Start from the shift
Late, early and absent only mean something against a defined shift. Define shifts and who works them before choosing how to record punches.
Make recording easy
Whether people use a web clock, a phone or a device at the gate, the easier the method, the cleaner the data. Remove steps that people skip.
Plan for exceptions
- Forgotten clock-outs need a rule, such as closing the day at shift end and marking it clearly
- Corrections should be requests with an approver, not edits
- Work away from the office needs an on-duty request
- Overtime needs a cap and, ideally, approval before the hours are worked
Close the loop with payroll
Approved overtime and unpaid absence should flow into payroll without retyping. Review the exceptions list before each run, not during it.