The 7 Best HR Tools for Time Tracking
We show you what to consider when recording working hours and how to successfully implement it with HR tools.
- Whenever working time recording is talked about, it is about the precise documentation of everyone's working hours in a company as well as the recording of breaks and rest periods. In so doing, the employees prove that they adhere to the agreed times in the employment contract. Especially in times when home office is becoming more prevalent, a useful thing. Meanwhile, time recording is becoming a kind of duty for employers. We explain what this duty looks like and which will come in the future below.
- According to the Working Time Act, employers are required to document the hours worked by their employees. The following reasons are often given by supporters:
- A 2019 ECJ ruling added that “employers should fully record the working hours of their employees in a reliable, objective, and accessible system”. According to the European agreement, national law must be adapted to a ruling by the European Court of Justice. In September 2022, there was also a
- Only the working hours of mini-jobbers, who work in private households, and closely related family members do not have to be recorded according to the mini job center. Work hours for freelancers also do not need to be documented. If the client wishes, however, according to the Working Time Act, a corresponding agreement can be made. In this case, however, other tools come into play. These are usually part of
- The one question that especially comes up in Germany, the number 1 country for data protection. Since so far there is no provision in the Working Time Act as to how companies should record working hours, all options are open to them: time clock, paper, Excel spreadsheet or software. The latter should always be the preferred approach, as good software like
- There are several types of work time recording. Stationary systems and time clocks are still the most common. But the more progress companies make in the digitization, especially with regard to home office, modern solutions are also being used. For example, the smartphone will play the biggest role in the future. Equipped with GPS and apps like
- After talking in detail about what the legislature says about time recording, what models there are and what else should be considered, we are getting practical: The times of analog time clocks and time slips are fortunately over. So, the question arises: Which HR software is best suited for time recording?
- Clockin is a modern time-tracking tool that is specifically designed to simplify and automate the timekeeping process. With its intuitive user interface, Clockin allows companies of any size to efficiently manage and monitor their employees' working hours. The tool solves the problem of inaccurate or cumbersome manual timekeeping methods by providing a precise, user-friendly solution. A unique feature of Clockin, compared to other timekeeping tools, is its flexibility; it can be used by office employees, remote working teams, or field service staff. In addition, Clockin offers advanced analysis capabilities that provide insights into work patterns and productivity levels, setting it apart from other tools.
- ZEP is a comprehensive time recording and project management tool, that is especially directed at service companies, freelancers, and consulting firms. It enables a detailed recording of working hours for projects, work packages, or customers, thereby significantly improving the transparency and traceability of work performance. A central problem that ZEP solves is the complex assignment of working hours to specific projects and their efficient billing. Compared to other time recording tools, ZEP stands out due to its strong integration of project management functions allowing users to accompany projects from planning to billing. The software also offers flexible adaptation to company-specific processes and needs, making it a versatile solution for various industries.
- Crewmeister is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized companies, who are looking for a simple and efficient solution for time recording. The tool convinces with its user-friendliness and enables digital recording, management, and evaluation of working hours without complex training or instruction. A particular problem that Crewmeister solves is the reduction of administrative work for time recording and absence management, which is particularly advantageous for companies with few staff members. Compared to other tools, Crewmeister stands out due to its functionality that is optimized specifically for small teams and craft businesses, including a mobile app that allows employees to record their times from anywhere.
- TimeTac is a flexible time recording tool, distinguished by its adaptability to different industries and company sizes. It enables the precise recording of working hours, projects, and absences in real time, whether through a web browser or mobile apps. TimeTac addresses the problem of cumbersome time recording and offers a solution that boosts productivity by providing simple mechanisms for tracking working time. Unique to TimeTac is the option of making individual adjustments, to adopt the software to company-specific procedures. In addition, TimeTac helps companies meet legal requirements for time recording and at the same time offers comprehensive evaluation options, to gain insights into workflows.
- MOCO is a comprehensive tool for project and agency management, that comes with a intuitive time recording function. It is specifically designed for agencies, creative teams, and service companies, not only to record working hours, but also to efficiently plan and control projects. MOCO solves the problem of fragmented workflows by providing a central platform for project management, time recording, billing and resource planning. A standout feature of MOCO is the integration of financial management tools, which allow users to accompany projects from calculation to final invoicing. The user-friendliness and visual representations of MOCO, prepare complex information in an easily understandable way.
