We are proud to announce the addition of 10 new David-Link time clocks to our site. This includes traditional “punch style” time clocks and some really innovative biometric time clocks. I have personally used a few of these time clocks and have to say that I am very impressed.

The time clock I tested was the Biometric David-Link W-1288PB. I have used biometric time clocks in the past, in particular the Pyramid Technologies (PTI) Time Trax Bio. While the Time Trax Bio is a nice time clock, the W-1288PB was almost too easy to use. With most finger recognition biometric time clocks, you have to slide your finger. With the W-1288PB, all you have to do is touch the scanner. I have yet to experience any misreads. David-Link says this time recorder will store up to 3,000 signatures.

The W-1288PB also has the ability to allow the operator to use a proximity card or log in using a password on the number pad. The W-1288PB can be used as a stand-alone model, logging up to 50,000 data entries, that can then be downloaded onto an included USB drive. You also have the option to connect the time clock to a network or directly to a computer. The clock includes its own time management software. You can check out the new David-Link W-1288PB biometric time clock here.

You will find our entire selection of 10 new David-Link time clocks and recorders here.

Finding a good employee time clock can seem difficult. There are so many models to choose from. You’re in luck. I have used several models and will point out some pros and cons on various employee time clock models.

The first type of time clock, and perhaps one of the most common, is the punch card time clock. This model utilizes paper time cards. People can slip the card into the machine and punch in and out. Punch clocks are available in vertical load and horizontal load, depending on your preference.

The pros of the punch clock are that they are very simple to use and set up. The cards can be easily accessed and the data is clearly visible. Punch-style time clocks are also usually cheap and inexpensive. The cons are that the data cannot be exported to a computer and buddy punching can be an issue.

The card swipe is fast becoming the employee time clock of choice. Cards, similar in appearance to credit cards, have employee data encoded on them. This card can then be stored in a wallet or hung on a lanyard. The card is swiped to log in and out of work. Most card swipe clocks can be easily interfaced with a computer and data can be exported for use with QuickBooks, ADP, PAYCHEX and other payroll software.

The pros of the card swipe employee time clock are that the data is accurate and they are easy to use. Exported data is especially of benefit for use with other programs and for generating reports. Cons are that the cards can be lost, however, they can be easily replaced. Card Swipe time clocks are probably the best all-round solution for a business’s time attendance needs.

Newest to the industry are the biometric time clocks. These time clocks do not use a punch card or a PVC card, rather they use a hand or fingerprint. Technology has finally caught up with the industry to make this a possibility. As with the card swipe clocks, most biometric employee time clocks can be interfaced with a computer and data can be exported for use with other payroll software.

Biometric digital time clocks have many pros. They are easy to set up, there are no lost cards to replace and buddy punching is completely eliminated. The cons are that some of the older models out there may require a finger or hand to be scanned multiple times before working correctly. This is not an issue with newer models.

You can find ABC Office’s entire selection of employee time clocks here.

Biometric devices have been integrated into many devices such as door locks, computers, car ignitions and
more. Because biometric devices use physical features of people, they cannot be duplicated and provide maximum security. They are growing quickly in popularity due to their reliability and proven technology. One of the most recent applications of biometric technology are time clocks.

ABC Office now offers the new biometric Acroprint HandPunch time recorder. This new device uses an employee’s hand to clock in and out of work. Because the employee’s hand is used to check in and out, time cards and magnetic stripes are not needed. Employees no longer have to worry about losing a card or swiping an ID. All you need is your hand.  You can see an example of this device by going here.

Using biometric time clocks eliminates fraud and address several problems prevalent in older punch-style
time clocks. In the past, businesses experienced problems by having employees’ friends clock in on behalf of others, even though they were not actually present. These meant employers were paying workers for time not worked. With the introduction of biometrics, and the HandPunch time clock, employees must be physically present to punch into work. Friends and coworkers are now unable sign in for other people. This guarantees that time reported is accurate. This helps businesses run more efficiently and saves money.

The HandPunch uses geometry biometrics. It determines who the employee is based on the size and shape of their hand. The system does not capture fingerprints or palm prints. Hand geometry is highly accurate, and is generally not affected by rings, small adhesive bandages and false fingernails. Employees simply place
their hand on the HandPunch unit and punch in an ID number to clock in and out. Green and red lights let the employee know the status of each punch.

Time clocks are ideal for use with employee time attendance. Unfortunately employers cannot always rely on their employees to be honest. The “honor system” and hand written time cards can be easily manipulated and employers can be cheated out of thousands of dollars. It is also legally wise to use a time clock, as you can
prove what hours have and have not been worked.

There are a wide variety of time clocks to choose from. Over the years, time clocks have been designed so they can be placed on a countertop or mounted to a wall. Many time clocks even add the time worked,
making payroll calculations easier. A new addition to the time clock family is time recording software that can be installed on a personal computer. Time recording software allows your employees to clock in through a computer. The time is automatically added up and it is easy for employees to clock in and out.

Digital electronic time clocks are the newest style of time clock available on the market. These time clocks are slowly replacing the traditional punch-style time clock. Digital time clocks store clock in and out times electronically, in the machine. Many digital clocks keep a running total of time worked and help calculate hours worked for payroll. Some have a touch pad device that allows you to punch in a code and clock in or out. Other digital time clocks can be interfaced with a computer or a printer for larger organizations.

Some newer time systems also have the ability to use a magnetic stripe, like you see on a credit card. Many employers will put this magnetic strip directly onto a photo ID card that can be used to clock in and out. This data is stored in the device and can provide you with exact details on time worked. Some of these devices can be interfaced with a computer or printer. Security features built into digital time clocks prevent any kid of manipulation or abuse of time worked.