Table of Contents
- What to Look for In a Good Attendance Management Software
- How We Choose the Best Attendance Management Systems: Our Trust Factors
- Best Attendance Management Systems for Attendance Tracking
- Best Attendance Management Systems for Clock-in Clock-out
- Attendance Management Systems for Scheduling
- Budget or Free Attendance Management Systems
- Attendance Management Software vs. Attendance Tracking Software
- Benefits of Using Attendance Management & Tracking Systems
- Use the Best Attendance Management System
In 2023, the overall absence rate in the workplace among U.S. workers was 3.1%. In an effort to reduce absenteeism, attendance management systems have become a pivotal component of efficient workforce management. Attendance management systems offer a wealth of features, including:
Time tracking
Employee feedback mechanisms
Shift scheduling
And labor law compliance
In short, attendance management tools streamline administrative tasks related to employee attendance.
Your choice of attendance management system may differ based on the unique requirements of your business. Some products are end-to-end solutions, while others are best for simple time tracking, and still others are specialized for certain industries. In other words, not all abscense management systems are created equal. Keep reading to understand how they all differ!
What to Look for In a Good Attendance Management Software
There are over 400 attendance management systems on G2. Since you probably don’t have time to sift through all of them, we’ll guide you through the best attendance management systems, their features, and how they could contribute to the productivity of your organization.
But before we review the list, here’s what to look for when choosing a system:
Ease of Use
Attendance management software should be user-friendly, ensuring both managers and employees can operate it without a ton of technical training. The software should allow employees to clock in and out with ease and simplicity, and managers should be able to get easy reporting and analytics to understand what’s going on within their organization.
Also, consider where your system needs to operate: mobile phone, desktop, SMS, Slack, or something else entirely. A system is only easy if your workforce uses it!
Customization Opportunities
Good absence management software should offer customization options to cater to the specific needs of every business. For instance, the best platforms offer customizable reporting tools, enabling managers to generate specific information about workforce elements like labor costs, absence levels, training completion, and more. Your choice of attendance management tool should be able to adapt to your (hopefully) growing business!
Accessibility
With the rise of remote and hybrid workforces, it's critical for your attendance management software to be accessible from various devices and locations. The best tools enable your team members to easily log work hours at the office, at home, or on the go. Moreover, the software should integrate seamlessly with your other business systems, such as payroll and HR systems.
Price
This one goes without saying, but make sure to find an attendance management system that stays within your budget. Most tools charge per user per month, so if you have a large organization, those numbers add up quickly.
How We Choose the Best Attendance Management Systems: Our Trust Factors
We meticulously evaluated each software based on several key factors to ensure our list of attendance management systems is trustworthy and comprehensive. Our evaluation process included analyzing user experience for intuitiveness and ease of use, reliability in tracking and reporting attendance, seamless integration with other HR and payroll systems, and feedback from real-world users to gauge satisfaction and effectiveness. Additionally, we consider the cost-benefit ratio to ensure affordability without compromising on quality. Our team leveraged all of these factors as well as industry insights to bring you a curated list you can rely on to manage your business's attendance needs effectively.
In our research, one thing we found is that everyone has a slightly different view of what attendance management means to their organization, so we broke down our top picks based on categories or areas where you might need help.
Best Attendance Management Systems for Attendance Tracking
The following attendance management systems are transforming the traditional landscape of workforce management by providing efficient, flexible, and tech-enabled solutions for attendance tracking. Join us in exploring this software and how it can help streamline your business operations.
TeamSense
TeamSense is a comprehensive employee attendance management system designed primarily for the needs of hourly workers. TeamSense simplifies the process of tracking and managing attendance, helping businesses to avoid the complications and inaccuracies associated with manual tracking systems or isolated mobile apps.
Our platform operates on a text-based system. Instead of requiring employees to install dedicated mobile apps or check their emails, employees can report their attendance status by simply sending a text message with a specific keyword. TeamSense then provides employees with a link to a short standardized survey to enter additional details.
Managers, on the other hand, receive real-time text notifications about their employees' attendance status so they can quickly start filling open shifts. All records, reports, and insights can then be accessed through our online dashboards, providing managers with a comprehensive overview of attendance trends.
Key Features & Services:
Call-off via text and simple absence survey workflows. No apps required!