- Personizer is a time recording tool that has been developed specifically for SMEs. It provides a simple and effective solution to the challenges of working time and absence management. Its user-friendly interface allows for a quick and uncomplicated recording of working hours, making it particularly suitable for teams without deep IT knowledge. A major problem that Personizer solves is the minimization of administrative work in time recording and management, by offering automated processes and a clear, intuitive user interface. Compared to other tools, Personizer stands out due to its focus on user experience and the provision of essential features without overcomplication, making it an optimal choice for smaller teams.
- ZMI offers a comprehensive solution for time recording and human resources management, which is particularly suitable for medium to large companies. The tool integrates time recording, personnel planning, absence management, and interfaces for payroll and wages accounting. ZMI addresses the problem of complex HR processes in companies by providing a modular software solution that can be flexibly adapted to the needs and requirements of various industries. A unique selling point of ZMI is the deep integration of human resource processes in one single system, which increases efficiency and secures data consistency. Through its extensive functionality and adaptability ZMI differentiates itself from simpler time recording tools and offers a scalable solution for growing and changing company requirements.
- Awareness of accurate time recording has increased significantly in recent years, not least because of groundbreaking judgments and increased media attention. The Working Time Act forms the basis for the legal requirements for the documentation of hours worked. In particular, the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has rekindled the debate on seamless time recording and has highlighted the urgency of this issue to employers.
The world of softwares has numerous solutions for HR departments especially. The reason is simple: That is where the majority of bureaucratic and human effort in the company occurs and still occurs. Therefore, new tools have been particularly welcomed there since the beginning of digitization, which make work in the HR department more efficient and easier. This also includes HR tools, which cover several areas holistically, such as time recording e.g. ZEP. For this reason, in this article, we deal with everything you should know about time recording: legal situation, obligations as an employer, the different models, and 7 of the
best HR softwares, which you can find for time recording on OMR Reviews. However, keep in mind that laws can change and this article only provides a thematic overview and does not replace legal advice.What is time recording?
Whenever working time recording is talked about, it is about the precise documentation of everyone's working hours in a company as well as the recording of breaks and rest periods. In so doing, the employees prove that they adhere to the agreed times in the employment contract. Especially in times when home office is becoming more prevalent, a useful thing. Meanwhile, time recording is becoming a kind of duty for employers. We explain what this duty looks like and which will come in the future below.
Supervising and managing time recording is the responsibility of HR. It is also logical since all the needs of both sides - employers and employees - come together here.
Why is the recording of working time important?
According to the Working Time Act, employers are required to document the hours worked by their employees. The following reasons are often given by supporters:
Employers can better meet their
- Duty of care, if they can accurately trace the extent to which employees are adhering to their breaks and rest periods based on the recorded times.On the other hand, employees have the opportunity to check their
- Working hours, any time, in order to understand the payroll. If the invoice does not match the overtime, they can intervene. According to FAZ, in 2020, 1.7 billion overtime hours were accumulated in Germany - only three percent of these were effectively paid!Employers can share their
- Obligations, with employees, by using time recording systems, which both sides openly have access to.New reasons
- , as to why time recording is important, will definitely be added in the future, once the legal framework adapts as a result of the big discussion in Germany. This will very likely lead to a 100% legal obligation, which will require employers to implement time recording. Thus, recording will be indispensable, otherwise horrendous penalties will be threatened if not followed.However, the situation is still different, which is why we will look at the current legal situation in more detail. We also explain why we still recommend every employer to consider timekeeping as an obligation already.
What does the current legal situation look like?
A 2019 ECJ ruling added that “employers should fully record the working hours of their employees in a reliable, objective, and accessible system”. According to the European agreement, national law must be adapted to a ruling by the European Court of Justice. In September 2022, there was also a
Judgment on timekeeping, from the Federal Labor Court (BAG), which states that entrepreneurs are obliged to make the introduction of timekeeping in a timely manner.Therefore, companies should definitely record the working hours of their employees in order to be on the safe side. A labor court in Emden recently decided in favor of an employee in September 2020 based on the ruling of the ECJ – not based on German law. So, the observance of the working hours law is more relevant than ever.
