Time and Attendance
Discover what time and attendance management is, the benefits of time and attendance software, and why accurate attendance and timekeeping are important.
Why is time and attendance important?
Without time and attendance tracking, a business may face decreased efficiency, increased costs, discipline issues, and even legal risks. When time and attendance are under control, you gain better visibility into workforce performance, improve payroll accuracy, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Common methods of tracking time and attendance
Tracking employee time and attendance has evolved from paper-based logs to advanced digital systems. Understanding both traditional and modern methods helps businesses choose the right solution based on their needs, size, and workflow. Below, we compare key methods, their advantages, drawbacks, and typical use cases.
Manual Tracking (Paper, Spreadsheets)
Pros: Simple, low-cost, no tech needed
Cons: Error-prone, time-consuming, hard to scale
Use: Small teams, short-term or low-tech setups
Biometric Systems and Access Cards
Pros: Accurate, secure, prevents time theft
Cons: Costly hardware, privacy concerns
Use: High-security, larger organizations, on-site staff
Cloud-Based and Mobile Software
Pros: Real-time access, automation, remote-friendly
Cons: Needs internet, may have subscription costs
Use: Remote teams, growing businesses, modern workflows
Time and attendance vs time tracking
Why, besides tracking time, should you also track employee attendance? Let's see.
- Attendance tracking focuses on work presence - when an employee starts and ends their workday. It answers questions like “Was the employee present today?” or “How many hours were they on site?” This is typically used for payroll, compliance, and shift management. For example, a retail store uses attendance tracking to know when staff clock in and out.
- Time tracking, on the other hand, records how long an employee spends on specific tasks or projects. It answers “How much time was spent on each activity?” and is often used for productivity analysis, client billing, or project costing. For example, a marketing agency uses time tracking to log hours spent on different client campaigns.
So, tracking attendance ensures employees are present and working their scheduled hours, while time tracking shows how that time is spent. They together give a complete view of productivity and accountability.
What is time and attendance software?
A time and attendance system helps businesses track when employees start and end work. It combines hardware (like fingerprint scanners) and software (like apps or websites). Some systems use stand-alone devices at the workplace, while others are cloud-based, letting employees clock in from anywhere. They make tracking easier and more accurate.
Core features of time and attendance software
Essential capabilities of time and attendance software include:
- Clock In/Out Functionality
Allows employees to record start and end times easily—via desktop, mobile, or biometric devices—ensuring accurate tracking of work hours. - PTO and Leave Management
Enables employees to request paid time off, sick leave, or vacation directly in the system, with built-in approval workflows and leave balances. - Timesheet Approval and Auditing
Managers can review, approve, or reject timesheets, while the system keeps audit trails for compliance and accountability. - Alerts and Notifications
Automated reminders for missed punches, overtime, leave approvals, or upcoming deadlines help keep both employees and managers informed.
How TMetric supports time and attendance tracking
Designed as a hybrid solution, TMetric combines time tracking and attendance in one intuitive platform. It's ideal for teams, remote companies, and service-based businesses that need accurate records without the complexity of traditional systems.
TMetric offers powerful features that go beyond basic time tracking to help you manage employee attendance with ease:
- Clock-in/clock-out functionality
- Automated timesheets
- PTO tracking
- Real-time activity monitoring
Get a clear view of team availability and work presence, along with accurate time management! Try TMetric for free today!