Automated versus manual timekeeping

Automated Versus Manual Timekeeping

Timekeeping is a crucial aspect of every business, and failure to oversee and maintain punctuality among employees can be the downfall of any company.

Manual timekeeping systems used to be the only way of recording the hours an employee worked, but with so many advances in modern technology, businesses are increasingly opting for automated timekeeping systems‌ but why, exactly?

Why choose an automated timekeeping system?

1. To avoid human error: Research has shown that mistakes are often made when staff is preparing their time sheets, and over time, the cost of this can be detrimental to a company. Additionally, if such errors are spotted, the cost of correcting them has to be taken into account, too.

2. To increase productivity: Collating, reviewing and entering data from time sheets can be a time consuming task, with several hours often being spent on it at the end of each payroll period. It takes one or more people to complete; the time could be drastically reduced with the use of an automated timekeeping system, leaving that member (or members) of staff free to complete other tasks. Not forgetting the amount of time each week/month spent preparing new timesheets that could be saved.

3. To prevent time theft: A common aspect of employees keeping a record of their own attendance, is time theft. One way of ensuring that you get paid when you’re not there, is to ask a friend or colleague to record your attendance, in your absence. Even if this is only done once a week by one employee who turns up 5 minutes late, it still amounts to someone being paid for work they haven’t done, and over time, can be costly to your business. With an automated system, employees register their attendance in real time over a secure web browser, an electronic or biometric time clock or even on a mobile device, with many systems alerting the manager or supervisor immediately to early or late clock-ins. This means that punctuality and time theft concerns can be addressed on the spot, and ideally, prevented from recurring.

4. To boost employee morale: Staff expects to be paid accurately for the work they have done, and an automated system – with far less room for error – means that their salary will positively reflect the hours they have worked. This leads to a more contented workforce, and managers and supervisors can rest assured that no money has been wasted on time theft.

5. To strengthen company culture: When employees are given access to their own attendance records through a self-service automated system, this empowers them and enables them to build positively on their relationships with their employers. They feel trusted and respected, and are likely to be more engaged in their position, often leading to increased loyalty and productivity. Not only that, but a company which is known to have a contented workforce, will find it far easier to recruit new and talented employees.

Apollo Payroll offers premier small business payroll services in Coral Gables.

Apollo Payroll is dedicated to delivering expert advice, responsive service, and highly accurate payroll processing and reporting to ensure the success and growth of the business that we serve. Our services include comprehensive online payroll services, employee background check and employee timekeeping services in Miami.