A large number of timekeeping systems have appeared in the last few years. This is a summarization of the various systems, from the oldest to the newest:
- Computerized time clocks. These time clocks can be interfaced directly to the payroll system, and report missed punches, overtime, late entries, and so on. They typically use bar coded or magnetic stripe cards. A major supplier is Acroprint.
- Biometric time clocks. These clocks positively identify the user through either fingerprints or hand geometry. Though transactions are slow, they positively identify the user, which eliminates the risk of buddy punching. The dominant supplier is Recognition Systems.
- Mobile phone timekeeping. For employees who travel, a remote timekeeping option is to either enter their time through a template on a cell phone screen, or swipe a badge through a reader that is attached to a cell phone. Aligo provides this service.
- IP Phone timekeeping. A recent innovation is to use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones to transmit timekeeping information through the company’s computer network, which essentially converts VoIP phones into computer terminals. CalAmp sells these systems.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) timekeeping. Proximity badges contain RFID tags that can be waved in front of a computerized timeclock, rather than dragged through a slot reader, as is the case for magnetic or bar coded badges. No systems yet exist that immediately detect a badge holder as soon as he enters the company premises, though someone will invent this soon enough.