TimeWellScheduled supports several different punch-in methods so you can choose the option that best fits your workplace. Each method has its own setup requirements, costs, and pros/cons.

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1. Employee Code & Password

Employees log in using their employee code (often their payroll number) and a secure password.

• • Works on: Windows, Mac
  • Up-front Cost: $0
  • Ongoing Annual Cost: $0

Pros:

• • Easiest and fastest method to set up.
  • No hardware required.

Cons:

• • Employees could share credentials, allowing “buddy punching.”

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2. YubiKey

A physical USB device that plugs into a PC. The employee touches the button to generate a unique one-time value. Keys can be reassigned to different employees if needed.

• • Works on: Windows, Mac
  • Up-front Cost: $15–$25 per employee
  • Ongoing Annual Cost: $0

Pros:

• • Highly secure — each key is unique.
  • Very fast, no typing required.
  • Reusable when an employee leaves.

Cons:

• • Employees could swap keys, though this is impractical.
  • Requires accessible USB ports.

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3. Barcode / Swipe Card

Employees punch in by scanning a printed barcode or swiping a magnetic card using a reader. TimeWellScheduled can generate employee barcodes for free.

• • Works on: Windows, Mac
  • Up-front Cost: $125–$200 per punch-in location
  • Ongoing Annual Cost: $0

Pros:

• • Quick and simple to use.
  • Reliable and familiar system.

Cons:

• • Employees could swap cards/barcodes.
  • Requires a reader at each punch-in location.
  • Most readers use a USB port.

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4. Biometrics (Fingerprint)

Employees punch in by scanning their fingerprint, which is compared to the one on file.

• • Works on: Windows only
  • Up-front Cost: $150–$200 per punch-in location (device cost)
  • Ongoing Annual Cost: $0

Pros:

• • Secure and prevents “buddy punching.”
  • Fast and reliable once enrolled.

Cons:

• • Windows-only solution.
  • Each employee must be scanned during rollout.
  • Requires a biometric device at each punch-in station.

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5. TWS Punch App

Our iOS app provides three different punch-in options:

1. 1. Employee Code & Password – identical to the standard login, but done through the app.
   2. Employee Code & Password + Photograph – captures a silent photo at punch-in, allowing managers to verify who clocked in. (Note: The system does not compare the photo automatically.)
   3. Facial Recognition – employees are enrolled by taking a photo, and can only punch in if their face matches the stored record.

• • Works on: iOS or Android
  • Up-front Cost:  device cost per punch-in location
  • Ongoing Annual Cost:
    • $0 for Code & Password or Photograph
    • $0.25/month/employee for Facial Recognition (using Microsoft’s secure cloud service)

Pros:

• • Flexible options for different needs.
  • Allows visual verification of who is clocking in.
  • Facial recognition adds security and convenience.

Cons:

• • Facial recognition carries a small per-employee monthly cost.
  • Lighting conditions may affect photo/recognition accuracy.

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Choosing the Best Option

Each punch-in method has its strengths. Smaller teams may prefer the simplicity of codes or barcodes, while larger organizations often choose biometrics or facial recognition to reduce buddy punching and improve accuracy.