What Is a Clock-In System and Why Does Your Business Need One?
Clock-in machines track staff working hours by recording the exact times employees enter and leave the workplace, storing this data in a central system. They are essential for businesses of all sizes, helping to maintain accurate attendance records, streamline payroll, reduce paperwork, and increase overall productivity.
Without a clock-in system, employees typically rely on manual timesheets — a process that is both time-consuming and prone to inaccuracy. An electronic system eliminates this, ensuring each staff member's hours are recorded precisely and that wages are calculated correctly. Many systems also include attendance software for easier evaluation and reporting.
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Types of Clock-In Machines
Traditional Card Clocking Machines
The most straightforward and affordable option. Each employee uses a clock card, which is inserted into the machine and stamped with the date and time. Typically suited to smaller teams of up to around 40 employees.
ID Reader Machines (RFID)
Employees hold a card or key fob in front of the reader, which scans and records the data in the system. More secure than card machines, these systems can support up to around 1,800 employees and often include software with additional functions such as recording sick leave and incidents.
Fingerprint Recognition Machines
Employees clock in by placing a finger on the scanner, which is instantly recognised and recorded. Because clocking is tied to a unique biometric, there is no possibility of employees clocking in on behalf of colleagues. Fingerprint machines are ideal for larger businesses — some models support over 2,000 employees.
Face Recognition Machines
The most advanced identification option. Using dual-camera 3D face recognition or RFID, these machines provide highly secure, accurate, and immediate user verification with no physical contact required.
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Safescan TimeMoto: Featured Product — TM-828
The Safescan TimeMoto TM-828 is a premium time and attendance terminal that combines RFID proximity reading and fingerprint scanning with powerful cloud or PC-based software. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes and scales seamlessly as your team grows.
Key Features
Flexible Clock-In Methods Employees can choose to clock in via RFID badge, fingerprint scan, or PIN — whichever suits them best.
Cloud-Powered TimeMoto Cloud allows you to manage timesheets, schedules, and reports from any location and any device — laptop, tablet, or smartphone. No software installation is required, and the system is continuously updated. A 30-day free trial (including Cloud Plus features for up to 2,000 users) is included with every terminal.
Easy Setup The TM-828 mounts to the wall and connects via LAN or Wi-Fi. A step-by-step setup wizard guides you through the process, and the 3.5" TFT colour display with intuitive touch interface makes daily use straightforward for all employees.
Smart Clocking The terminal recognises the most recent clocking action, preventing accidental duplicate entries and ensuring attendance data is always accurate.
Project-Based Clocking Employees can enter project codes directly on the device. Built-in Wi-Fi pushes real-time data to the cloud, giving managers instant visibility of labour costs by project.
Works Offline If the internet connection is lost, data is stored locally on the device and automatically synced — securely encrypted — once connectivity is restored.
TimeMoto Cloud Plus (Advanced) For businesses needing more, Cloud Plus adds 24-hour shift scheduling, arrival/departure notifications, individual holiday and overtime tracking, and more.
3-Year Warranty All TimeMoto products are manufactured to high quality standards and covered by a comprehensive 3-year warranty.
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Setting Up Your TimeMoto System
Full setup support is available at support.timemoto.com. Key setup resources include:
• Installing your TimeMoto device (TM-600 & TM-800 series)
• Setting up your Time Clock System
• Registering your terminal and activating the software
• Connecting via Wi-Fi or LAN
• Changing settings for Daylight Saving Time
• Updating firmware (TM-616/626 and TM-818/828/838)
• Deleting or resetting data on your device
Software Options
TimeMoto PC Software — for single-PC use. Supports installation, licence activation, reporting, scheduling, pay classes, overtime management, and more.
TimeMoto Cloud — browser-based, no installation needed. Manage your entire workforce from anywhere. Includes work schedules, absence planning, reporting, user location management, and full GDPR compliance support.
All manuals can be downloaded from support.timemoto.com/en/s/manuals.
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Troubleshooting
Common issues and their solutions are available on the TimeMoto support site, including:
• Screen shows "Identify" when pressing the Menu button
• Device not connecting to Wi-Fi or Cloud
• Slow or failed fingerprint recognition
• "Authentication failure" displayed on device
• Issues during first-time setup or registration
• Software not accepting licence information
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Need Further Help?
Contact the HuntOffice customer service team at customerservice@huntoffice.ie or visit our full range of Safescan TimeMoto clock-in machines at huntoffice.ie.