Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Time Card Software.

Ratings

Time-tracking Features

Product should track employees' working hours, wages earned, vacation, sick leave accrual and more.

Reports

All time card software should create payroll reports. Some programs create other helpful reports like employee reports, attendance reports and more.

Ease of Use

Time card software should be easy to use no matter the level of computer skills.

Help/Support

A good help document should be included with the software. The manufacturer should also provide support via email, telephone, FAQ and user forums.

Clock in/out methods

Designated PC

A central or designated PC must be used by all employees to clock in or out.

Manager Entry

Entry of employees' hours must be done by a manager.

Employees' Individual PC

Employees can clock in or out from their individual computers.

Internet (web-based)

An Internet browser is used to clock in and out from the employees’ computer.

Hardware Cardreader/scanner

Hardware devices such as a card reader, badge reader, fingerprint scanner and so on are used to collect employees’ clock punch data.

Compatible with Badges, Card reader, and so on

Timecard software can be used with hardware devices already in place.

Compatible with Touch-screen

Timecard software can be used with an LCD touch screen.

Time-tracking Features

Employees' Hours

Hours that employees have worked are automatically tracked and calculated according to clock punches.

Hourly and Salary Employees

Software can maintain separate pay schedules for both hourly and salary employees.

Sick Leave Accrual

Software can track how many hours of sick leave each employee has earned according to company policy.

Sick Leave Taken

Sick hours taken can be entered into the timesheet and tracked.

Vacation Accrual

Software can track how many hours of vacation time each employee has earned according to company policy.

Vacation Taken

Vacation hours taken can be entered into the timesheet and tracked.

Overtime

Overtime hours can be tracked automatically according to company policy.

Personal Time/Bereavement

Software can track how many hours of personal time each employee has earned according to company policy.

Holidays

Paid holidays can be entered and automatically paid.

View Employees In and Out

Function that allows supervisor to see how many employees are clocked in.

Flexible Pay Periods

Pay periods can be designated as one week, two weeks, monthly or other according to company policy.

Reports

Time Reports

Reports that give information about hours worked, overtime, time detail and more.

Employee ID Reports

Reports that list employee ID numbers, information, birthdays and more.

Payroll Reports

Reports used to calculate payroll checks. Some software programs allow you to print payroll reports according to employee, shift or department.

Schedule/Attendance Reports

Reports that show employee schedules, attendance history and more.

Custom Reports

Reports customized by the company to serve its specific needs.

Annual Summary

Reports showing annual information.

Show Company Header

Reports display company header and/or information.

Adjust Date Range of Report

Feature that allows you to specify the date range of the information contained in the report.

Print Reports

Reports can be printed.

Export Reports

Reports may be sent to a different location or software program using the export feature.

Export to Payroll Program

Features that sends the report information directly to a payroll program.

Employee Access

View Timecard

Employees can view timecard.

Print Timecard

Employees can print their timecard.

Adjust Timecard

Employees have access to their timecard to correct or adjust information.

Bulletins

Employees can receive notices from supervisors and others when clocking in.

Request Days Off

Feature that allows employees to send requests to supervisors via the timecard software.

Additional Features

Network Installation

Software can be installed on the company network allowing employees to log in from their own computers and giving managers/supervisors access to timecard database from any computer.

Print Preview/Proof

Reports can be previewed or approved before closing the pay period and printing reports.

Built-in Calendar

A calendar is built into the software program. Some show scheduled days off, vacation and more for employees.

Database Backup

Data can be backed up using feature.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Support

The manufacturer offers telephone support to its customers.

Email Support

You can reach customer support by email.

Product Manual/Help

The product has a user manual or help documentation to teach you about the time card software.

FAQ

Find answers to common questions in the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section.

User Forums

An area where you can discuss time card topics with other customers.

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