Automated IVR system
Employee engagement surveys and recognition programs
Mark-your-self safe feature for safety check-ins
Self-service access for employees to request time off or view employee handbooks, policies, and forms
Attendance insights and reporting
19 language options
Customers Include:
HelloFresh
Anheuser-Busch
BrassCraft
McCormick
Pricing:
Basic: Streamlined attendance management via text for $3/user/month
Pro: Attendance management with real-time insights and trends for $5/user/month
Advanced: Digital connection with your frontline workforce for $8/user/month
Ready to adopt a simple, yet powerful tool that helps your organization track, manage, and improve employee attendance with ease? TeamSense is the solution for you.
No one wants to talk to their boss or a 1-800 stranger to call off. Text changes everything - Reducing No Call No Shows.
Factorial
Factorial HR gives users the ability to set work schedules, calculate hours worked, and create shifts. In addition, Factorial includes functionalities for handling remote work and time off requests and provides built-in tools to monitor attendance and reduce absenteeism.
Factorial offers notifications when employees clock in or out from locations outside of the office and gives employees the ability to clock in using a dedicated app.
Key Features & Services:
Work schedule creation
Shift management
Employee performance
Onboarding/offboarding
Payroll and other finance features
App integrations
Employee portal
HR reports
Customers Include:
Housfy
CoverWallet
Voicemod
Whisbi
Pricing:
Business: $6.20/seat
Enterprise: $8.35/seat
QuickBooks Time
QuickBooks Time is a time-tracking software designed to help businesses manage people, projects, and payroll more effectively. It includes tools for managing multiple timesheets, mobile time tracking, and observing who's currently working. The software also features seamless integrations with accounting or payroll systems.
Another key aspect of QuickBooks Time is its geofencing feature, which reminds team members to clock in or out as they enter or leave a job site.
Key Features & Services:
Simple timesheets
Mobile time tracking
Custom reports
Invoice generator, expenses, direct deposits, and other finance features
Team management
Scheduling and timesheets
Customers Include:
None listed
Pricing:
Premium: $6/month
Elite: $12/month
Best Attendance Management Systems for Clock-in Clock-out
In this section, we'll explore the various attendance management systems available and how they can help transform the way your business approaches clock-in and clock-out procedures.
OntheClock
OnTheClock is a web-based time-tracking platform designed primarily for small businesses. The platform provides an all-in-one solution for businesses to manage and monitor their employees' working hours. Employees clock in and out on the system, generating data for accurate payroll calculations. It also allows flexibility for employees to sign in on any device, which can be combined with geofencing to ensure time theft is minimized.
Key Features & Services:
Payroll integrations with QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, and more.
Multi-device accessibility
Geofencing
Automated time-off management
Fingerprint sign-in
Customers Include:
None listed
Pricing:
Based on the number of employees, but starts at $10.50 per month
Clockify
Clockify is a time-tracking and attendance management software that is accessible to both individual users and teams. As its primary function, it enables users to monitor time spent on various tasks or projects, providing data that can be analyzed for productivity assessment and billing purposes. It offers both manual and automated time entry methods, and can also function as a timesheet application. In addition, Clockify has features for managing projects, teams, and schedules, as well as for tracking expenses and generating invoices.
Key Features & Services:
Time tracker
Integrations with HubSpot, Zendesk, Salesforce, Teams, Asana, Trello, and more
Reports
Team management
Expenses
Scheduling
Approvals
Customers Include:
Sony
Disney
Patagonia
Toyota
Pricing:
Starting at $3.99 per month
Timesheets.com
Timesheets.com offers a platform for employee time tracking, as well as billing, payroll, and attendance tracking. Their solution also includes features for project timesheet creation for billing and job costing, as well as tools for tracking paid time off and accruals. Additionally, the software is equipped with add-ons for scheduling, custom calendars, mileage and expense tracking, and a suite of human resources features.
Key Features & Services:
Time tracking
Time off and PTO
Scheduling
Mileage and expenses tracking
Human resources
Reporting
Customers Include:
None listed
Pricing:
Freelancer: $0/user
Standard: $5.50/user
Non-profit: $4.40/user
Time Tracker
Established to simplify payroll processes, TimeTracker captures employee work hours through several mechanisms such as time cards, timers, and weekly timesheets. The system is also accompanied by mobile applications compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. eBillity's TimeTracker supports the approval of employee timesheets by managers before synchronizing the data with payroll and accounting software.
