Challenges of tracking time and attendance
Manually tracking time and attendance is time-consuming, and filling in time sheets is often left to the last minute by staff, putting pressure on Payroll teams. Inaccuracies are far more likely with manual processes, chiefly due to human error and the fact that handwriting is often difficult to read and open to disingenuous entries.
Automated solutions such as physical time and attendance devices provide businesses with an accurate way of tracking staff working hours, but they are expensive to purchase, install and maintain – especially for multi-site operators.
Digital mobile apps offer a cheaper and simpler solution and serve the same purpose as physical solutions but are accessed by staff using personal mobile devices which can prove unreliable when batteries run out or network issues prevent the app from working.
- Finding the right balance with Fourth eClock
Fourth eClock is a highly cost-effective alternative, that is installed securely onto a company owned tablet, within minutes, to provide 24/7 reliability. The personalised user interface is easy for staff to log their working hours and break times, and managers can track present and upcoming staff coverage while on the move and in real-time.
Business features and benefits
- Highly dependable
During instances of network blackouts, data is stored on the device and synchronised with the system as soon as the connection is re- established. This ensures the accurate recording of employee work hours 24/7.
- Cost effective and easy deployment
Fourth eClock can be installed onto a low-cost tablet and deployed in minutes across various sites in any number of locations.
- Maximises employee time and availability
Supports labour pooling by using a ‘global pin’ system that enables workers to record their time and attendance at any site and at any location, meaning they can clock into a different location, at any time and log their hours seamlessly.
- Increases operational efficiency
Time and attendance data is captured in real-time and automatically synchronised with a centralised system, providing instant oversight of staff attendance across all locations.
- Reduces costs
Accurately monitor staff behaviour, such as questionable absenteeism, early and late attendance and long breaks, and take relative measures with employees to help save costs and increase productivity.
- Enforces compliance
Ensure that working hours and conditions are aligned to wider company policies and objectives, ensuring employees are working the hours they’re paid for. Comply with health & safety regulations by accurately knowing who is working, at all times
- Improves business intelligence
Accurate time and attendance data is easily accessible for appraisals and review meetings and enables businesses to make more informed decisions.
Employee features and benefits
- Easy to use
Fourth eClock has been built with a slick user-interface, ensuring it is easy to use and resembles apps that employees will be used to seeing in their day-to-day lives. App users enter a four-digit PIN and upload a selfie in order to clock in and out, while a break is logged with a simple touch of a button.
- Personalised
Every employee has their own time and attendance page that tracks their activity, providing reassurance that their data is being tracked accurately and correctly.
Manager features and benefits
- Enhances team communications
Using the app, managers can communicate directly with employees through a bulletin board. This means employees can be made aware of their targets, priorities for the shift ahead, before they’ve been officially briefed by their managers.
- Ensures optimal staff coverage
Fourth eClock operates using real-time technology, meaning managers have full oversight over how many employees are active at any given time. Break schedules can be monitored on the fly, to reflect live requirements, giving managers more control over shift coverage.
- Keeps managers informed
Managers can see which employees are scheduled for upcoming shifts in advance and have access to a detailed view of those employees who are currently working, enabling them to accurately alleviate and solve any potential coverage issues and ensure productivity is kept at an optimal level.