Time Clock

A time clock is the basis for any time and attendance system. The device can take on different forms depending on the type of system which is implemented but its core purpose is to keep accurate time on behalf of the organisation.

In an analogue system a time clock can be a stand-alone device that consists of both a time keeping mechanism and a stamping or punching mechanism. This allows an employee to prevent a card to the time clock and have it stamp the card with the current time.

In a digital system a time clock tracks the identity of the user and the time of an event. This is held locally for later retrieval or held centrally. In systems with multiple time clocks the time is normally synchronized across the devices by a central server.