Key Features & Services:
Employees can track time, submit time and leave requests, view schedules online, and more
Project management features
Expenses and reimbursements
Invoicing
Mobile app on iOS and Android
Customers Include:
None listed
Pricing:
Time Tracker: $7.20/user/month
Time Tracker Premium: $12/user/month
LawBillity: $24/user/month
Attendance Management Systems for Scheduling
Attendance management systems for scheduling can help prevent workforce unpredictability and improve overall organizational workflow. See some of the most reliable programs below.
When I Work
When I Work primarily serves shift-based workplaces, assisting organizations in building and tracking work schedules. The software aims to facilitate easier time tracking by integrating the work schedule with a time clock. Additionally, it supports team messaging and is available as both desktop and mobile apps, enabling all users to access the system as needed.
Key Features & Services:
Team Messaging
Scheduling
Time tracking
Customers Include:
CVS
Soundcloud
Kenneth Cole
Uber
Pricing:
Standard: $2.50/user
Advanced: $6.00/user
Time Doctor
Time Doctor allows businesses to gather data and gain insights on how to improve team performance and productivity. It’s a hybrid productivity/attendance management tool. The software is designed to track time spent on each project, client, and task, while also providing a breakdown of how much time is spent at the computer, versus away from it. Managers can review and approve timesheets and the payroll setup is fully customizable.
Key Features & Services:
Reporting and analysis
Time tracking
Integration with enterprise tools
Project management and budgeting
Payroll and timesheets
Offline time tracking
Customers Include:
Thrive Market
BBB
Ericsson
Boost Media
Pricing:
Basic: $5.90/user/month
Standard: $8.40/user/month
Premium: $16.7/user/month
Timetastic
Timetastic is an online platform designed to streamline the process of tracking and managing Paid Time Off (PTO) and vacation schedules for modern companies. The platform functions as a comprehensive tool for both employers and employees to log, track, and manage time-off requests. Furthermore, Timetastic automates several processes involved in absence management, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods such as the use of spreadsheets and shared calendars.
Key Features & Services:
PTO tracking
Integrated vacation calendar
Daily and weekly scheduling notifications
Interactive wall chart for leave overview
Burnout board
Absence insights
Software integration
Activity Dashboard
Employee Self-Service
Customers Include:
None listed
Pricing:
$1.30/user/month
Budget or Free Attendance Management Systems
In the pursuit of cost-effective and efficient management of workforce time and attendance, many businesses are turning to budget-friendly or even free software solutions. Let's delve into some of the most advantageous budget or free attendance management systems.
Jibble
Jibble works across multiple platforms and is designed to cater to the needs of businesses in various industries. With Jibble, you can turn any device into a time clock. Jibble helps companies monitor the working hours of their employees accurately, irrespective of their location. It has face recognition, GPS tracking capabilities, and offline timesheet software.
Key Features & Services:
Timesheet app
Time clock
Face recognition
GPS tracking
Employee vacation tracker
Customers Include:
Pizza Hut
Hyundai
Pepsi
Accenture
Pricing:
Free
Premium: $2.49/month/user
Ultimate: $4.99/month/user
actiPLANs
Actiplans offers attendance management software that enables businesses to track and manage attendance effectively. Actiplans enables employees to track their attendance and submit leave requests remotely. Managers can group users and create “rules” for any employees. It’s a simple tool that does one thing well: work scheduling.
Key Features & Services:
Leave management
Location tracking
Event scheduling
Scheduling
Customers Include:
None listed
Pricing:
1 - 3 users: Free
1 - 10 users: $1.5/user/month
41 - 200 users: $1.2/user/month
200+ users: Pricing is not available on the website
Attendance Management Software vs. Attendance Tracking Software
Attendance tracking software primarily focuses on recording the time an employee spends on work. Its fundamental purpose is to monitor when employees clock in and out, providing an accurate measure of work hours.
Attendance management software goes beyond just tracking work hours to encompass a broader set of HR-related functionalities. It manages absences, monitors paid time off (PTO), and generates attendance reports. It is often equipped with self-service portals, enabling employees to request PTO or leave, thereby fostering employee autonomy.
More comprehensive than tracking software, attendance management software might also support payroll integration with tools like QuickBooks, Gusto, and ADP. Advanced attendance management systems may provide custom reports and enable users to integrate with project management tools like Monday, Jira, and Asana.
