Clocking Devices: From Compliance to Empowerment and Insights

Partners / 23 Jun 2025

Modern clocking devices do more than track attendance. They empower employees, increase transparency, and unlock insights when integrated with workforce management software. Learn how activity-based tracking improves operations, billing, and employee motivation.

Time Tracking Without Stress: How Clocking Devices Bring Trust & Insight

It is the end of the month. Time is ticking, tension is rising. Have all the hours been entered correctly? Are the breaks approved? And what about that one employee who always submits his hours at the very last minute?

For many HR departments and planners, this is a familiar situation. But employees themselves also experience anxiety. Sometimes they see time recording as a control: ‘Don’t you trust me?’ This resistance is understandable – especially if time recordings have to be adjusted afterwards or if discussions arise about the correctness of the salary payment.

This is precisely why modern time registration offers a solution. Clocking is no longer a form of supervision, but a means of creating trust. Everyone knows: the hours are correct, the payout is correct, and there is no need for endless back-and-forth communication about corrections.

With the right clocking-devices and a well-designed WFM system, this fuss disappears. You get overview, clarity and peace on the work floor.

Time-Tracking on The Rise

The popularity of clocking devices reflects this demand – valued at USD 3.06 billion in 2024, it’s forecast to reach USD 5.58 billion by 2033.

What additional attendance tracking features are companies looking for? Well, there’s a lot to gain from tracking time on a more granular level, breaking down records by activity or project.

In this article, we’ll explore how companies can benefit from activity-based tracking, and how this is supported by versatile clocking devices.

The Benefits of Activity-Based Time Tracking

Clocking devices record who is working when, where, and sometimes even on what. In practice, this means: employees clock in when they arrive and out when they leave—optionally for breaks, task changes, or location shifts. The data is automatically stored and sent to a central system. No sticky notes or spreadsheets needed.

However, time tracking is no longer just about logging when someone starts or finishes their shift. When done right, it becomes a tool for building trust, improving performance, and creating real business value.

By recording hours per task, project, cost center or client, you gain a far more accurate and actionable view of how time is used. Here’s how this benefits both your organization and your people:

Improved Payroll Accuracy and Regulatory Compliance

Activity-based tracking reduces errors and grey areas. Employees see their hours clearly registered, including overtime or shift differentials. That transparency builds confidence and minimizes disputes over pay. It also ensures compliance with labor regulations, collective labor agreements and internal rules.

Transparent and Fair Work Culture

When employees know that their time is recorded accurately and used fairly, it fosters a sense of trust. Instead of feeling watched, they feel valued. Time tracking becomes a shared tool that reflects real effort and contribution. This can improve morale and support a more collaborative workplace culture.

Increased Engagement and Accountability

Recording time per task helps employees take ownership of their work. They see how their input connects to business outcomes — whether that’s a completed project, a satisfied customer, or an improved process. This awareness boosts engagement and reinforces a sense of responsibility.

Operational Visibility and Smarter Decision-Making

Time data shows what’s really happening in your business. Is Project A running over time? Is too much labor spent on repetitive tasks in customer service? These insights let you fine-tune planning, improve workflows, or address skill gaps through training. You stop guessing — and start managing with facts.

More Accurate Billing and Job Costing

Tying hours to clients or projects enables itemized billing—eliminating disputes and building trust. In manufacturing, you’ll know exactly how much labor goes into a batch or production line—crucial for cost calculations, pricing, and quotes. These benefits only come from combining modern WFM software with the right web-connected time clocks..

Clocking Devices for Every Environment

No two workplaces are the same. Clocking hours in retail is different from logistics or manufacturing. That’s why MANUS offers Datafox time clocks—reliable hardware tailored to each environment.

Sector Applications:

Retail: Clock in/out per store, track hours per task (e.g., register vs. shelf restocking), sync with planning
Logistics: Log shift start/end times, breaks, and activities like picking or loading
Manufacturing: Track time per production line or maintenance task per employee—hardware built for tough conditions
Hospitality: Flexible tracking for part-timers or seasonal staff. Clock in on site or via app

Everyday Use Cases

Datafox offers a wide range of time clocks for all kinds of settings. For example, install a wall-mounted terminal near the staff entrance in your distribution center. Employees clock in using their chosen method—ID, badge, etc. The data is then seamlessly integrated into your ERP or WFM system..