Who doesn't have to record working hours?
Only the working hours of mini-jobbers, who work in private households, and closely related family members do not have to be recorded according to the mini job center. Work hours for freelancers also do not need to be documented. If the client wishes, however, according to the Working Time Act, a corresponding agreement can be made. In this case, however, other tools come into play. These are usually part of
Accounting softwares, which you can also find on OMR Reviews.What about data protection and time recording?
The one question that especially comes up in Germany, the number 1 country for data protection. Since so far there is no provision in the Working Time Act as to how companies should record working hours, all options are open to them: time clock, paper, Excel spreadsheet or software. The latter should always be the preferred approach, as good software like
, ZEP
, can best meet data protection requirements. According to the GDPR, employers are obliged to protect the data of their employees – which is difficult with handwritten lists.MyTimeTracker If you add the ECJ ruling, the potential legal situation, and the need for data protection, HR tools are the optimal choice to get the safest result at the end in the compliance with the labor protection law.What models are there to record working hours?
There are several types of work time recording. Stationary systems and time clocks are still the most common. But the more progress companies make in the digitization, especially with regard to home office, modern solutions are also being used. For example, the smartphone will play the biggest role in the future. Equipped with GPS and apps like
The top 7 best HR softwares for time recording on OMR Reviews
After talking in detail about what the legislature says about time recording, what models there are and what else should be considered, we are getting practical: The times of analog time clocks and time slips are fortunately over. So, the question arises: Which HR software is best suited for time recording?
You will find all seven of our presented tools described in detail and rated by other users on OMR Reviews. This gives you a thorough insight to decide on the right tool.
1. Clockin
Clockin is a modern time-tracking tool that is specifically designed to simplify and automate the timekeeping process. With its intuitive user interface, Clockin allows companies of any size to efficiently manage and monitor their employees' working hours. The tool solves the problem of inaccurate or cumbersome manual timekeeping methods by providing a precise, user-friendly solution. A unique feature of Clockin, compared to other timekeeping tools, is its flexibility; it can be used by office employees, remote working teams, or field service staff. In addition, Clockin offers advanced analysis capabilities that provide insights into work patterns and productivity levels, setting it apart from other tools.
Other features of Clockin
Real-time monitoring of working hours
- Detailed reporting and analysis of productivity
- Mobile app for time recording on the go
- Customizable working time models and break regulations
- Integration with other HR and project management tools
- Automatic reminders and notifications
- Leave and absence management
- Access controls and privacy features
- Clockin Alternatives
On OMR Reviews, you will find an overview of
Clockin's pricing plans and the Clockin Alternatives. You can decide on the HR tool with timekeeping that suits you best, using verified user experiences and ratings.2. ZEP
ZEP is a comprehensive time recording and project management tool, that is especially directed at service companies, freelancers, and consulting firms. It enables a detailed recording of working hours for projects, work packages, or customers, thereby significantly improving the transparency and traceability of work performance. A central problem that ZEP solves is the complex assignment of working hours to specific projects and their efficient billing. Compared to other time recording tools, ZEP stands out due to its strong integration of project management functions allowing users to accompany projects from planning to billing. The software also offers flexible adaptation to company-specific processes and needs, making it a versatile solution for various industries.
Other Features of ZEP
Project-related time recording and billing
- Detailed evaluations and reports for projects and working hours
- Integrated travel cost management
- Interfaces to accounting software and CRM systems
- Mobile app for the recording of times and expenses on the move
- Individual configurability of working time models
- Advanced functions for resource planning and project controlling
- Customizable dashboards for a quick overview of projects and productivity
- ZEP Alternatives
On OMR Reviews, you will find an overview of
ZEP's pricing plans and the ZEP Alternatives. You can decide on the HR tool with timekeeping that suits you best, using verified user experiences and ratings.3. Crewmeister
Crewmeister is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized companies, who are looking for a simple and efficient solution for time recording. The tool convinces with its user-friendliness and enables digital recording, management, and evaluation of working hours without complex training or instruction. A particular problem that Crewmeister solves is the reduction of administrative work for time recording and absence management, which is particularly advantageous for companies with few staff members. Compared to other tools, Crewmeister stands out due to its functionality that is optimized specifically for small teams and craft businesses, including a mobile app that allows employees to record their times from anywhere.
