How to choose a time clock

A time clock records when people start and stop work. The right one depends on how many people punch in, how you pay them and who adds up the hours. Here is how the types we carry differ and what to check before you order. Each clock's own page lists exactly what it does and which supplies it uses.

The main types

Card-punch clocks print the time on a paper time card. They come in three print styles, set by how the card goes in: top load with tab column print, top load with consecutive print and front load with side print. Someone adds up the hours from the cards.
Time totalizers are card clocks that also add up the hours, so the totals are on the card at the end of the period.
Biometric time systems identify each person by a physical trait, such as a hand or fingerprint, so one employee can't punch for another.
PC based time systems send punches to software on your computer, which totals the hours for you.
Web time clock systems keep the punches online, so the hours can be checked from any computer.
Time stamps print the date and time on documents, not time cards: for mail, job tickets and forms.

For job sites and places without a wall outlet, see Mobile and battery operated clocks.

Questions to ask before you buy

How many people will punch in? Check the number of employees on the clock's page.
How do you pay? Weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly: make sure the clock and its cards support your pay period.
Who adds up the hours? If it's you, a totalizer or a PC based or web system saves that step.
Where will it go? Note the power the clock needs and its size, both listed on its page.

What it will need over time

Card clocks use cards, and most use a ribbon. Budget for both: every clock's page links the time cards and supplies that fit it, and a time card rack keeps cards in order next to the clock.

Already have a clock? Find your model in Find supplies by clock for its cards, ribbons, keys, batteries and parts. The part number is usually stamped on a key and printed on a ribbon cartridge, and you can type it into the search box at the top of any page.

Talk to us

Call 800-605-7308 or email [email protected] with how many people you have and how you pay. We'll suggest a clock and the supplies that go with it.