Whats the difference between a bundy clock and time clock?

If you're not familiar with Bundy Clocks then all these different designations can be confusing. The funny thing is, some of them are the different names for the same thing! See our definitions to sort through the confusion:

Bundy Clock

When Mr. Bundy invented his first Business Machine, it was to keep track of the hours employees worked. Clocking on got called by the name of his machine - which came to be known as a Bundy Clock.

(See our bundy clock paragraph on the home page for more.)

So just about anything that you can clock on or off with is a bundy clock, however traditionally the term Bundy Clock refers to the mechanical sort (not the computerised sort) which involves pushing a narrow piece of printed cardboard ('clock card') into the machine to be stamped or printed on. It may not even require electricity of any sort.

Time Clock

While the phrase 'time clock' can also refer to the typically mechanical Bundy Clock, it is the most general or broad term of the terms discussed here, so all of these products really are time clocks.

A time clock may also involve a computerised system that connects to a computer, network, or door lock strike for security entrance.

Employee Time Recorder

This is a more technically correct term to refer to the same as the above two definitions. Due to this name beginning to be used more recently, an 'Employee Time Recorder' most usually refers to a computerised unit which can keep track of individual employees and may not require a clock card.

However there are many sophisticated clock card machines which automatically total the hours recorded. Use our time clock selector tool to help you narrow down our range to the ones that automatically total hours (but which don't, for example, have payroll integration).

Time and Attendance Terminal, Unit or System

While the name doesn't sound much different, this is the term used to describe the most complex of time clocks. Calling a unit a time and attendance system means it most definitely is computerised and keeps a detailed log of every individual employee's movements, being able also to tally and cross-tally them in a variety of ways.

This computerisation lends itself to a number of uses, namely that the data can be (but isn't always) integrated with your external payroll software, and/or can control a door lock strike for security access control, and/or could even provide live reporting on the location of an employee. Some units are directly connected to the internet and this information can be accessed by authorised personnel anywhere in the world.

Time Clock Software or Program

A computerised time clock (or certainly any Time and Attendance System) requires software to interpret the raw data captured in the log when an employee moves in or out of the controlled zone or clocks on or off.

There are many examples, both simple and complex, and we endorse particularly: Fingertec's TCMS Time Clock Software.

If there is a term or item you are unfamiliar with that is not described here - please email Bundy Specialists for more info!

Other Time Clocks FAQ you might find helpful: