What do we mean by time & attendance and how can it improve workforce management?  

Time & attendance solutions are designed to be simple and intuitive. But don’t be deceived, these systems can be powerful tools to drive operational efficiencies, automate key workforce management processes to reduce costs and provide real time management visibility.  

TouchStar Sales Account Manager Ian Linstrem looks at some of the most frequently asked questions around time & attendance and explains how TouchStar’s solutions solve many modern workforce management issues.  

What do you mean by time & attendance?    

IL: Simply put, a time and attendance system enables an employer to monitor employees’ working hours – even in real-time – to ensure that schedules are kept to, legislation regarding permitted hours is abided by, compulsory break times are applied and much more.  

Why do I need time & attendance?  

IL: Time and attendance systems can help a business in many ways, from accurately monitoring employees who are early, late or absent, to tracking production efficiency or even handling high-traffic shift changes more effectively.  

How does time & attendance technology work?  

IL: Touchstar T&A hardware can be used in conjunction with either TouchStar’s own or a partner’s data collection software. The user would register ‘in’ at the clock using the desired media. The employee would then register as ‘out’ on a clock when the day is complete. The clock can then send the relevant employee, date and time data to back office systems so that total times can be measured and reviewed.  

Will I have to replace the hardware I already have?  

IL: Touchstar is always developing the available hardware and therefore it would be advisable to have the most up to date hardware. Our goal is to provide continued support and this can only be done on available hardware.  

What if I already have an access control solution?  

IL: If you’re using an access control system, we can identify the best way to also use the media of this system for the time and attendance as well. This avoids having to use two types of media which says administration time and cost.  

How will it improve security?

IL: A number of the Touchstar clocks can be used as a single door access system. This will allow only the employees registered to the terminal for T&A to gain access to the premises.   

How will it help me manage my team better?

IL: With the clocks giving a definitive time stamp on when the transaction occurs it will eliminate any ‘grey areas’ when measuring attendance, and also aid the costing of jobs.

Are your solutions compliant with employment and workplace legislation?

IL: Automated time and attendance systems help to ensure that workers’ schedules conform to legislation relating to permitted working hours, compulsory break times and so on. You can’t manage what you aren’t measuring.  

Can your solution integrate with my core business systems?  

IL: Touchstar has all the available API and integration tools to enable third party software to work seamlessly with Hardware solutions.  

Do you offer and end-to-end solution?  

IL: We have a cloud-based T&A solution called FastLane that helps users effectively manage their time and attendance data. With API integration into HR and other core systems it can facilitate accurate reporting and effective data management.  

Can you provide a mobile unit?  

IL: Yes, we have the Nohmad unit which uses GPRS. It simply requires a mains plug or even a power outlet in car. We can also provide the ‘Geoconnect-Me’ mobile phone app for iOS and Android for use in remote locations.  

Where should I place time & attendance units?  

IL: Our TS2020 units would suit any office or clean factory environment, but we can also provide rugged IP-rated versions with waterproofing for wash down areas and dust resistance for use harsh environments.  

If I manage multiple locations, can I monitor time and attendance from a central office?  

IL: Yes, with FastLane managers can login and see all of their live devices, all entries from users coming in or going out and it would all be in real time. They can also run reports to drill into entries from the previous day, week month or whatever parameters need to be viewed.  

Do you support biometrics?

IL: We already have fingerprint solutions available for our TS2020 and Nohmad units, and we are currently developing integrations with facial recognition terminals for 2020.

About TouchStar  

At TouchStar, our systems ensure legislative compliance and best practice at all levels across the company. Our in-house team offer a complete end to end management service from specification through to project management, implementation and post-sales support. As a result, we have built long term relationships with our end-users based around our end-to-end partnership led approach.