Timekeeping and Data Collection Services
Timekeeping and Data Collection Services
Everyday there are new changes being made to the business office. Technology is shaping every piece of equipment we use. The loud click and slide sounds of typewriters have been replaced by the gentle tap of keyboards. Cordless phones still sit on office desks, but stand in line behind mobile devices. We use programs such as Skype for conference calls, cloud services for sending and sharing documents and images. Even the compact and floppy disk are rarely seen. Both having been replaced by either USB or sending and storing information online. The basic things such as our timekeeping and data collection has evolved and branched out from the old punch card format as well.
Timekeeping is the foundation to the workday. Every business big or small has to have some method of it. Regardless of their position, an employee does not start their job until they clock in. It tells the company how much work someone has done for the day. It tells them how much to pay the employee at the end of the week. When an incident takes place at work, proper timekeeping can tell a company who was on the clock when it took place. This reduces the chance that an employee not involved will get disciplined for the incident.
Several new forms of timekeeping have been developed through the years. They can be performed through your own company or outsourced though a company offering timekeeping and data collection services. These are all effective means and devices at your disposal.
PC Entry: A system widely used throughout the business world, including grocery and retail. This involves having a computer designed for various functions that is easily accessible by employees. One main function is timekeeping. An employee will typically have some form of personal data or pass-code they can enter to clock in and out.
Data Collection Terminal: A device designed to read different forms of input for timekeeping and data collection. These forms will commonly include either a magnetic stripe, (such as a card or badge) or a barcode reader.
Biometric: An more advanced method that uses personal features of a person to clock them in and out of work. Biometric time clocks can use finger or handprints, iris or retina recognition, or facial recognition. They can also be used in conjunction to enter a building, or an area inside a building. Both unlocking entry, and clocking the employee in or out at the same time.
Web: Similar to PC Entry, Web Entry does not require a PC designed specifically for timekeeping, nor require a program. Any PC that can connect to the internet can be used to clock in and out of work.
Cellular/Telephone: Mobile technology and devices are advancing by leaps and bounds. A mobile phone can connect to the internet from just about any location. This can give them access to timekeeping websites such as the Web entry method listed above. Some companies have also created apps specifically for timekeeping and data collection.
This technology is available to everyone, and can be obtained through various sources. Companies such as Vision H.R. that specialize in timekeeping, payroll, and human resource management have programs that handle timekeeping and data collection for a company. These programs can clock employees into and out of work. They can provide reports and work with multiple forms of input. Timekeeping is an essential part of any business, but it doesn’t have to be a complex or aggravating part of it as well. Don’t let time cards clutter up your desk,take advantage of modern timekeeping services. Set up your own preferred method or outsource the work to a company that can help run it for you.
