Eliott Dupuy

The best time and attendance systems

Time and attendance management systems allow you to track employees' working hours and manage salaries, which is crucial for any business.

The best time and attendance management systems are easy to implement and manage. Your employees will always be properly compensated for their work while eliminating any payroll bottlenecks.

That is why good time and attendance management systems integrate the most popular online payroll services.

If your current system is inaccurate or outdated, you could be costing your business tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

If you need an updated time system, you are in the right place.

Whatever your type of business or industry, this guide will help you find the best time and attendance tracking system for your company.

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The 6 best time and attendance management systems of 2020

There are a ton of time and attendance tracking systems out there. Some are good, others not so much. But these six systems stand out from the rest:

  • Technical specifications - Best time and attendance system for remote workers and integration with QuickBooks.

  • TimeClock Plus - The best for large companies and secure access control.

  • Stratustime - The best cloud-based time and attendance management software for small businesses.

  • Kronos - Ranges of products tailored for the workforce of small and medium-sized businesses.

  • uAttend - Best schedule management system for very small businesses.

  • iSolved TimeBest time and attendance management system for growing businesses.

I will give you a thorough review of each option below. We will examine the key features, benefits, costs, and other considerations to provide you with the information needed to make a decision.

Review of the best time and attendance management systems

Spreadsheets (best for remote workers and QuickBooks integration)

- Plans start at $28 per month
- Weather tracking on any device
- Employee scheduling
- QuickBooks Integration
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Spreadsheets are prominently featured on our list of the best employee scheduling software. So it's not surprising to see them at the top of this guide.

TSheets is also a Quickbooks company - you may already recognize them.

With time sheets, your employees can clock in from anywhere using the mobile time sheet application. The application allows you to track time even if WiFi and mobile phone service are not available.

You can use geofencing technology to draw a virtual radius around your business or work site. This allows you to ensure that your employees are where they need to be to do their job.

As I have already mentioned, the employee scheduling functions are also exceptional. This is an additional bonus that is provided as standard with your time and attendance management system.

For those of you who prefer a more traditional time clock system, in which your staff and clock in/out on the same device, you can use the TSheets Clock Kiosk. The kiosk works on any tablet or computer connected to the internet.

Each employee has a unique 4-digit code. The system also has a biometric tool for facial recognition to prevent "buddy punching" in the system.

Here is a quick comparison of the two plans and pricing options for spreadsheets

Prime - $20 base fee + $8 per user per month

  • Weather tracking on any device

  • Mobile application with GPS capability

  • Payroll and Invoicing

  • QuickBooks Integration

  • Employee scheduling

  • Real-time Reports

  • Time clock kiosk (with facial recognition)

Elite - $40 base fee + $10 per user per month

  • All premium features

  • Time sheet signatures

  • Geofencing

  • Project activities flow and estimations

  • Follow the progress of the projects

Both plans are available for a 14-day trial period for any company that wants to test them.

I recommend spreadsheets to all businesses looking to implement a time and attendance management system to simplify their payroll process. TSheets integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, Gusto, Square, Expensify, Xero, and other popular solutions.

TimeClock Plus (the best for large companies and secure access control)

- Personalized pricing
- A wide range of clocks
- Fully customizable
- High-end equipment
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As its name suggests, TimeClock Plus specializes in clocks. The company uses high-end equipment to eliminate outdated and obsolete devices.

Depending on the type of your business, TimeClock Plus offers you a wide range of time clocks

  • Barcode watches - Employees scan their badges to clock in and out at the entrance and exit

  • Biometric clocks- Fingerprint scanners and handheld scanners

  • Magnetic sweep clocks - Can be used with pre-existing magnetic stripe cards

  • Entry PIN clocks- Employees enter and exit using their unique PIN code

  • Watches close by - To ensure maximum speed and efficiency

  • Web Clock- For online timing

In addition to using advanced equipment for tracking time and attendance, TimeClock Plus also serves as a security device. You will have the ability to set up certain equipment with your door locks to prevent unauthorized access to buildings, rooms, or any other entry with a locked door.

This type of system is ideal for large organizations with complex security needs. Most small business owners will not need their employees to scan a fingerprint to enter building rooms.

TimeClock Plus systems are fully customizable.

It comes with absence management tools and also integrates with your employee scheduling software. You can also use the TimeClock Plus workforce scheduling system if you don't already have one.

TimeClock Plus has over 30 years of experience in providing services to businesses. They provide high-end equipment for every time management and attendance system.

Although these clocks may seem complex, TimeClock Plus makes it easy for you.

You will have a consultation with an advisor to find the best solution for your company. He will set up the system for you and even train your supervisors and employees on how to use it.

