Tracking employee work hours accurately is critical for businesses looking to optimise workforce management, improve payroll efficiency, and enhance compliance. While traditional time clocks and timecards have been widely used in the past, modern time and attendance systems offer far greater accuracy, flexibility, and security.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between traditional and modern systems, discuss the role of biometric technology, and explain how PeopleKey’s advanced time and attendance solutions can streamline workforce management.

1. How Are Time and Attendance Systems Different from Traditional Time Clocks?

Traditional time clocks and paper-based timecards rely on manual inputs, making them prone to errors, buddy punching, and payroll disputes. In contrast, modern time and attendance systems, such as PeopleKey Nexus, automate workforce tracking through biometric authentication, cloud technology, and real-time data reporting.

Key advantages of time and attendance systems include:

• Elimination of time theft (e.g., buddy punching)
• Accurate tracking of work hours without manual errors
• Integration with payroll systems for seamless wage calculations
• Compliance with labour laws through automated record-keeping

With cloud-based solutions like PeopleKey Nexus, businesses can access attendance data from anywhere, ensuring real-time visibility and improved workforce management.

2. What Types of Time Clocks Are Compatible with Time and Attendance Systems?

Time and attendance systems are designed to work with various clock-in methods, including:

• Biometric Time Clocks (Fingerprint, Facial Recognition) – Provides high-security authentication and eliminates buddy punching.
• Mobile Clocking – Allows remote workers to clock in using their smartphones, with GPS tracking for verification.
• RFID/Proximity Cards – Employees clock in using ID cards with embedded chips.
• PIN and Keypad Entry – Suitable for businesses preferring a non-biometric approach​PeopleKey Hardware Sale….

PeopleKey’s biometric time clocks, such as the PeopleKey 5110 Camera Edition, combine fingerprint scanning and facial recognition for fast, accurate, and secure clock-ins.

3. Is There a Difference Between a Time and Attendance System and a Biometric System?

Yes. A time and attendance system is a broader solution that tracks employee hours, manages scheduling, and integrates with payroll. A biometric system, on the other hand, is a security feature within a time and attendance system that uses fingerprint or facial recognition for accurate clock-ins.

PeopleKey’s biometric solutions, powered by Microsoft Azure, offer enhanced security and reliability, ensuring only authorised employees can clock in.

4. Do You Have to Use a Time Clock with a Time and Attendance System?

No, many time and attendance systems provide alternative clocking options such as:

• Mobile clocking with GPS tracking
• Web-based clocking via a desktop or app
• Biometric scanning at secure entry points

PeopleKey Nexus supports flexible clocking solutions, making it ideal for hybrid workforces and businesses with remote teams​.

5. Are Time and Attendance Systems Only Useful for Businesses with Hourly Employees?

No. While hourly wage businesses benefit from precise work-hour tracking, time and attendance systems are valuable for all workforce structures, including:

• Salaried employees (for tracking attendance, leave, and remote work)
• Shift-based workers (for managing complex rosters)
• Contractors (for logging billable hours accurately)

PeopleKey’s cloud-based attendance tracking ensures businesses of all sizes and industries can streamline their workforce management​.

6. How Do Time and Attendance Systems Work for Remote Employees?

With more businesses adopting hybrid and remote work models, cloud-based time tracking is essential. PeopleKey Nexus allows remote employees to:

• Clock in and out via mobile devices
• Log work hours from any location
• Verify attendance with GPS tracking
• Access schedules and submit leave requests online

These features ensure compliance with Fair Work regulations, even for dispersed teams​.

7. How Do Time and Attendance Systems Integrate with Payroll Systems?

A key advantage of modern time and attendance systems is seamless payroll integration. PeopleKey Nexus integrates with over 20 payroll systems, automatically syncing attendance data for:

• Accurate wage calculations
• Overtime and penalty rate compliance
• Elimination of manual data entry errors

This integration reduces administrative workload and ensures employees are paid correctly and on time​.

8. How Do Time and Attendance Systems Manage Paid Time Off (PTO)?

Managing paid leave, sick days, and holidays is simplified with an automated time and attendance system. PeopleKey Nexus provides:

• Managerial approval workflows
• Customisable policies for different types of leave

With automated PTO tracking, businesses maintain compliance with Fair Work Act requirements while streamlining leave management​.

Investing in a modern time and attendance system like PeopleKey Nexus is a business game-changer. By replacing outdated time clocks and manual processes with cloud-based, biometric technology, businesses can achieve:

• Increased accuracy
• Seamless payroll integration
• Enhanced security
• Compliance with labour laws
• Greater workforce flexibility

Why Choose PeopleKey?

At PeopleKey, we specialise in biometric time and attendance solutions that provide fast, secure, and efficient workforce management. Our solutions cater to industries such as mining, logistics, warehousing, construction, hospitality, and aged care.

📞 Book a free demo today and discover how PeopleKey Nexus can revolutionise your workforce management.

📧 Contact us at info@peoplekey.com or visit www.peoplekey.com for more information.