Keeping track of employee work hours is a crucial task for any small business owner. Inaccurate timekeeping can lead to payroll errors, which can cause legal and financial problems. This is where a time clock comes in. A time clock is a device that records when employees start and end their work shifts. It's an essential tool for any small business owner who wants to ensure accurate payroll and compliance with labor laws.
When it comes to choosing the best time clock for a small business, there are several factors to consider. The first is the type of time clock. There are several types of time clocks available, including punch card machines, biometric time clocks, and web-based time clocks. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on the business's specific needs.
Another critical factor to consider is the features of the time clock. Different time clocks come with different features, such as facial recognition, GPS tracking, and mobile compatibility. The features will determine the functionality of the time clock and how well it will meet the business's needs.
We spent several hours researching and testing various time clocks to identify the best time clock for small businesses. In the following sections, we will discuss the top time clocks and their features to help you make an informed decision.
Best Time Clocks for Small Business
As a small business owner, keeping track of employee hours is crucial. That's why we've put together a list of the best time clocks for small businesses. Our team has researched and tested various options to provide you with the most reliable and efficient time clocks on the market. Whether you need a basic punch clock or a more advanced biometric system, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle
We highly recommend the uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle for small businesses looking to easily track their employees' start times, break times, lunch times, and finish times.
Pros
- The automatic card feed aligns punches precisely to track weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly pay periods.
- The bundle includes everything you need to get started, including 100 time cards, two keys, one time card rack, and one ink ribbon.
- The two-year time clock warranty and lifetime customer support provide peace of mind.
Cons
- The card holder is a bit small and can be difficult to manage if you have a lot of employees.
- The ink ribbon was near dry on arrival for some customers.
- The time clock does not calculate the overall hours worked, which may be a drawback for some businesses.
We found the uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle to be easy to use and set up. The automatic card feed ensures accurate tracking of employee hours, and the included bundle has everything you need to get started. The two-year time clock warranty and lifetime customer support also provide added value and peace of mind.
In terms of drawbacks, the card holder can be a bit small and difficult to manage if you have a lot of employees. Additionally, some customers reported that the ink ribbon was near dry on arrival, which may require replacement sooner than expected. Finally, the time clock does not calculate the overall hours worked, which may be a drawback for some businesses.
Overall, we believe that the uPunch Starter Time Clock Bundle is a great option for small businesses looking for an affordable and easy-to-use time clock solution.
Lathem Atomic Time™ Clock With Tru-Align™, 1600E, Unlimited Employees, 5.7"H x 6.3"W x 7.2"D, Gray
We highly recommend the Lathem Atomic Time™ Clock With Tru-Align™ for small businesses due to its versatility and ease of use.
Pros
- The clock includes over 200 different time, date, and comment print options.
- The ribbon cartridge is easy to change, making maintenance a breeze.
- The clock offers 18 preset print formats and 13 preset messages to choose from.
Cons
- The clock is touchy and may take some time to get used to.
- The cards that come with the clock may not work properly, as the printing needs to be directly along the side of the card.
- The clock's plastic key for the lid feels cheap and flimsy.
The Lathem Atomic Time™ Clock With Tru-Align™ is a reliable and low maintenance option for small businesses. Its versatility allows for use as both an employee time clock and document stamp, and the clock offers a wide range of print options to choose from. The ribbon cartridge is easy to change, making maintenance a breeze. However, the clock may take some time to get used to as it is touchy and the cards that come with the clock may not work properly. Additionally, the plastic key for the lid feels cheap and flimsy.
In conclusion, the Lathem Atomic Time™ Clock With Tru-Align™ is a great option for small businesses looking for a versatile and easy-to-use time clock.
NGTeco Fingerprint Time Clock
If you're looking for an affordable, easy-to-use time clock for your small business, the NGTeco Fingerprint Time Clock is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- No need for paper cards or ink ribbons
- Easy to set up and use
- Automatic employee hour calculations
Cons
- Slow download times for reports
- Initial setup can be confusing
- App only works on mobile devices
We recently started using the NGTeco Fingerprint Time Clock in our small business and have been impressed with its performance. The fingerprint and password verification mechanisms are reliable, and the clock automatically calculates employee hours, which saves us a lot of time.
One of the best things about this time clock is that there are no monthly subscription fees. It functions right out of the box, and you can send time reports to your email using the free NGTeco Time APP. The machine also has an Auto Punch mode, which updates automatically to avoid employees from forgetting to punch in and out.
However, we did experience some slow download times when trying to access reports, and the initial setup can be a bit confusing. Additionally, the app only works on mobile devices, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the NGTeco Fingerprint Time Clock for small businesses looking for an affordable and easy-to-use time clock solution.
