Benefits of Manual Time Clock Entry in a Web-Based Time Tracking System

Accurate employee time tracking lies at the heart of an organization’s smooth functioning. The impact of technology has been felt strongly in this segment. It has gone from manual punching-in to a simple swipe of the ID badge. New-age, internet-based solutions are pushing the time-tracking abilities further.

A web-based time tracking system allows virtual logging in and out of employees via various devices, including their smartphones. The data gets uploaded to the company’s servers and is accessible by the concerned personnel for viewing, editing, report generation, payroll management, etc. Some versions also contain geofencing-based tracking of employees when at an external worksite like a construction yard.

The other purpose automated clocking-in software serves includes the prevention of clocking frauds like buddy punching. Though manual entry methods are notorious for such cheats, there might be times when the manual entry of employee data into the clocking software is needed. Therefore, a manual time clock feature needs integrating into the software to allow for manual changes to its data.

The Benefits of Hands-On Time Tracking

Digital time-tracking solutions do provide seamless synchronization and unparalleled accuracy compared to the manual timesheet solution. They are, however, not immune to the rare mishap or fraud that could result in false entries.

The manual time clock entry/modification feature lets the employer make the necessary corrections while also providing many other benefits.

Single-Click Entry

Anyone who has operated a semi-manual time-tracking setup knows its tedious and time-consuming nature. Any modification to it means combing through the many rows and columns in the spreadsheet, looking for the particular parameter to change. It is a drain on productivity and is prone to errors. Even a few noting errors can cost the company dearly.

Manual report changing options in modern time-trackers overcome such drawbacks with their simplified interfaces. Many details of the clocking report are alterable with just a few clicks. Add another click, and you’ve got yourself a brand new employee time report with all the required changes. There’s no longer a need to peer through multiple rows of data to zero in on the required one; the software can do it for you.

Data Type Flexibility

Time tracking is based on the clock-in and out time or the total duration of the shift. The latter requires an appointed authority to verify the entry or do it themselves. Here’s where manual clocking in modern software comes to its own.

The concerned authority can modify either the start and stop times of the shift or its duration, and the software will generate the required report. There’s no longer a need to waste time entering every detail on the timesheet.

Multi-Project Allotment

Employees could get moved from one project to another at any moment based on the company’s requirements. When that happens, those employees’ tracking data will also have to get modified accordingly. The respective clocking data will have to be attached to the rightful project.

The manual editing feature in a clocking solution lets one make the necessary changes in these circumstances. The employee details are attachable to any project they might belong to according to the changes made. The concerned person needs to only make the necessary entries in the appropriate sections.

Notes and Attachment Addition

Time-tracking data and reports might require notes and comments at times for added clarity and confirmation of related details. Such entries might not be possible in a fully automated setup, as the data gets processed without any opportunity for their entering. Manual entry options provide that opportunity before processing and report generation.

It could also be possible to add information after the step too in the form of attachments. The user can attach additional files to the final report as and when needed. The software could also come with the facility to use third-party applications for this purpose.

Easy Correcting and Updating

Sometimes, a last-moment change needs an edit in an already finalized clocking report. If the software doesn’t allow for easy manual changes at this point, the entire process will have to be repeated, with the changes made at a different stage. This redundancy will cost the company time and money.

Easy manual correction and update facility eliminates the need for such a drastic redo. Any change to the information can get done with just a few clicks, saving precious resources.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same,” goes the saying. In the case of time-clocking software, it rings true. The manual time clock brings the advantages of the old method to its modern version and blends seamlessly for a hassle-free employee time-management experience.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.