attendance function is the best option for you.
The attendance authorization device employs a specific employee’s fingerprint the device to prevent fraud.
9. Advanced Analytics
Intelligent attendance management systems are powered by modern analytics that provides granular visibility into your employees’ attendance patterns, accurately depicting individuals who are working additional hours or working overtime.
10. Employee requests
If a worker forgets to punch in or log out at the right moment, or if they are a field employee, they may file a special request to fix their attendance.
The technology immediately updates the attendance after the manager has approved it.
Benefits of Attendance Software & Time Management System
ASMS can help businesses manage employee attendance and recording, as well as improve communication between employees and their managers.
There are several benefits of an attendance software management system some of them include:
1. Authentic Accuracy
In the past, students’ attendance was tracked by hand, prone to mistakes and difficulties.
For example, employees frequently failed to clock in or purposefully abused the system by keeping their clocks open past their scheduled departure time.
An automated attendance management system, known for its reliability and precise attendance records, has eliminated these problems.
Employees can’t interfere with the systems because they collect and log data and update attendance records in real-time.
The company knows even if an employee comes in early or leaves late.
2. Productivity Increases
Keeping a manual tally of employee absences can be time-consuming when determining wages.
Payroll mistakes are more likely to occur when data is entered by hand, increasing human error risk.
Using an automated tracking system can save a lot of time and reduce the risk of errors.
You can use the time you saved by focusing on your company’s goals to boost productivity and efficiency.
3. Cost reduction
An attendance system based on paper can result in erroneous Tracking and payroll mistakes.
It is possible to save a lot of money by implementing a high-quality ATS, which lowers tardiness and absenteeism.
These technologies eliminate one of the most significant causes of financial losses.
4. Legal Compliance
As a result, manually tracking your assets might be a huge hassle.
Cloud-based attendance management systems will ensure that the data is recorded correctly and that you meet all applicable regulations and labor laws.
Best Time & Attendance Software and Systems for Small Businesses
Companies and HR departments utilize time-tracking software to make things easier.
These solutions automatically calculate all hours worked, vacation time, holidays, sick days, and overtime.
Clocks, the web, phones, and tablets are just a few ways employees can clock in and out with time & attendance solutions.
Additional capabilities, such as scheduling and visibility into overtime causes and patterns, may be provided by some solutions.
Meanwhile, several technologies for tracking time and attendance include self-service portals allowing employees to view all of their timecard statistics.
Time and attendance software and labor management software are often packaged together, but it’s crucial to distinguish between them.
Payroll software or payroll service providers often interact with time and attendance systems to export all employee attendance data.
As of 2023, these are some of the best time and attendance software:
1. Bamboo HR Time and Attendance: HR Software for Automation
BambooHR includes several features that automate keeping track of employee time and attendance.
It’s simple for you and your team managers to tailor PTO policies for groups or individuals and to adjust accruals by location or department.
Automating PTO administration is also possible from this point onwards.
BambooHR automatically files payroll taxes and year-end forms if you add the payroll service.
You can also transfer your company’s data between platforms using the BambooHR software’s integrations with various other applications, including staff scheduling apps.
Users of the BambooHR platform can now access fresh applicant talent pools, configure new hire packets, and fine-tune each employee’s onboarding experience from the same dashboard.
2. Time Doctor: Most Productive Time & Attendance Software System
Liam Martin and Rob Rawson created the time and attendance software Time Doctor in 2012.
As a result, you and the rest of your team will be able to work more efficiently daily.
Project management, employee monitoring, and time tracking are all included in this program.
Using this app, you’ll be able to keep track of all your tasks and stay productive.
One of the many benefits of the Time Doctor’s Attendance Tracking System is managing employee absences and calendars.
And scheduling work hours, tracking time cards tracking vacation and leave.
You can monitor your employees’ activity with Time Doctor’s various capabilities, which is a terrific method to keep track of and boost productivity.
Few time-tracking programs allow you to grab screenshots of employees’ computers.
Time and attendance tools, including time monitoring, project tracking, and timesheet approvals, are included in the package.
There are handy notifications and reminders for employees when they access non-work-related websites from Time Doctor.
3. When I work: For Restaurant and Retail Stores
When I Work is a great fit if your business employs shift workers, like restaurants or retail shops.
With this software, you may ensure that you’re conforming to various scheduling rules and requirements by comparing schedules with actual hours worked. Not every time and attendance system offer all of these capabilities, which are critical for restaurants and businesses.
4. TimeClock Plus: Time & Attendance Software for Scaling Businesses
TCP by TimeClock Plus is a web-based time and attendance solution designed for mid-mid-to large-sized enterprises.
TCP’s labour-management products are available at cheap annual or monthly rates.
There are various customization options (such as job costing, shift difference, advanced leave and overtime, and replacement management) so you can expand your plan as your company grows.
5. Clockify: Attendance Software for Hybrid Teams
Clockify is an excellent time and attendance system for companies with both in-office and remote employees.