Designed for Tough Conditions

Datafox devices are built for rugged environments — resistant to dust, gloves, temperature swings, and more. They also work offline, making them ideal for fieldwork and industrial facilities.

Compatible Clocking Methods

Clocking devices support multiple identification modes. Here are some of the scenarios in which companies use each mode.

RFID Clocking: Fast & contactless ideal for high-traffic or gloved situations
RFID clocking involves employees carrying a small RFID tag, often embedded in an ID card or key fob. The time clock device has an RFID reader so the employee can quickly clock in by holding the card near it. This fast, contactless method is beneficial in high-traffic scenarios or where employees might have dirty hands or gloves on.
Barcodes: Useful for logging by employee, task or project
A barcode clocking system assigns a unique barcode to each employee or task. Employees might have a barcode on their ID badge, or job sheets might have barcoded project codes. The clocking device scans the barcode to identify the person or work item.
PIN Codes: A simple back-up when badges are lost
PIN clocking is one of the simplest methods – the employee manually enters a unique code on the time clock interface to identify themselves. PINs are useful as a backup in case ID cards or fobs are lost.
QR Codes: Combines Data in a single scan
QR codes are versatile, able to encode more information than traditional barcodes. They can be useful if you need to include an employee ID plus a location or project code in one scan, for example.

These methods work with both fixed and mobile setups, depending on your needs.

Why You Need WFM-Software Too

Modern WFM tools let you take time tracking a step further. Employees can log hours per cost center, client, project, or even individual tasks. That level of detail pays off in smarter decisions and financial accuracy.

Benefits include:

Accurate hour tracking – no manual errors or disputes
Transparency and trust – employees see their time is fairly recorded
Real-time insights – for HR, planning, and finance
Efficiency – less admin, faster payroll, better reports
Flexibility – choose from RFID, QR, barcode, or PIN
Robust hardware – built for dusty warehouses, damp kitchens, or mobile teams

MANUS WFM & Datafox: A Powerful Combo

Using MANUS WFM together with Datafox clocking-devices means working with a seamlessly integrated system. Whether you’re in retail, logistics, manufacturing, or hospitality, this solution is reliable, flexible, and robust.

Datafox clocks come in various models, from wall terminals to mobile devices, and integrate directly with your WFM environment.

Conclusion: Empower Your Staff With Better Time Tracking

Clocking devices aren’t just about control. When paired with enterprise WFM software, they become tools for trust, clarity, and better performance. You gain insight. Employees gain confidence. And together, you get the full value from every hour worked.

Want to explore how Datafox devices integrate with MANUS WFM? Get in touch with our team.

Clocking devices turn time tracking into a source of value. In combination with WFM software, they drive smarter scheduling, higher employee engagement, and greater control over labor costs.

International WFM: Scalable Software For International Growth

WFM / 10 Jun 2025

Expanding internationally means managing people, processes and legalities across borders. That’s not easy – unless your workforce management system is built for it. From multilingual support to compliance automation and scalable architecture, MANUS WFM helps global organizations streamline operations and support local teams. In this article, you’ll discover how our solution tackles key global workforce challenges and why it could be a strategic advantage for your business.

Tackling International Workforce Challenges: How Our Workforce Management Software Supports Global Growth

International expansion brings significant workforce management challenges. There are human factors to consider (such as language barriers), technical factors (i.e., software scalability) and legal factors (i.e., compliance with labor and data protection laws).

In this article, we explore how advanced workforce management tools – combined with industry expertise – helps international businesses overcome the key pain points when managing a global workforce.

International WFM Challenges – And How MANUS WFM Solves Them

1. Language Barriers

If a workforce management system only supports one language, employees who aren’t proficient in that language may struggle to access crucial information, leading to misunderstandings and compliance risks.

A survey of executives conducted by Forbes Insights and Rosetta Stone reveals the consequences of language barriers:

67% of executives said that the resulting miscommunications were causing inefficiencies
46% said it made collaboration difficult
42% said it compromised productivity
24% said it made it harder for management and executives to get respect from employees
24% said it makes it harder to attract and retain talent
16% said it actually reduced employee retention
And 21% said it compromised worker safety

How MANUS WFM Breaks Down the Barriers

Our software supports 35 languages, including localized versions of the ESS Employee Self-Service (ESS) app, so each employee can use the system in their preferred language. This may also increase user adoption by making the experience more intuitive for non-native speakers.

What Does an Employee Self Service App Do?

