Time clocks and attendance systems can cost your company anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it is wise to do your homework before you purchase a system. As far as possible, ensure that the system you will purchase fits the specific needs of your company.
Perhaps the first issue for a potential buyer is to determine what kind of features you want your time clock to have. Do you want a basic time clock or one that can keep more substantial records (production, wages, or otherwise) on your employees? Do you feel that you need security for your time clock?
Next, begin contacting and researching different companies that make and sell attendance systems. If you know of other companies that have purchased attendance systems in the past, contact them for advice and recommendations. In general, time clocks are sold by vendors rather than the actual producer; but in any case, ask questions of the producer/vendor to help you decide whether to buy from them.
Make sure and ask your attendance system vendor whether they will ensure that the attendance system is compatible with your technology and whether they provide training on the use of the time clock. Finally, ask pointed questions regarding service in the event that you have problems with your equipment. If there is a power outage, for example, what can be done to recover the information in the time clock? How can you reach the vendor in the event of a problem and how quickly with it respond?