The origins of time tracking systems date back to the late 1800s, marked by the introduction of Willard and Harlow Bundy’s mechanical time recording apparatus. This device, commonly recognized as a Bundy clock, served as a cornerstone of time tracking for decades. In fact, they can still be found in certain workplaces today.

The constant progression of technology has significantly impacted all facets of our lives, including the way time is recorded. This evolution has seen time clocks transform from simple stamp systems to sophisticated superintendents.

When reviewing the history of time clocks and learning from the lessons of yesteryear, the fundamental question arises: What defines a basic punch clock? Moreover, do these enduring workhorses maintain their relevance in the present day? In this article, we answer these questions and more. 

The Origins of The Bundy Time Clock

In 1888, William Legrand Bundy, a renowned New York jeweler and inventor holding patents for cash registers and calculating machines, successfully patented the inaugural mechanical device designed to track employees' work hours. Bundy referred to his invention, which simply stamped the beginning and end of employees’ workdays on paper timecards. as a time recorder. The innovation would serve as a precursor to what is now commonly recognized as a time clock. 

For decades, Bundy clocks were the go-to choice for employers interested in tracking employees’ time. These tracking devices were especially popular in manufacturing plants, retail stores, and other sectors with hourly employees. 

At the end of the week, employers would add up the hours employees worked, multiply the hours by the individual worker's wage, and issue a paycheck. 

Evolution Through Time

Aiming to monetize their time recorders, and numerous other innovations, Willard and Harlow created the Bundy Manufacturing Company. Through its existence, the company endured numerous mergers and acquisitions, eventually joining companies such as the International Time Recording Company of New Jersey and the Simplex Time Recorder Company. 

By the turn of the 20th century, thousands of workers across the globe were using Bundy time recording machines to clock in and out. By 1924, the Bundy Manufacturing Company had grown to become International Business Machines – IBM.

Bundy clocks reigned supreme for nearly 40 years, before electric time clocks – and their electric-driven punch mechanisms – burst onto the scene in the 1930s. This transition from manual winding or mechanical spring mechanisms to electrically powered punches allowed for more consistent and reliable timekeeping, minimizing human error. 

Electric time clocks continued to evolve, ushering in the use of automatic card-feeding mechanisms. This feature automatically advanced and positioned timecards, ensuring punches were performed properly. 

Time clocks continued to evolve from there, transcending into digital clocks, biometric clocks, and modern-day web- and cloud-based applications. 

Their Role in Today's Workplace

While the technology driving Bundy clocks is certainly antiquated, there are still a few being used today. However, these uses are becoming more sparse, as today’s workers are more apt to work virtually or bounce between offices, making it difficult to track time from a static location. Additionally, manual punch clocks are prone to human error, as punches need to be viewed, transferred, recorded, and added up – a cycle that takes time, attention, and effort to complete. One mistake can lead to a pay discrepancy, placing your culture at risk if/when paychecks are cut for less than employees expect, and potentially positioning your company at risk of wage litigation.

How Do Bundy Clocks Work?

Bundy clocks are designed to stamp the time and date onto a paper timecard once it’s inserted into the machine. Employees typically use the device each time they punch in and out, accounting for their arrivals, departures, and any breaks. Depending on the time clock, the same paper timecard is typically used for an entire pay period (or longer), simplifying payroll calculations. 

Calculating Work Hours with Bundy Clocks

Calculating time with Bundy clocks, or time clocks in general, involves recording and interpreting the physical (or digital) timestamps employees record when they clock in and out of work. Traditional punch clocks typically note the exact time a punch is requested. Some Bundy clocks may be programmed to round up or down on six-, seven-, or 15-minute increments. For example, if an employee punches in a few minutes early (7:57 a.m.) for an 8 a.m. shift, the clock knows to record the time as 8 a.m. We’ve got an entire blog article on punch rounding, in case you’re interested in learning more.

When it comes to clocking in and out with a Bundy clock, here are the bare essentials: 

• Punch In: Employees begin their workdays by inserting their timecards into the clock. The clock responds by recording their time. 

• Break Time: If employees check out of work for lunch, or another extended break time, they’ll need to punch out to exit work and then punch back in upon their return. 

• Punch Out: As employees finish their shifts, they’ll need to again insert their timecards into the machine and finalize their shifts. 

• Hours x Pay Rate: Supervisors or payroll personnel must then collect the cards and calculate the total hours each employee worked. This is completed by subtracting the clock-in times from the clock-out times for each day. The sum of each day is computed for each pay period, which is then multiplied by the employee’s pay rate to determine an employee’s gross pay. 

• Account for Overtime: Employees’ timecards need to be analyzed for overtime pay. Overtime is usually calculated when an employee exceeds a certain number of hours in a workday or workweek, according to state and federal labor laws or company policies.

• Breaks and Lunches: Some time clocks automatically deduct break and lunch times, while others require manual adjustments. Ensure that any breaks or lunch periods are accounted for in the total hours worked.

• Final Review: Double-check the calculated hours for accuracy, making sure they comply with company policies and labor laws. Obtain necessary approvals before finalizing the payroll.

• Payroll Processing: The calculated hours are then used to process payroll, applying any relevant pay rates, overtime rates, or deductions.

Bundy Clocks Alternatives

It's worth noting that modern timekeeping systems, including electronic and cloud-based solutions, have streamlined the art of time tracking. They often automate calculations, handle overtime, and integrate seamlessly with payroll systems, reducing the manual effort and potential for errors associated with traditional Bundy clocks. Here are a few alternatives that have emerged in place of traditional punch cards. 