Benefits of Using Attendance Management & Tracking Systems
Implementing a great attendance management system provides benefits for supervisors, employees, and the entire organization.
Labor Law Compliance
Attendance tracking systems can help businesses stay compliant with labor laws by automatically managing work hours, breaks, and overtime. This ensures that employees are accurately compensated according to legal regulations, reducing the risk of penalties or legal issues for your organization. What organization doesn’t want to be compliant with the law!
Simplified Payroll
Attendance management systems can automate the collection and calculation of employees' worked hours, making it easier to process payroll without errors. With accurate tracking records, discrepancies are minimized, leading to a smooth and hassle-free payroll experience for both employees and the HR/Payroll department.
Reduced Absenteeism
By keeping an accurate record of attendance patterns, these systems empower organizations to identify potential issues of absenteeism early on. Managers can then address the root causes and provide support to employees before absenteeism negatively impacts the workplace.
Improved Workforce Management
Attendance tracking software provides valuable insights and analytics on workforce performance, allowing managers to make data-driven decisions and improve workforce management. With better visibility of employee attendance patterns, organizations can effectively plan schedules, allocate resources, and maximize productivity.
Use the Best Attendance Management System
In navigating the world of attendance management systems, it's clear that businesses have an array of options, each with unique features and offerings. Tracking and managing attendance can be a daunting task, especially in larger organizations. But remember, the right tool can alleviate this burden, streamline your operations, and enhance productivity.
Among these varied programs, one stands out—TeamSense. We bring together the essential aspects of an excellent attendance management system, and then go the extra mile. From precise absence tracking and automated reports to integration capabilities with your existing HR and payroll systems, TeamSense provides you with a comprehensive toolset for managing your team's attendance with confidence.
What truly sets TeamSense apart is its dedication to not just being a tool, but also a partner in helping you achieve your business objectives. It's not only about tracking attendance; it's about understanding your team, making informed decisions, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. See firsthand how it can transform your attendance management processes.
Choosing An Attendance Management Solution For Your Business - FAQs
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When prioritizing features for your business, consider both current needs and future growth. For small businesses, simplicity, ease of use, and affordability are key. Features like basic time tracking, mobile access, and straightforward reporting may suffice. For larger organizations, scalability, integration with existing HR and payroll systems, and advanced analytics become more critical. Assess your operational workflow, the geographical distribution of your workforce, and specific industry requirements to ensure the system effectively supports your business objectives.
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User-friendliness and mobile accessibility are crucial because they directly impact the system's adoption and utilization rates across your organization. A user-friendly interface ensures that all employees, regardless of their tech-savviness, can efficiently use the system without extensive training, reducing resistance and fostering a culture of accountability. Mobile accessibility caters to the modern workforce's need for flexibility, allowing employees to clock in and out, request leave, and view their schedules from anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for remote or field workers. This flexibility can lead to more accurate attendance tracking and, ultimately, better labor cost management.
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Reliability is measured through system uptime, security measures like data encryption, user feedback reflecting system efficiency, and the frequency of updates addressing new needs or security concerns. A dependable system ensures uninterrupted access, safeguarding sensitive data and adapting to evolving workplace demands.
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Assessing customer support involves examining availability hours, the diversity of support channels (email, chat, phone), and responsiveness. Look for personalized support options, such as dedicated account managers, and assess the depth of online resources like guides and FAQs to ensure comprehensive assistance.
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The true cost includes initial setup fees, monthly or annual subscription rates, additional costs for extra features or users, and any support or maintenance fees. Transparency in pricing is crucial; request detailed quotes and check for reviews or feedback about any unexpected expenses post-implementation to avoid surprises.
Is your call-in process terrible? Text reduces no-shows and absenteeism by up to 40%.
Don't believe us? Check out this case study to see how this 3PL benefited.
About the Author
Jackie Jones, Employee Relations & AI for HR Specialist
Jackie Jones brings a wealth of knowledge in fostering positive workplace environments and streamlining attendance management, with specialized expertise in AI applications for human resources. With a passion for helping businesses create efficient and supportive workplaces, she focuses on developing strategies that leverage AI to enhance employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. Jackie's combined expertise in employee relations and AI-driven solutions provides a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by hourly workers and their employers, making her insights invaluable for organizations seeking to improve their attendance processes and embrace innovative HR technology.