NGTeco Time Clocks for Employees Small Business with Face, Finger Scan, RFID and PIN Punching in One, Office Time Card Machine Automatic Punch with APP for iOS Android (0 Monthly Fee) MB2
If you're looking for a reliable and versatile time clock for your small business, we highly recommend the NGTeco 4-in-1 time clock. It's perfect for small and mid-sized businesses with a maximum of 200 employees, and it offers a range of features that make it easy to use and cost-effective.
Pros
- The Face Recognition, Finger Scan, RFID and Password verification mechanisms are available on the smart time clock. Employee hours are automatically calculated.
- No more expensive paper cards, messy ink ribbons, or annoying errors. The NGTeco 4-in-1 time clock is a great upgrade from paper card machines.
- There is no need to be concerned about the initial usage of an offline time clock because it does not need a complicated program.
Cons
- The fingerprint reader can be unpredictably temperamental, with some employees unable to login or out on any given day.
- There is no time tracking program or the ability to set lunch time schedules, you basically download an excel spreadsheet.
- The facial recognition feature may not work well in certain lighting conditions.
We were impressed with how easy the NGTeco time clock was to use right out of the box. There are no monthly subscription fees, and you can send time reports to your email using the free NGTeco Time APP. The clock is perfect for small businesses with a maximum of 200 employees, and it's widely used in workplaces including offices, factories, hotels, schools, and restaurants.
One of the standout features of the NGTeco time clock is its 4-in-1 verification mechanisms. The Face Recognition, Finger Scan, RFID and Password verification mechanisms are all available on the smart time clock, and employee hours are automatically calculated. This means that you can save time and money by automating your time tracking process.
Another great feature of the NGTeco time clock is that it's easy to use. There is no need to be concerned about the initial usage of an offline time clock because it does not need a complicated program. The clock is also upgraded from paper card machines, so you won't have to worry about expensive paper cards, messy ink ribbons, or annoying errors.
While the NGTeco time clock is a great product, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. Some employees may have trouble with the fingerprint reader, and the facial recognition feature may not work well in certain lighting conditions. Additionally, there is no time tracking program or the ability to set lunch time schedules, you basically download an excel spreadsheet.
Overall, we highly recommend the NGTeco 4-in-1 time clock for small and mid-sized businesses. It's a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution that will help you streamline your time tracking process and save time and money in the long run.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best time clock for your small business, there are several features that you should consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Functionality
The first thing to consider is the functionality of the time clock. It should be easy to use and understand, with clear instructions for your employees. Look for a clock that can handle multiple pay rates, overtime, and other common payroll calculations. Additionally, consider whether you want a clock that can track paid time off, sick leave, or other benefits.
Compatibility
Make sure that the time clock you choose is compatible with your payroll software. Many clocks come with built-in software that can integrate with popular payroll programs. If you have a custom payroll system, be sure to check the clock's compatibility before making a purchase.
Security
Security is an important consideration when it comes to time clocks. Look for a clock that has secure login credentials and can track employee activity. Some clocks also have biometric features, such as fingerprint scanners, to prevent buddy punching and other fraudulent activity.
Ease of Maintenance
Finally, consider the maintenance requirements of the time clock. Look for a clock that is easy to clean and maintain, with clear instructions for troubleshooting common issues. If you need technical support, make sure that the manufacturer offers reliable customer service and support.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best time clock for your small business that meets your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular time clock apps for small businesses?
There are several popular time clock apps available for small businesses, including TSheets, TimeClock Plus, and Clockify. These apps offer various features such as time tracking, scheduling, and payroll management that can help streamline your business operations.
What are the benefits of using a biometric time clock for small businesses?
A biometric time clock can provide added security by using unique physical characteristics to verify employee identity. This can help prevent time theft and reduce payroll errors. Additionally, biometric time clocks can be more convenient for employees as they do not require the use of physical cards or passwords.
What features should I look for in time clock software for my small business?
When choosing time clock software for your small business, it is important to consider features such as time tracking, scheduling, payroll management, and integration with other software such as accounting or HR systems. Additionally, you may want to look for software that offers mobile access and customizable reporting options.
How can I choose the right time clock for my employees?
When choosing a time clock for your employees, it is important to consider factors such as your business needs, budget, and employee preferences. You may want to involve your employees in the decision-making process to ensure that the chosen time clock meets their needs and is easy to use.
What are some reliable and affordable time clocks for small businesses?
Some reliable and affordable time clocks for small businesses include uAttend, Acroprint, and Icon Time. These time clocks offer various features such as biometric verification, mobile access, and customizable reporting options at an affordable price point.
Is there a digital time clock that integrates with QuickBooks?
Yes, there are several digital time clocks that integrate with QuickBooks, including TSheets, TimeClock Plus, and Clockify. These integrations can help streamline your payroll process and reduce errors by automatically syncing employee time data with your accounting software.
