Upgrading your time and attendance solution is a smart move, whether you’re moving away from manual timesheets or replacing a legacy system. But with so many options on the market, it’s essential to know what questions to ask before making a decision.

From setup time and mobile functionality to compliance and cost, here’s what businesses should consider, and how solutions like PeopleKey’s can deliver.

1. Implementation and Setup: How Easy Is It to Get Started?

For many organisations, the first concern is how disruptive the transition will be. Implementation time varies between systems, so be sure to ask:

How long will setup take?
Configuration, testing, and user training typically span a few weeks for most medium-sized businesses.

Can existing employee data be imported?
A good system will allow for seamless migration of employee records and historical time data.

What support is available during setup?
Look for onboarding services, technical support, and post-go-live training.

“Time and attendance management has come a long way from punch cards,” says Frank Bruce, CEO of PeopleKey.

“We’ve designed our systems for quick implementation, with guided setup, support materials, and live assistance to help businesses go live without disruption.”

2. Features and Functionality: Does the System Fit Your Workforce Needs?

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in time and attendance. Modern systems must offer flexibility, customisation, and reliability.

Time Capture Options

Biometric scanners (like the PeopleKey 5110) ensure identity verification.

Mobile clock-ins with GPS data improve visibility for field and hybrid teams.

Web-based kiosks allow flexibility on temporary or remote sites.

Integration Capabilities

Integration with payroll systems (over 20 supported by PeopleKey Nexus) eliminates manual data entry and reduces payroll errors.

Support for Complex Pay Rules

Overtime, shift differentials, and allowances are automatically calculated based on award or enterprise agreements.

Leave and Accrual Management

Systems should support annual, sick, long service, and personal leave types, with real-time balances and automated accruals.

Mobile Accessibility and Geolocation

A mobile app that works across devices empowers employees to clock in on the move.

Geofencing ensures that workers are in the right place at the right time.

Fraud Prevention Tools

Biometric authentication prevents buddy punching.

GPS tracking and optional photo capture add layers of verification.

“Our clients use a mix of mobile, kiosk, and biometric clocking options,” says Bruce.
“What they love is that we let them choose the method that suits each site, shift, or role, without locking them into one format.”

3. Pricing Models and Hidden Costs: What’s the Real Cost?

Understanding pricing structure is crucial:

Is it per employee, per site, or a flat monthly fee?

Are there extra fees for setup, training, or support?

Will you pay more for advanced features like biometric scanners or GPS tracking?

With PeopleKey, setup costs are transparent, and cloud-based pricing scales with your needs. There are no hidden fees for basic support or integrations, making it easy to plan your budget with confidence.

4. Compliance and Security: Does It Help You Meet Legal Obligations?

Australian businesses must track start/finish times, breaks, and overtime in line with Fair Work Act requirements. Non-compliance risks serious financial penalties.

Labour Law Compliance

Look for built-in award interpretation.

Ensure accurate tracking of hours, breaks, and entitlements.

Data Security

Is the system backed by a secure platform like Microsoft Azure?

Who has access to employee data, and how long is it stored?

Are audit logs and tamper-proof records available?

PeopleKey Nexus offers real-time reporting, built-in compliance features, and encrypted cloud storage. “Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines,” Bruce notes. “It builds trust internally and externally.”

5. Employee Experience: Is It Easy to Use and Adopt?

No matter how sophisticated the system is, if your people won’t use it, it’s a fail.

What to Look For

User-friendly interface for both employees and managers.

Mobile app functionality for accessing rosters, leave balances, and timesheets.

Clear onboarding support for all staff levels.

“Attendance isn’t just about showing up,” Bruce explains.
“It’s about professionalism, fairness, and transparency. A good system makes that easier for everyone.”

PeopleKey’s platform is praised for its intuitive design and strong customer support. Clients like Kingspan and Rondo Building Services report rapid adoption and minimal friction.

Client Endorsements

“We’ve rolled PeopleKey out across our entire Australian operation. The technology and support team have been brilliant.”
— Adbri Concrete & Aggregates

“PeopleKey fits smoothly into our processes. Support has been quick and helpful.”
— Kingspan Insulated Panels

“It has simplified how we manage time and attendance and gives us peace of mind around compliance.”
— Foodlink Australia

Ask the Right Questions, Choose the Right Partner

Implementing a new time and attendance solution is a strategic decision. By asking the right questions about setup, features, compliance, and employee experience you can make an informed choice that will pay off in productivity, compliance, and peace of mind.

Take the Next Step with PeopleKey

Whether you’re managing a warehouse, hospitality venue, aged care facility, or remote team, PeopleKey has a solution built for your needs. Discover how our biometric time and attendance tools can streamline operations, reduce errors, and simplify compliance.

Book a no-obligation demo today.
📞 1800 015 458 | ✉️ info@peoplekey.com | 🌐 peoplekey.com.au