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:

AI agents become ‘First Class Identities’
Access Control & Identity Management
AI agents are now approving transactions, accessing systems, triggering workflows, and making decisions autonomously. But uncontrolled AI agents are becoming one of the largest security gaps in modern enterprises.

Read more...
Balancing secure access control and fire safety
Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Fire & Safety
In modern building management, few topics create as much tension as the intersection between security access control and fire evacuation safety. Nichola Allen of G2 Fire sheds light on this delicate balance.

Read more...
Securing water infrastructure for industry and community
Access Control & Identity Management Fire & Safety Government and Parastatal (Industry)
The Badirammogo Water User Association needed a solution that could secure remote sites, reduce reliance on physical guards, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery while remaining aligned with its values and long-term strategy.

Read more...
Disconnect between confidence in identity security and operational reality
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
New FIDO Alliance and HID study reveals gap between identity security confidence and reality; 94% of enterprises claim they can revoke employee access within 24 hours, yet 35% experienced delays or failures in the past two years.

Read more...
Paxton Solo training available to security installers
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
Following the launch of Solo, Paxton’s brand-new access control system, the security manufacturer is rolling out dedicated Solo training sessions across South Africa to support security installers working with the system.

Read more...
Controlling access for people and vehicles
IDEMIA STid Security Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Asset Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
When it comes to access control, the security requirements of mines and the industrial sector are similar, requiring a layered approach that combines physical barriers, digital authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect personnel, assets, and operational continuity.

Read more...
Paxton launches new phone-based security system: Solo
Paxton News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Paxton has officially unveiled Solo, a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. As part of the launch, installers can claim a free Solo starter kit from Paxton, allowing them to trial the system and see how it can work for their business.

Read more...
Taking control of IAM in the AI era
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics
AI and Shadow AI are proliferating, creating a series of new risks for organisations. To gain control over who and what has access to corporate data, organisations need unified control over their entire environment.

Read more...
Impro announces Primo update
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions
Impro Technologies recently held a launch event in which it introduced a series of new products, from new readers through to its updated Primo access management software.

Read more...
If you cannot prove identity, you cannot claim security
Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Cybersecurity planning for 2026 is a structural change in how attacks are executed and how trust is exploited, demanding that companies stop layering tools on top of infrastructure and instead prioritise intelligence and identity.

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.