# Mechanical Methods of Time Keeping
## Purpose
Mechanical time keeping automates recording of employee arrival/departure, reducing manual errors and proxy fraud.
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## Method 1: Dial Time Recorder
Employee inserts a card; a clock mechanism prints the exact time.
Disadvantages:
- High installation cost
- Practical only for a limited number of workers
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## Method 2: Punch Card Attendance System
Card contains digital employee information (name, staff number). Employee touches the card near a card reader — time-in and time-out are recorded automatically.
| Advantages | No manual intervention required; no scope for manipulation |
| Disadvantages | Expensive to install; proxy attendance by another employee is possible |
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## Method 3: Bio-metric Attendance System
Records attendance via physical traits (fingerprint, face, eyes, palm) or behavioural traits (voice recognition).
### Three Sub-types
| Type | Working | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Recognition | Matches stored fingerprint; records arrival & departure | No proxy — each person has a unique fingerprint |
| Face Recognition | Matches face with stored record | Mainly used in security systems |
| Time & Attendance Tracking | Records arrival, departure, AND total working hours | Real-time; replaces paper sheets; cost-saving |
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## Quick Comparison
| Method | Proxy Risk | Setup Cost | Manual Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dial Time Recorder | Low | High | Low |
| Punch Card | Medium (proxy possible) | High | None |
| Bio-metric (Fingerprint) | None | Moderate–High | None |