As this is a fully customized solution, no prices are available online. However, you can expect to pay top dollar for advanced equipment such as biometrics that syncs with your security system.

Stratustime (best cloud-based system for small businesses)

- Starting at $4/month per employee
- Access on any device
- Works with over 60 payroll systems
- Cloud-based and easy to use
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Stratustime is a time and attendance management software in the cloud from Nettime Solutions. It is a simple yet intuitive way for employees to clock in, clock out, and request time off.

It is very easy to use, both for staff and executives. And the payroll staff enjoys the same benefits behind the scenes.

Stratustime is flexible. This means that it can evolve with your business as you increase your workforce and add new employees. It also integrates with over 60 payroll systems to ensure a streamlined process in every aspect of human resources.

As a cloud-based system, it is accessible on any device. From smartphones to desktop computers, Stratustime is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Here are some of the key features of Stratustime by Nettime Solutions:

  • Possibility to check in or out from anywhere

  • Intuitive views of schedules

  • Time tracking

  • PTO in progress

  • Leave requests

  • Sick leave

  • Simple approvals from managers

  • Employee scheduling tools

  • Weather forecast

  • Alerts

  • Geofencing

  • ACA Compliance

Although exact prices and plans are not available on the website, Stratustime is very affordable. This is another reason why it is a top choice for small businesses.

Monthly rates start at $4 per employee. There is no long-term contract, so you can cancel at any time if you are unhappy (which probably won't happen).

Using a cloud-based software like Stratustime means you won't have complicated installations or troubleshooting issues. The software lives in the cloud, so it can be up and running in just a few minutes.

Existing companies using Stratustime have nothing but good things to say about the software. For small businesses with one site, multiple sites, and remote employees, Stratustime is an excellent choice for your time and attendance management system.

Kronos (the best for small and medium-sized businesses)

- Industry-specific solutions
- Safe, secure, and reliable
- Automation tools
- Real-time data & visibility reports
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Kronos has one of the most comprehensive time and attendance management systems on the current market for small and medium businesses. It provides industry-specific solutions for a wide range of business needs.

In addition to time and attendance management systems, Kronos offers workforce management tools, employee scheduling software, absence management, work activity tracking, and analysis tools.

Among the common industries that use Kronos for time and attendance management, we can mention

  • Healthcare

  • Retail Sale

  • Fabrication

  • Higher education

  • State and government

  • Contractual services

  • Bank

  • Police and correctional services

  • Distribution

What makes Kronos unique is the way it provides business solutions. It offers several product ranges to meet the needs of your organization.

Here is a brief overview of each solution:

The dimensions of the workforce Time management

  • Tracking and management of employees' time and attendance

  • Distinct tools for hourly employees and salaried employees

  • Real-time data and visibility reports

  • Automation tools to eliminate manual administrative processes

Ready to work workforce - Maintenance of working time

  • Flexible compensation rules to track and manage labor costs

  • Self-service tools for managers and employees

  • Several collection options (including the Kronos clock, web, and mobile application)

  • Implementing the attendance policy through tracking tools

Data collection on workforce dimensions

  • Use data to power your management

  • Data collection using portable devices, access via phone, badge, and biometrics

  • Devices for multiple environments and universal device manager

  • Simplified data flow

Data collection on workforce preparation

  • Kronos InTouch Clock (modern and fine watchmaking hardware)

  • Entry and exit with finger, proximity or badge

  • Website entry and exit

  • Mobile application for remote workers with geographical restrictions

You can get a range of products for practically anything. Some are more complex than others. It all depends on what your business is looking for.

No matter which solution you choose, Kronos systems are safe, secure, modern, and reliable. Contact their sales team to request a quote and schedule a consultation.

uAttend (the best for very small businesses)

- Powerful, reliable, and affordable
- Access to web and mobile applications
- Several options of time clock
- Connected to the cloud
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uAttend is a simple way to track time and attendance in your business. It is a powerful, reliable, and affordable alternative to traditional time clocks.

The modern equipment of uAttend is connected to the cloud.

In addition to the equipment provided by uAttend, you will also have access to the system through internet access and a mobile application. This is an ideal feature for your remote staff. You can even set up a geofencing feature to limit punches to designated locations.

The web dashboard is the perfect way for managers to see everything at a glance. You will be able to see who is working, who missed a beat, and dozens of other reports.

As this solution is web-based, you will not need to download any software, and you will be able to access it from anywhere. Even if you are not in the office, you will know exactly what is happening with your staff at all times.

Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular clocks and equipment offered by uAttend:

  • RFID Card Clock LANThe text: $119

  • Fingerprint LAN clockThe text: - — $149. The translated text: $149

  • Wifi Touchscreen ClockThe text: "$179."

