time card machine

[Soundguy]

I'm putting together a time card system for our shop employees.

I'd like an inexpensive and easy to use machine. I've looked at the offerings from office depot, and staples. Anyone care to offer comments?

thanks

Soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

We use "Jonas" in the office. It's simply software used in conjunction with any PC. It uses a password and a touch-screen monitor. Quite pricey and not practical for smaller business's. I don't like it nor do I recommend it.

On job sites where we have larger crews, we use MJR-7000 Series (MJR-7000EZ) clocks available through WW Grainger. ($1115 for basic set-up) It can be used to control bells/whistles/ect to spell start or end of shifts and breaks. Automatically deducts lunch or break time if desired. Computes weekly, bi-weekly, semi monthly, and monthly pay periods as needed. It provides much flexability in scheduling for weekends, holidays, overtime, ect. It allows you to lock out employees when they aren't supposed to be on the clock. Works with up to 100 employees. 100 pack time cards are around $55 A VERY dependable system.

OR

On small jobs we use an Amano Cincinatti TCX-11/5477 time recorder, also available through WW Grainger ($331 for basic package) Just your basic clock in/clock out card style time recorder. Simple, cheap (relative) 1000 card packs are $35. "good" but very basic.

 

[Soundguy]

Thanks for the ideas.

Since at this shop location we only have 4-5 employees.. I'm going to check out that basic system you mentioned.

soundguy

We use "Jonas" in the office. It's simply software used in conjunction with any PC. It uses a password and a touch-screen monitor. Quite pricey and not practical for smaller business's. I don't like it nor do I recommend it.

On job sites where we have larger crews, we use MJR-7000 Series (MJR-7000EZ) clocks available through WW Grainger. ($1115 for basic set-up) It can be used to control bells/whistles/ect to spell start or end of shifts and breaks. Automatically deducts lunch or break time if desired. Computes weekly, bi-weekly, semi monthly, and monthly pay periods as needed. It provides much flexability in scheduling for weekends, holidays, overtime, ect. It allows you to lock out employees when they aren't supposed to be on the clock. Works with up to 100 employees. 100 pack time cards are around $55 A VERY dependable system.

OR

On small jobs we use an Amano Cincinatti TCX-11/5477 time recorder, also available through WW Grainger ($331 for basic package) Just your basic clock in/clock out card style time recorder. Simple, cheap (relative) 1000 card packs are $35. "good" but very basic.

 

[kenmac]

Just trust the employees will do the right thing. We don't use time clocks. We use the hornor system. Just use time cards to write in our time. It has always worked for us. If you do get caught cheating, you are out the door

 

[Soundguy]

Just trust the employees will do the right thing. We don't use time clocks. We use the hornor system. Just use time cards to write in our time. It has always worked for us. If you do get caught cheating, you are out the door

That's the issue.. we've been using the honor system for 23 ys now.. and the other day one of our job foremen happened to be in the office doing paperwork for a week, and jotted down the times the shop crew left every day. He then compaired it to their time cards that week, and it looks like a couple of them are clipping us for about 5 hrs a week.

One of them is getting the boot for sure.. one of them is probably getting a pink slip in his file / verbal warning.

For the field employees, we can always look at the foreman weekly job sheet and compair it to his crew's time cards to check on them... however the shops foreman is the head mechanic.. and he's one of the guys clipping us....so.......

Soundguy

 

[kenmac]

my son is a fireman & they are installing a time machine that ID'S their finger print when they clock in & out. I think the firemen are going to get the better deal out of this system than the city. As, they stay over their shift to complete paper work at times. Example: when they are near the end of their shift & they get a medical or fire call & run over their shift then get in & have to do paper work. In the past they haven't charged O.T. Now ,the system will force them to charge O.T.

 

[Soundguy]

my son is a fireman & they are installing a time machine that ID'S their finger print when they clock in & out. I think the firemen are going to get the better deal out of this system than the city. As, they stay over their shift to complete paper work at times. Example: when they are near the end of their shift & they get a medical or fire call & run over their shift then get in & have to do paper work. In the past they haven't charged O.T. Now ,the system will force them to charge O.T.

I've also been in situations that actually 'inflated' your time due to the time card setup. IE in situations where the time card machine is in a central building location, yet yuo may be sent on a service call away from the shop.. Your shift may actually 'end' on time while leaving the venue.. but you then have that driving time when you have to drive back to clock out.

I've seen more sophisticated setups that used phone / cell phone to clock in / out when on the road.. or email.. etc.. but those were larger companies.. with deeper pockets.. and ALOT of labor to track.

Soundguy

 

[Timber]

I too am going to have this issue very soon. My company just bought a smaller company that will impact my division directly. In the next 2 months while I wait for my new building to be modified for my use I will be transitioning in about 7 new employees. At least 4 more local semi drivers and a couple of warehouse personal. I have been using the honer system for the last 3 years and I know everyone pads there hours to the nearest 1/2 hour and I have just let it go. With my personal doubling over the next 2 months this system will not work for me