As you have probably noticed, business is booming in Ireland. If you are taking advantage of this current growth, then you could benefit from advanced time tracking solutions.
The way that you track staff hours will have a direct impact on your payroll budget. Businesses that still rely on outdated systems can expect to lose money each pay date, due to these small errors.
Below, we will examine 7 ways that businesses in Ireland track staff hours. You will see the drawbacks of using manual systems and the advantages of using a modern solution to track employee hours.
#1 – Outdated Manual Time Tracking
A large number of businesses in Ireland still use manual options. Some of these options have been in use for over a century.In just the past two decades, major advances have made these manual options obsolete. Yet, numerous businesses are afraid to make the switch to a sophisticated attendance tracking solution to track employee hours.
What outdated options are we talking about? Manual time tracking includes the following:
- Time cards
- Time sheets
- Spreadsheets
When you use these options, you open your business up to risk. You risk losing money due to human error, theft, and other problems. The main reasons why these options are no longer a good solution includes the following drawbacks to manual time tracking:
- Human error and increased payroll costs
- Time theft and “buddy punching”
- Wasted time spent on administrative tasks
- Excess overtime due to poor time tracking
- Difficulty ensuring compliance with labour laws
These disadvantages can be avoided. There is no longer a reason to rely on these outdated options. Using one of the next six clocking in solutions, you can cut payroll costs and boost productivity.
#2 – PC Based Clocking
With PC-based clocking, an input method is attached to a computer. This input method could include a key fob, an ID card, or even a biometric reader. You can also choose to use this system on a single central employee computer or on each individual staff computer.
Once an employee logs in using the attached input method, they can access their schedule and hours worked through the PC. The system is automatically updated. As soon as a staff member clocks in or out, their time is logged.
No additional equipment is needed, other than the input method. This simplifies the way that you track time, cutting down on payroll errors and time spent clocking in or out.
#3 – Desktop Readers
A desktop biometric reader can be used for PC-based clocking. It is convenient and quick.
Using this option, you can still allow employees to clock in or out from a communal computer or their own individual workstations. This system is easy to use and eliminates the opportunity for “buddy punching”.
If you are not familiar with this term, it refers to a method of helping another employee with time theft. A buddy will clock in or out for their friend, even though the friend is not on site.
Biometric readers provide the most direct method of stopping time theft. No two people have an identical thumbprint and you cannot share thumbprints with your buddy.
#4 – Mobile Phone Clocking
Mobile phone clocking is the perfect solution for businesses with a mobile workforce. You can track hours worked in real-time and give staff the ability to clock in or out.
Using this system, you can also allow staff members to clock onto specific tasks or projects. With a modern, flexible office, these simple steps can help you remain in control of your staff.
Text alert clocking, like mobile phone clocking, is a simplified option for businesses with a mobile workforce. The main difference between this and mobile phone clocking is that your staff will not need a special app. They simply send text messages to clock in or out.
#5 – Land-line Clocking
Land-line clocking is one of the most cost-effective options. You do not need any special equipment, other than your existing phone system.
Using an 1800 reverse billing number, your staff members can clock in or out from the phone at their desk. This is perfect for businesses where every employee has their own phone, such as a call center.
As with the other options, data gets logged immediately. There is no need for manually entering hours worked.
#6 – Proximity Terminals
Proximity terminals are the standard punch clock that you see in many modern business settings. It consists of a terminal that can be placed on a wall or bench in a staff-only area, such as the break room or main HR office.
The use of proximity terminals is preferred in settings where the staff does not have easy access to a computer. You can use multiple input methods, which can simplify the way that staff members clock in or out. This includes:
- Swipe cards
- Key fobs
- PIN entry
- ID badges
While these options are great, there is another input method that helps provide added security. This brings us to the last option to help you track employee hours.
#7 – Biometric Terminals
The biometric terminal allows your staff to clock in or out using their thumbprint. The print is stored as an algorithm.
Biometrics provides the most secure option. You can avoid a couple of major issues. This includes time theft and unwarranted access to restricted facilities.
For added security, a biometric terminal can be combined with other clocking solutions. You can combine it with fob or keypad entry. With two-step verification, the opportunity for unrestricted access to secure rooms or time theft is avoided.
Streamline the Way That You Track Employee Hours
All of these modern solutions share something in common. They prevent errors. When an employee clocks in or out, a central database is automatically updated. There is no chance of human error, as the system takes care of all your time tracking needs.
Now that you see the benefits of modern time tracking solutions, it is time to decide whether you need to upgrade. If you still use manual paperwork, such as time cards or time sheets, you are likely already losing money on payroll.
Getting started is easy. Begin by looking over the various human capital management modules on offer.
At Advance Systems, we want to make the process easy, with quick deployment and custom solutions. Examine these solutions to find the best option for helping you track employee hours.