  • RFID Card WiFi ClockThe text: – — $219. Translated text: Minus minus $219

  • Wifi fingerprint clock- Price: $249

  • Facial Recognition LAN Clock The text: – — $259. The translated text: $259

According to your needs, you can get a time clock for a price ranging from 120 to 260 dollars. This is extremely affordable, even for very small businesses.

In addition to clocks, you can also purchase RFID cards and keychains at uAttend.

All clocking devices come with a monthly subscription based on the number of employees you have. The clocks will not work without a subscription. All prices are transparent.

  • 1-9 employees - $20 per month

  • 10-19 employees - $34 per month

  • 20-49 employees - $59 per month

  • 50-99 employees - $94 per month

  • More than 100 employees - $119 per month

Although uAttend has plans to accommodate larger organizations, I highly recommend it to those of you who have a small business. It is an ideal solution for businesses that fall within these first two levels and have up to 19 employees. Beyond this number, I would look elsewhere.

iSolved Time (The best for growing businesses)

- An all-in-one solution
- Extremely flexible options
- Cloud-based system
- Employee Schedule Planning Tools
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iSolved Time is another all-in-one solution for time and attendance. It is a simple way for managers, supervisors, business owners, and employees to manage time tracking.

More than 45,000 companies and over 3 million employees use iSolved Time for tracking hours and attendance in the workplace.

The solutions offered by this provider are extremely flexible. They offer physical time clocks, a mobile application for time tracking, self-service tools for employees, and a combination of these offerings.

Setting up your new system from iSolved Time is quick and easy. You will also have access to a wide range of training options, so you understand the ins and outs of the solution.

Like many other options on our list, iSolved Time is a cloud-based system. You will have the ability to add physical time clocks on site, but you will be able to access the information from anywhere thanks to 24/7 internet connection.

Here are some of the key features and benefits of iSolved Time software:

  • Geofencing capability

  • Employee schedule planning tools

  • Ability to accommodate remote employees, multiple sites, and workplaces

  • Time management tools

  • Choosing methods for time collection (virtual clock, physical clock, mobile application)

  • Sophisticated HR integration

I love iSolved Time because they have the features and capabilities necessary to adapt to businesses of all sizes. That's why it's a top solution for those of you who have growing businesses.

As your business grows and you continue to add new employees to your team or multiple locations, iSolved Time has the ability to grow with you.

How to choose the best time and attendance management system for your company

Let's now choose the best time and attendance management system for you.

How to know which one suits you best? Follow our methodology to narrow down your options. I will describe the features you should look for during your search.

Equipment

The very first thing to do is to determine if you want physical equipment to be associated with your time and attendance management system.

For those of you who are already using punch cards, a modern clock is a viable replacement. I recommend it to businesses where the majority of employees work on-site, in the same location. It makes more sense to punch in entries and exits as they happen.

For those of you with small teams or many remote or mobile workers, hardware won't be necessary. You can find a time tracking system with a mobile app to manage everything on the go. There are also web-based solutions that don't require any hardware either.

Punching method

The punching method will obviously depend on whether equipment is used or not. But there are always variations with or without physical equipment.

For example, mobile application punching can be managed using geofencing technology. Your staff will only be able to punch in if they enter the designated site for a construction project.

As for in-person clock-ins, there are time clocks that work with PIN codes, RFID cards, fingerprints, handprints, facial recognition, etc.

A small cafe probably won't need facial recognition or other biometric methods to operate, but a sophisticated business with advanced security needs would benefit from this feature.

Integrations

Your new time and attendance management system should do more than just track time. It should integrate with other tools you use to minimize manual administrative tasks.

Search for a solution that integrates with your employee scheduling software or payroll system. Some of the options on our list include these features.

Company size

A startup team of four people and a medium-sized company with 200 employees will not have the same needs in terms of time and presence. It is important to find a solution that works well for the size of your organization.

There are many things to consider here. Some systems charge you based on the size of your staff. You may even have to bear additional costs for items such as FOB keys and identification cards.

If you currently have a small business, make sure to choose a system that can grow with you as your business expands. This way, you won't have to change systems when you hire new employees or open new sites.

Conclusion

What is the best time and attendance management system on the market? There are six that stand out from the others.

  • Technical specifications Best time and attendance system for remote workers and QuickBooks integration.

  • TimeClock Plus - The best for large companies and secure access control.

  • Stratustime - The best time and attendance management software in the cloud for small businesses.

  • Kronos - Product ranges tailored to the workforce for small and medium-sized businesses.

  • uAttend - Best time management system for very small businesses.

  • iSolved Time- Best time and attendance management system for growing businesses.

The best option for you will vary depending on your needs and the factors I have discussed in this guide. But I am confident that you can find a solution with the above criteria.