If you have used an Apple Mac in your business in the last 10 years you were certainly disadvantaged when it comes to business application software . Windows based PC's outsell Apple Mac's by something like 50 to 1 so it is no surprise that specialized applications are much harder to find for your Apple Computer unless that application is one which takes specific advantage of the graphics and sound capabilities of the Mac.
In the early days Macs out classed the Windows PC's in graphics and sound performance and therefore quickly became the computer of choice for graphic artists and sound production companies. Once the software was developed and found its niche it the Mac became the standard and it was difficult for the PC to penetrate into that sector again even though it caught up in those multimedia capabilities.
Employee time and attendance is a niche market and is virtually non existent in the Apple Mac world. Now this has all changed due to the development of web based time and attendance systems including Software as a Service (SAAS) and embedded Linux time clocks. While SAAS applications will almost certainly be the standard in years to come it is the hardware based options which are currently attracting all the interest.
Embedded Linux time clocks are now freely available and the very best of them include some quite advanced award interpretation. Basically , the clock runs a cut down version of the Linux operating systems designed specifically for dedicated applications. Embedded Linux is what is behind many routers, modems, IP based cameras an in fact most of those PC peripherals which incorporate a web interface.
So, if you use Apple MAcs in your company you now have an Apple Punch Clock solution for your employee time and attendance as the web enabled Linux time clocks are operating system independent. These time clocks are accessed via your web browser and reports are exported in a .csv or .txt format which, again is compatible with all operating systems.
The more advanced time clocks include award interpretation is capable of dealing with most award conditions including overtime, daily and payroll balancing. Some will even export into your payroll system . You can select from fingerprint, proximity or pin readers so you have a choices of security levels for those applications where employees are not directly supervised.
If you have battled along using electronic time sheets or old fashioned mechanical punch clocks to record employee time just because there were no electronic time clocks available for the Mac then get ready to move into the 21st century You can own a modern electronic punch clock which can be accessed on your local network or across the WAN or Internet just by opening your web browser regardless of whether you are using a PC or your MAC or a Linux PC or a UNIX Box or even your IPhone or Blackberry or even. Imagine being able to check your employee's arrival timed via your iPhone when you are away from the office or even being able to process the weekly pays while you are at home via the Internet.
Yours choices have just become easier ...even if you do have an Apple computer.
James Bell
Time and Attendance Consultant
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
James Bell has implemented Time and Attendance Systems in more than 1200 companies.
Sytems ranging from SME's to large corporations with up to 5,000 employees
James is a contributing author of the Introcductory Time clock Buyers Guide and the Advanced Time and Attendance Implementation Guide.
You can contact James at jamesbell@timeandattendanceconsultant.com.au
Read some of James' blogs at www.timeandattendanceconsultant.com/blogs.html