With major changes in work environments due to COVID-19, time clock systems have become increasingly diverse.

Let’s take a closer look at the most commonly used time tracking methods in the workplace, what a time clock system is, and what factors businesses should consider to ensure accurate attendance management.

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What is a Time Clock System?

A time clock system is a physical device used to record when employees arrive and leave work. Traditionally, this involved inserting a paper card into a machine that stamped the time, allowing managers to calculate hours worked and process payroll based on these records.

Many workplaces now use a variety of time clock methods. Compatible time and attendance programs and systems have also become more diverse.

Here are the most commonly used time tracking methods in workplaces today.

• Biometric Authentication

This method uses biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. Employees clock in or out by authenticating their identity at the device, and the time of authentication is recorded.

⚠️ Note: As this method involves personal biometric data, employee consent is required. Alternative methods must be prepared in case of device failure or issues like fingerprint damage. Additionally, devices must be installed and maintained, which increases operational costs. Manual record entry may be needed in the event of system errors.

• Card Tagging (RFID)

This method uses an RFID-enabled employee card or access card, which is tapped on a reader to record clock-in/out times.

⚠️ Note: This method is vulnerable to proxy clock-ins. Delays at entry points can affect recorded times. Replacement costs may be incurred if cards are lost.

• Manual Entry

Employees write their clock-in/out times on paper forms and sign them. These are typically collected and input into Excel by a manager.

⚠️ Note: Manual records are prone to proxy sign-ins and data inaccuracies. Errors in transcription or calculation can affect work hour accuracy and reliability. Human errors such as missing records or incorrect formulas are common.

• Coordinate-Based Verification

Employees use a mobile device to verify their coordinate within a preset radius of the work site. If verified, they can clock in or out.

• WiFi-Based Verification

Using either a mobile device or PC, employees clock in/out via a verified company WiFi connection. Only when connected to pre-approved networks can records be submitted.

Why Accurate Time Tracking Matters

Why is it now more important than ever to record attendance accurately?

Although Labor Standards Act doesn’t explicitly require businesses to store time tracking records, companies need to ensure that employees do not exceed legal working hours. As a result, time and attendance management has become a key focus, and electronic or automated time tracking systems are widely adopted.

Which Method Is Best for Your Business?

So, what’s the most effective method for accurate time tracking?

The most commonly adopted methods today use mobile or PC-based coordinate and WiFi verification.

These require no hardware installation, reducing maintenance costs. Since employees use their own devices, reliability improves, and there’s less risk of human error or data misuse.

Accurate Time Tracking Starts with Shiftee

Shiftee offers both a web version and a mobile app to support accurate time tracking anytime, anywhere. Four verification options are available:

1. Location Verification

Allows mobile clock-in/out based on whether the employee is within the preset worksite radius. Location data is used only momentarily for verification and is neither stored nor shared—it's deleted immediately after use.

2. WiFi Verification

Employees can clock in/out using the mobile app or PC web version when connected to a pre-approved WiFi network.

3. No Verification Mode

Allows clock-in/out without additional verification. Ideal for employees working remotely, on business trips, or in the field.

4. Integration with SECOM/ADT CAPS

Shiftee integrates with existing systems such as SECOM or ADT CAPS. This allows companies operating multiple sites to use their existing infrastructure while managing attendance centrally through Shiftee.

Features that Improve Accuracy and Reliability

Shiftee is a scalable solution suitable for companies of all sizes.
Leverage Shiftee’s capabilities to enhance the reliability and precision of your attendance management.

✔️ Unified Management without Hardware

Shiftee eliminates the need for biometric data collection and hardware installation. Employees can use their personal devices, making company-wide management more efficient and economical.

✔️ Blocks Fraudulent Clock-Ins

Even when using personal devices, concerns about proxy clock-ins remain. Shiftee actively blocks this behavior:
- Prevents coordinate spoofing via location manipulation apps
- Binds a device to each employee to ensure only the correct user can clock in

✔️ Certified Location-Based Service Provider

Shiftee is officially registered with the Korean Communications Commission as a location-based service provider. It does not store location data but accesses it temporarily from certified providers only during clock-in/out.

✔️ Attendance Reminders to Prevent Missed Records

Shiftee sends alerts before scheduled work times to remind employees to clock in or out. If missed, a second notification is sent for late arrivals or overtime.

Using Shiftee’s electronic approval system, employees can also submit corrections or explanations without separate paperwork, reducing admin burdens.

✔️ Minimizes Human Error

Manually collecting and inputting attendance data is error-prone and time-consuming. With Shiftee, records from mobile or PC are automatically converted into structured data for centralized, secure storage.
HR managers can manage and download real-time reports from one place.

✔️ Reliable Records for Compliance and Subsidies

Shiftee’s electronic records meet legal and regulatory standards and can serve as credible documentation.

✔️ Supports Various Work Models

Shiftee accommodates hybrid work, field work, home offices, and multi-site operations.
Different attendance methods can be assigned per team or location, and employees can clock in via mobile or PC with ease.

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Accurate attendance tracking is the first step to reliable workforce management.
With the growing shift to smart work environments, experience a more efficient attendance solution with Shiftee—one that benefits both your company and your employees.

Accurate Time Management Starts with Shiftee