The desktop app, web browser, and iOS or Android mobile app allow employees to keep track of their time from virtually anywhere.
It also allows you to organize timetables to prevent hybrid workers from overworking or underworking themselves using these techniques.
6. QuickBooks Time: Mobile workforce for Businesses
With QuickBooks Time, companies with mobile workers have the most fantastic time and attendance solutions available.
A time and attendance system that allows workers to record their time worked outside the office is typically sought after by organizations with a mobile workforce.
Employees may clock in and out, see schedule changes, and request PTO using QuickBooks Time’s web browser or mobile app.
7. OnTheClock: Attendance & Time Tracking System for Small Business
As a time and attendance system for small enterprises, OnTheClock is an excellent option because it offers solid functionality at a reasonable price and can expand with your company.
OnTheClock’s drag-and-drop capability makes it straightforward to use when it comes to scheduling.
Fingerprints, computers, tablets, mobile apps, and kiosks are options for employees to clock in and leave.
8. Time Click: Time and Attendance Systems for In-Office Teams
We only tested TimeClick as an on-premises solution for businesses with a traditional office setup.
The software keeps track of when employees begin and end their shifts by requiring passwords for time punches.
9. Paychex Flex Time and Attendance: All-in-One HR Solution
In our evaluation, Paychex Flex is one of the few organizations that provide complete HR solutions, including payroll administration, hiring and onboarding, employee benefits administration, company insurance, and compliance support.
Paychex’s cloud-based time and attendance software have more punch-in options than most competitors, including a kiosk app for tablets (with optional facial verification), mobile apps for iOS and Android, a web app, and a time clock.
All of these punch-in options are available through Paychex.
10: Connect Team: Track Your Deskless Employees’ Attendance
An All-in-one digital solution for the mobile workforce, Connecteam allows managers to control their organization from anywhere at any time successfully.
Key features of this tool include online time tracking, which enables managers to monitor employee whereabouts and routes while they check in to avoid payroll issues like time fraud and buddy punching.
With Connecteam Attendance Tracking, you can track everything from employee absences to vacations and sick days to FMLA and overtime hours worked.
11. UltiPro: Attendance Tracking, Payroll & Human Resource Management
When it comes to improving and simplifying employees’ work experience, UltiPro is the answer.
It aids in various operations, including payroll, human resources, project management, and many more.
In addition to real-time data synchronization, cloud security, and insights, it also delivers insights.
It is also in charge of keeping track of the passing of time and the requirements for employee presence.
Features of UltiPro’s Attendance Tracking include Calendar Management, Scheduling, Overtime Tracking, Self Service Portal, Timesheets, Vacation/Leave Tracking, and Time Clock.
12. Replicon: Cloud-based Time Tracking Software
It has been almost 20 years since Replicon; the Time IntelligenceTM firm has been at the forefront of time management innovation.
As a result of Time Intelligence, an organization’s production, efficiency, and profitability all improve.
Replicon’s Time Intelligence Platform offers solutions for time and gross pay compliance, ERP, business operations software for professional services, and an SDK.
In Replicon Attendance Tracking, there are features that include Employee Scheduling, Employee Time Clock, FMLA tracking, Overtime Tracking, Self Service Portal, Timesheets, and Vacation / Leave Tracking.
13. Cake HR: Your HR simplified
It is highly recommended that you use CakeHR if you want an all-in-one human resources solution for your company.
It streamlines employee attendance and manages their performance.
It’s ideal for small and medium-sized businesses alike. When it comes to managing time off, it is a valuable tool.
Absence Management, Calendar Management, Scheduling, Time Clock, and Overtime Tracking are just a few of the features of CakeHR Attendance Tracking.
14. Isolved: Comprehensive Human Capital Management
SaaS-based Human Capital Management technology is known throughout the United States.
Solved takes care of their clients’ HR, Payroll, Time and Attendance, and Benefits Enrollment.
Employers can use Isolved’s Time Attendance Tracking features to keep track of employees’ absences, as well as employee scheduling and time clock management.
15. Calamari: Modern HR, Online Leave & Attendance Tracking
It is a crucial piece of human resources software customized to meet the specific needs of a particular company’s personnel.
Calamari handles the management of employee absences, FMLA claimants, vacation requestors, and overtime claimants and all using this software.
Additionally, you can use it to keep track of your calendar and create work schedules for your employees.
Calamari’s Attendance Tracking features include employee Scheduling, Time Clock, FMLA Tracking, Overtime Tracking, Timesheets, and Vacation / Leave Tracking.
Conclusion:
As a small business owner, finding the correct time and attendance software may greatly assist in streamlining monitoring processes, increasing staff productivity, and automating the process of timesheets and payment.
However, when you have to choose from a sea of possibilities, it can be daunting.
You may select the best attendance monitoring software for your organization based on the factors that impact your firm’s productivity most.
