Invented over hundred years ago, employee time clocks are still essential for all businesses, as they are a great way to keep track of employee attendance. Time clock software systems are designed to run anything from a small office to huge conglomerate as an enterprise class application. Employee time clock software is comprised of computer based time clocks and time keeping solutions that offer routine tracking of employee sign-in/sign-out times, just like mechanical time clocks, electronic time card style systems and memory based clocks.

Instead of stamping a card, this system helps employees login to work by means of a computer terminal. Employees can also swipe a magnetic card through a reader on a computer. Rather than using a card, some companies use biometric input devices that enable employees to use their fingerprints or thumb imprints. A few companies with remote branches allow employees to use touch-tone telephones or the Internet to report their working hours.

Time clock software has several advantages. By accumulating employee data into a database, the software helps managers gain easy access to employee data and tools to audit the information for accuracy. At the end of the pay period, it automatically provides work details to the human resources department, reducing paperwork and eliminating errors. Its schedule management capability permits supervisors to set up and keep a timetable for each employee.

Time keeping software vendors and resellers provide packages for almost any size business. Simple employee clock software, including basic reporting and connections to payroll systems, can be purchased for under $500. The cost of a package for companies with hundreds or thousands of employees usually begins at several thousand dollars. But, these contain more features and more robust reporting and can be customized according to the business.