What are the types of time clocks and which one is right for me?

So you have decided to buy a time clock. The masses of choice are very likely to be the next dilemma you face. So let us boil it down to a rich time clock sauce. Yummo!

What are the types of time clocks and which one is right for you? The right time clock means it was worth the money and time you have invested.

There are 3 major types of Bundy clocks to choose from. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Obviously cheap is not the only factor in your decision. For example, some cheaper time clocks may be only capable of handling a small number of employees. So if you are an expanding company, what looks cost effective to start with may end up costing you in the long run if you need to update in a few years.

The two major time clock categories are manual and automated. Manual clocks use cogs and dials to record time, while automated clocks use digital technology. There are several sub-categories of time clocks including:

Bundy Clocks: Time Card System
Bundy time clocks are the most traditional clock. The Bundy brothers first designed the original Bundy clock in the 1880's. A paper card called a Time Card was inserted into the clock, the clock punched a hole the card when clocked, thats why these clocks were also called Punch Clocks. This type of Bundy Clock has not been made for years, Bundy clocks now can electronically know where to print the time on the card without looking for holes punched out.

The Bundy clock is a wonderful invention and has served many companies well. This method of time recording is very simple and easy to use, resulting in a printed time card for each employees pay period.

Size of business: Small businesses are most likely to find these bundy clocks useful.

Cost: $395 - $1600

Brands: Amano , Seiko, Max


Digital Time Clocks: Proximity Card & Pin
Digital time clocks use digital technology to record employee time and attendance. Employee's simply swipe their card or enter their pin code to record their time. The recorded times are stored in the time clocks memory which can then be transferred to time recording software to interpret the hours worked.

Digital time clocks are extremely popular as they are require little maintenance and are easy to install.

Size of business: Small to large businesses benefit from digital time clocks

Cost: $1,500 - $2,600

Brands: Fingertec


Biometric Time Clocks: Fingerprint, Face Recognition
This is the James Bond of Time Clocks- without the explosions! Biometric time clocks use some of the latest technology available to keep track of employee time. These types of clocks have a few entry options such as using fingerprints or face recognition.

The employee places his fingerprint over the sensor. The machine reads the fingerprint and matches it against it's database.

With new fingerprint sensors requiring a live finger for verification and detecting live layers of skin with the finger a better verification is possible. And with face recognition being available in coming months this will result in an even simpler method of clocking on/off with greater reliability and security.

Size of Business: Small to large businesses

Cost: $1,500 - $3,000

Brands: Fingertec

Other Time Clocks FAQ you might find helpful:

• Whats the difference between a bundy clock and time clock?
• Whats the simplest time clock to start with?
• How can I streamline my payroll process?
• How do I setup an employee on a fingerprint time clock?
• What is buddy punching and how do I stop it?
• What are the best reasons to get a time clock ?
• How do I introduce a time clock to my staff?
• What are the top 10 time management tips?
• What are the hidden costs of your preferred time clock system?
• What is Time Management and how can I best use time?
• Why does WorkChoices require a Bundy Clock?