The benefits of an automated time and attendance system

1 January 2016 Access Control & Identity Management

In a business environment, manual and repetitive tasks take up a lot of time, time that could be greatly reduced if an automated system was introduced. One of the most time-intensive processes for many businesses is the tracking of staff attendance and coordinating payroll accordingly.

Mark Simpson, sales leader for Tyco Retail Solutions South Africa.
Mark Simpson, sales leader for Tyco Retail Solutions South Africa.

“Think about how much time is spent reviewing timecards, analysing how many days each employee worked and how long they worked each day,” says Mark Simpson, sales leader for Tyco Retail Solutions South Africa. “Automated time and attendance systems greatly reduce this strain on resources. Automated, web-based systems that integrate with human resources and payroll offer significant cost savings, increased productivity, accurate workforce reporting and easier access to attendance data.”

Simpson says it made sense to include time and attendance management as part of Tyco Retail Solution’s bouquet of services. “As part of our holistic approach to our customer’s businesses we saw a need to sell, install and support a reliable time and attendance system and we now manage this service at a leading national book retailer with close to 50 stores around the country as well as numerous fashion retailers.”

He says that Tyco Retail Solutions has partnered with Control Instruments to supply AstrowWEB, world class workforce management solution, to its customers.

The Astrow Suite virtual terminal allows employees to clock in using a web browser, which means the system can be centralised and is able to cater for remote workers too. The fingerprint biometrics can be connected to an existing network. All data is then processed centrally and accessed via AstrowWEB throughout the enterprise using a standard web browser.

“Automation of the time and attendance system enables users to accurately track staff hours, eliminating the costs and frustrations of a traditional payroll system. But over and above the payroll benefits, the system gives users the ability to monitor leave days, overtime and breaks, as well as offering better insights into an employee’s performance and time management skills,” explains Simpson.

“This information is recorded and can be reported on, making it a useful tool for human resource management. Employees are able to access this information as well as any other messages easily, which empowers the employee and creates a mutually trusting relationship.”

Managers can be assigned specific rights that enable them to draw reports, track absenteeism, authorise overtime and also request leave on behalf of a staff member. Easy access to accurate data enables business owners to predict the number of hours and manpower required for a project. We need to mention integration with fingerprint biometrics that can be connected to an existing network. All data is then processed centrally and accessed via AstrowWEB throughout the enterprise using a standard web browser.

“The Astrow Time and Attendance system gives business owners a good grasp on some of the workforce trends in their organisation, giving them insights into labour expenses and project costs,” says Simpson. “The return on investment is quickly realised, owing to the cost savings related to reduction in human errors and increased productivity.”

For more information contact Tyco Retail Solutions, 086 12 12 910, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Nice unveils MyNice Smartgo
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Nice SA has announced the release of MyNice Smartgo, a compact access automation solution, designed specifically for the South African market, combining an easy-to-install device with a user-friendly smartphone application.friendly smartphone application.

Read more...
Secure, touchless access control
Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions Commercial (Industry)
Invixium has joined forces with SAP to deliver a touchless access control experience for the S.Mart Store, SAP’s first fully automated, 24/7 self-service retail outlet, located at its global headquarters in Walldorf, Germany.

Read more...
The power of PKI and private sector innovation
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events Government and Parastatal (Industry)
At the recent ID4Africa 2025 Summit in Addis Ababa, the spotlight was firmly on building secure, inclusive, and scalable digital identity ecosystems for the African continent.

Read more...
Biometric security key for phishing-resistant MFA
Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management
New FIDO-compliant USB, Bluetooth, and NFC BioKeys with biometric login and centralised management for phishing-resistant, passwordless multifactor authentication (MFA) for enterprise users.

Read more...
Gallagher Security releases OneLink
Gallagher Animal Management Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management
Gallagher Security has announced OneLink, a cloud-based solution that makes it faster, easier and more cost-effective to deploy security anywhere in the world, transforming how security can be delivered to remote sites and distributed infrastructure.

Read more...
Suprema unveils BioStar Air
Suprema neaMetrics News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure
Suprema launches BioStar Air, the first cloud-based access control platform designed to natively support biometric authentication and feature true zero-on-premise architecture. BioStar Air simplifies deployment and scales effortlessly to secure SMBs, multi-branch companies, and mixed-use buildings.

Read more...
Continuous AML risk monitoring
Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
AU10TIX, launched continuous risk monitoring as part of its advanced anti-money laundering (AML) solution, empowering businesses to detect behavioural anomalies and emerging threats as they arise.

Read more...
The future of security: intelligent automation
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
As the security landscape evolves, businesses are no longer looking for stand-alone solutions, they want connected, intelligent systems that automate, streamline, and protect.

Read more...
Smart automation is changing security
SA Technologies IntelliGuard Access Control & Identity Management
Security has come a long way from manual check-ins, logbooks, and standalone surveillance cameras. With the rise of intelligent automation, security is now faster, smarter, and more connected than ever.

Read more...
The future of security in South Africa
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management
Security technology is evolving rapidly, but is local innovation keeping pace? Some global players recognise the potential of South African products for international markets, but can our manufacturers and service providers thrive without external support?

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.