Thanks to the ESS app, frontline workers can manage their availability, swap shifts, request leave and stay informed about their working hours – all from their mobile devices. They can also use the app to manage personal information and payment details, and receive communications from HR.

This flexibility directly supports work life balance, creating a better employee experience. When staff use the app regularly, it makes things easier for managers when it comes to employee scheduling, leave management and absence management. No more guesswork or chasing workers in order to make schedule changes.

2. Labor Law Compliance Chaos

Compliance with a wide range of labor laws is a major challenge, especially since laws also vary by state or province. On top of that, there’s the variation across roles and contract types. There are almost endless combinations of rule sets to manage.

Staying compliant everywhere can be daunting, and failing to do so isn’t an option. Global businesses need a reliable way to manage schedules in line with the law – without overloading HR teams.

How Our Workforce Planning Software Keeps You on the Right Side of the Law

MANUS WFM has a dedicated compliance engine that enforces different jurisdictions’ rules automatically. This reduces the chances of human error and the inadvertent violations that may follow.

For example, you can configure region-specific pay rules, as well as rules on maximum work hours or mandatory rest breaks – and anything else required by law. The system will flag any violations so you can address them immediately.

3. Data Security and Privacy Across Borders

Companies must meet the data protection and residency laws for different jurisdictions. Of course, laws such as the GDPR are pan-European, so that can make things more standardized. But what if you’re also operating in the United States? What if you’re operating in states such as California which have their own unique laws?

MANUS WFM Protects Your Data

In such situations, it’s crucial to work with a software provider that has the necessary expertise to manage your data correctly.

Again, our system is built with compliance and security in mind. Role-based access controls, encryption and region-specific data hosting options ensure that sensitive information stays protected.

4. Scalability Struggles

Expanding into new regions is as daunting as it is exciting – if your enterprise workforce management software isn’t up to the job. A solution that works for 2,000 employees might struggle to handle the burden of 20,000 or more.

Common Issues When Scaling

Problems encountered can include sluggish response times, data loss and system crashes. Key processes may be delayed, slowing efficiency.

Then there’s data and infrastructure management. Companies need to store ever-increasing datasets while maintaining the performance of database queries, and they need to ensure that data storage costs remain feasible.

But that’s not all. There’s the cost of hardware maintenance (if you’re not using a cloud solution). And the struggle of integrating and modifying software that’s not designed to scale.

A Workforce Management System Built For Scaling

Say Goodbye to Capacity Issues

Our software was built to be highly scalable, which is why many international companies use it. Our customers – in retail, logistics, industry and beyond – don’t need to get bogged down in addressing software performance issues because MANUS WFM handles the data of thousands of employees with ease. Instead, they can focus on optimizing efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Flexible Deployment

Of course, scalability isn’t just about capacity – it’s also about flexibility. The software supports complex organizational hierarchies and multi-site setups, giving you a unified global overview while still giving local managers appropriate control. It also supports many third-party integrations.

Streamlined Processes

The larger your workforce, the less manual work you want to be doing. Our WFM software ensures that administrative tasks are kept to a minimum. The principle of manage-by-exception applies here; your staff are alerted to deviations so they don’t have to perform unnecessary checks.

Automation is also introduced through dynamic workforce scheduling where historical data predicts labor needs. You can then create schedules that align with actual requirements.

But streamlining workforce management doesn’t end here – which brings us to the next point.

Beyond the Software – How Workforce Management Consultancy Takes Things Further

When you have clear WFM objectives, technology alone isn’t always enough. That’s why we provide workforce management consulting services.

Our industry experts are available to guide you on how to fine-tune the configuration in line with regional, operational and legal requirements. They can also help you improve your WFM processes in general and adapt the software to align with your desired business outcomes.

Conclusion

Managing an international workforce is complex by nature, but with the right workforce management solution, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. It can instead be a strategic advantage.

To recap, multilingual support, compliance automation and scalability provide a solid foundation for running global operations smoothly. In addition, WFM consultancy services deliver the human insight needed to adapt to each region’s unique requirements.

MANUS WFM is used by large, international companies that have tens of thousands of employees to manage. It’s a scalable solution founded on deep WFM expertise, allowing our customers to minimize costs and focus on growth. To learn more or request a demo, contact us today.

Managing a global workforce becomes easier with scalable WFM software. MANUS WFM combines automation, multilingual tools and consultancy for sustainable growth.