Time and attendance data is as valuable as oil to a company. This data is fed into powerful systems and software through which it is sorted categorically and stored in a secure, remote, centralized server. With the passage of time severalTime And Attendance such devices have sprung up, each collecting its data from a different source. The end result though is the same; the data is stored for future analysis and employee evaluation.

As stated, there are currently several different kinds of systems and devices available and each organization chooses to use one based on their own needs and comfort. Amongst the most popular services currently used is that of biometric input, which uses physical characteristics as a means to identify employees. These characteristics are usually simple; a thumbprint or a retinal scanner is enough to acquire the necessary information. These are highly useful tools, since retinal patterns and fingerprints are unique to each individual and hence there is no fear of buddy punching being used at the workplace. The entire setup process is also very simple and installing the software as well as learning its operations is an easy task. One of the best features of this program is that it allows the administration secure and reliable data and removes the hassle of issuing each employee a personalized identification card.

Another useful technique of taking input is the barcode device. Through this system, employees acquire cards with unique barcodes which contain all their information. When presented in front of a barcode reader, the sensors pick up the information on the barcode and instantaneously punch in the employee as present. The whole system of identification is similar in the way a grocery store barcode reader is able to identify a product simply by scanning the barcode. As an extension to this technology, there are also cards issued with special chips that emit a radio frequency specific to each employee. The barcode reader is replaced by a transceiver that picks up on the RF signals and clocks an employee in the same way the barcode card does.

Magnetic stripes are yet another way for these transceivers to acquire data. These work almost exactly the same way as credit cards do; a magnetic strip on the edge of the card stores all your information and when swiped through a scanner, is able to allow access. The bad thing about using this method is the durability of the magnetic strip; cards may need to be reissued many times over the course of the employee’s time. They are however, cheap and the magnetic stripes on the cards are able to hold a lot more data as opposed to the barcode cards.

Irrespective of the method used to measure time and attendance data, the real job lies in the hands of the time & attendance software that is used to compile this data together. Through the use of time & attendance software, each individuals time and attendance record is compiled and can be called upon immediate need by the supervisor. This allows the HR department the ability to maintain a tight shift and opens avenues for greater productivity.

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