Electronic resources for human resource management are constantly increasing. Apps are emerging to help recruit, train and track employees and applicants and track and manage increased benefits. A recent search revealed emerging software that aids in resume screening, competency management, talent recruiting, talent management, and applicant and resume tracking. This is just a sample of all the programs available to facilitate human resource management. This plethora of applications can simplify the work of an HR manager and increase the efficiency of important HR processes.

One time saving app that continues to evolve is time clock software. This software is transforming employee time tracking from a time-consuming manual process to an easy, automated function that almost takes care of itself. Gone are the days when payroll involved having all employees keep accurate time sheets, gathering them in the right place at the right time, and spending hours reading them and combining the data to calculate payroll.

Time clock software eliminates much of this work by keeping all the records in one place. All employees have to do is enter a password when they sign in and out. Management can see all employee times at a glance and make manual adjustments as needed. Many time clock software packages also track accruals such as sick time and vacation time, making them a great time saver.

Some of the latest innovations in time clock software are expanding their use to companies whose employees don’t work in front of a computer. Examples include fingerprint scanners and other devices that allow employees to clock in without being at a computer station. Additionally, some computer time clocks integrate with the cloud, allowing employees to log in on a phone or tablet so they can keep track of hours even when they’re not in the office. Even a single computer with simple time clock software could benefit a company with a large workforce. Placing one or two computers at the entrance/exit of the work floor would allow employees to quickly enter their password at the beginning and end of their shifts.

While larger companies have entire departments dedicated to employee time and payroll, small businesses often have a single person handling multiple important operations. Using a computer clock to prepare payroll reports can free up critical time for core business operations.

In the age of electronic human resource management, having an employee time clock software just makes sense. When it comes to managing a workforce, there are far more important things to do than spend hours doing what a machine can do just as well, if not better. So why not let computers keep track of employee time so management can focus on meeting their needs and ensuring that HR policies help achieve strategic business goals?