Biometric time clock

Biometric time clocks utilize an individual’s unique physiological or behavioral characteristics for identification and authentication purposes. These systems, which come in many forms, including fingerprint readers, hand geometry, retina scanners, voice recognition, and more, are designed to offer employers a secure and efficient method of tracking employees’ attendance and working hours. Additional benefits include precise accuracy, the prevention of buddy punching, increased security, and more. 

Digital time clock

Digital time tracking clocks have replaced Bundy clocks in most static workplaces. These modern options offer companies a plethora of benefits, including precise timekeeping, automated punches, payroll integration, remote access, cost savings, and more. These systems are often relied upon to oversee a company’s workforce management, helping businesses optimize their timekeeping processes.

Time clock apps

Mobile time clock apps are similar to web-based clocks but differ in form, functionality, and deployment. 

All time data is automatically recorded on a digital timesheet, ready to be reviewed and processed by the relevant department. Time clock apps often also enable employees to review and approve their timesheets and send in absence or paid time off requests as well as various employee management features, including scheduling, payroll, scheduling, and more.

Time clock apps are designed to run on smartphones or tablets, making them accessible at any time. This remote accessibility provides flexibility, especially for businesses with remote or mobile workforces. Many mobile time tracking apps, such as OnTheClock, offer additional features, such as geolocation tools, which allow employers to pinpoint employees’ locations and track their journeys using breadcrumbs. 

The Benefits of Upgrading to Modern Time Clock Systems

While traditional punch clocks were great at capturing time, they did little else. In 2024, time tracking incorporates much more than just recording hours; it's all about mastering project control and meeting budgets and deadlines effectively. Today’s modern time tracking systems are designed to optimize operations in many ways. 

Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency in Timekeeping

Modern time clock systems, with their multiple layers of functionality, have effectively brought an end to the era of errors associated with traditional punch cards or manual data entry. This newfound precision has become the bedrock for fair payroll calculations and adherence to stringent labor regulations.

Additionally, access to real-time data is a game-changer, as managers now have instant access to information on employee attendance and working hours. This empowers decision-makers to make immediate, dynamic decisions based on the most accurate information available. 

Streamlining Payroll and HR Processes

Integration with third-party payroll companies stands as a testament to the synergy between modern time clock software and broader workforce management tools. The seamless transfer of accurate time data directly to the payroll system not only saves time but also drastically reduces the likelihood of errors, ensuring precision in financial transactions. Time tracking systems, like OnTheClock, can perform payroll integration in one click. 

Making the Switch: Transitioning from Bundy Clocks to Modern Systems

If done improperly, switching from a traditional punch clock to a mobile time tracking app can be a daunting task for all involved. Adapting to this transition involves considerations from both employees and management.

Evaluating Your Business's Time Tracking Needs

When it comes to selecting the proper time tracking solution, several operational factors must be considered. 

First, clarify the goals and objectives you hope to accomplish. Whether it’s improving accuracy in payroll, enhancing productivity, or ensuring compliance with labor laws, creating a prioritized list sets the process in motion. 

Next, analyze the diverse roles and work patterns your employees will occupy. If your staff is stationary, working from the same location on a daily basis, you may not require the bells and whistles available on many popular mobile apps. If your crew works remotely or travels from job to job, a mobile app with geolocation functionality may be the most compatible choice. 

Additionally, to maximize their functionality, most mobile apps will require users to pay monthly or annual fees. Ensure these fees make financial sense for your organization. 

Finally, before signing any contract, consider comparing and contrasting each software’s pros and cons to ensure you're making the best possible choice for your team.

Training Staff for a Smooth Transition

Make sure your company’s rules and expectations are clearly stated in writing within the company handbook. Once a policy has been created, all parties will need to undergo comprehensive training to familiarize themselves with the software’s features and functionalities. Make sure you highlight the software's numerous benefits, such as real-time updates, ease of use, flexibility, and more. 

As most programs are accessible 24/7, the expectation is that employees have access to their time clock at all times. Make employees aware that their personal data will be protected via the app’s compliance with industry standards. 

Encourage employees to share their thoughts and experiences openly. Such feedback, and subsequent improvements, ensure a smooth transition. Finally, stress that time tracking is not an option but a necessity and something the entrie company must abide by. Set clear consequences for those who fail to comply with your new policy. 

The Future of Time Tracking in the Workplace

Willard Bundy passed away on Jan. 19. 1907, at the age of 61, and his brother, Harlow, died in 1916, at the age of 60. While both lived relatively short lives, their legacies tick on today. The historical story of the Bundy time recorder can be experienced in person at the Bundy Museum of History & Art in Binghamton, New York.  

While the Bundy clock is instrumental in time tracking’s past, the future of timekeeping will rely on enhanced flexibility, efficiency, and employee well-being. Such breakthroughs will largely include artificial intelligence, automation, seamless integration, and more. Biometric and wearable technologies are poised to become more widespread, and employee-centric solutions, as well as those promoting work-life balance and stronger workplace cultures, will continue to be prioritized. When it comes to technology, only one thing is certain: Expect the unexpected. 

If you’re not currently tracking your employees’ time at work, what are you waiting for? Take the leap today and optimize your workforce through mobile time tracking for as little as a few dollars a month. 

OnTheClock, a multifaceted time tracking tool offering stuffed with various features, including biometric capabilities, geolocation tracking, job costing and reporting, payroll integration, and much more, will help you pad your productivity and fortify your bottom line. Sign up today for a free, 30-day trial to discover why OnTheClock is trusted by more than 15,000 companies and 125,000 users.