Other Features of Crewmeister
Mobile time recording via smartphone app
- Automatic calculation of worked overtime and surcharges
- Simple management of vacation and other absences
- Digital shift planning tool
- Export function for payroll data
- Personal calendar for employees for better overview
- Data protection compliant storage of working hours
- Option for location capture during mobile time recording
- Crewmeister Alternatives
On OMR Reviews, you will find an overview of
Crewmeister's pricing plans and the Crewmeister Alternatives. You can decide on the HR tool with timekeeping that suits you best, using verified user experiences and ratings.4. TimeTac
TimeTac is a flexible time recording tool, distinguished by its adaptability to different industries and company sizes. It enables the precise recording of working hours, projects, and absences in real time, whether through a web browser or mobile apps. TimeTac addresses the problem of cumbersome time recording and offers a solution that boosts productivity by providing simple mechanisms for tracking working time. Unique to TimeTac is the option of making individual adjustments, to adopt the software to company-specific procedures. In addition, TimeTac helps companies meet legal requirements for time recording and at the same time offers comprehensive evaluation options, to gain insights into workflows.
Other Features of TimeTac
Personalized working time models and break regulations
- Comprehensive project time recording and control
- GPS-based time recording for field service and mobile employees
- Integrated absence management and holiday planner
- Detailed reports and analysis of working hours and productivity
- Interfaces to payroll accounting and ERP systems
- Individually customizable dashboards and user interfaces
- Compatibility with different end devices and operating systems
- TimeTac Alternatives
On OMR Reviews, you will find an overview of
TimeTac's pricing plans and the TimeTac Alternatives. You can decide on the HR tool with timekeeping that suits you best, using verified user experiences and ratings.5. MOCO
MOCO is a comprehensive tool for project and agency management, that comes with a intuitive time recording function. It is specifically designed for agencies, creative teams, and service companies, not only to record working hours, but also to efficiently plan and control projects. MOCO solves the problem of fragmented workflows by providing a central platform for project management, time recording, billing and resource planning. A standout feature of MOCO is the integration of financial management tools, which allow users to accompany projects from calculation to final invoicing. The user-friendliness and visual representations of MOCO, prepare complex information in an easily understandable way.
Other Features of MOCO
Intuitive time recording of worked hours in project contexts
- Detailed analysis and reports on projects, budgets and utilization
- Integrated quotation and invoicing
- Efficient contact and customer management
- Resource planning and management to optimize resources
- Interfaces to accounting software and other tools
- Personalized dashboards for quick access to important information
- Mobile app for time recording and project overview on the go
- MOCO Alternatives
On OMR Reviews, you will find an overview of
MOCO's pricing plans and the MOCO Alternatives. You can decide on the HR tool with timekeeping that suits you best, using verified user experiences and ratings.6. Personizer
Personizer is a time recording tool that has been developed specifically for SMEs. It provides a simple and effective solution to the challenges of working time and absence management. Its user-friendly interface allows for a quick and uncomplicated recording of working hours, making it particularly suitable for teams without deep IT knowledge. A major problem that Personizer solves is the minimization of administrative work in time recording and management, by offering automated processes and a clear, intuitive user interface. Compared to other tools, Personizer stands out due to its focus on user experience and the provision of essential features without overcomplication, making it an optimal choice for smaller teams.
Other features of Personizer
Real-time recording of work time and overtime
- Comprehensive absence management including holiday planner
- Automatic generation of work report and records
- Intuitive shift planning and employee deployment planning
- Interface for payroll
- Customized access rights and role management
- Mobile app for on-the-go time recording
- Dashboard with overview of employee presence and absences
- Personizer Alternatives
On OMR Reviews, you will find an overview of
Personizer's pricing plans and the Personizer Alternatives. You can decide on the HR tool with timekeeping that suits you best, using verified user experiences and ratings.7. ZMI
ZMI offers a comprehensive solution for time recording and human resources management, which is particularly suitable for medium to large companies. The tool integrates time recording, personnel planning, absence management, and interfaces for payroll and wages accounting. ZMI addresses the problem of complex HR processes in companies by providing a modular software solution that can be flexibly adapted to the needs and requirements of various industries. A unique selling point of ZMI is the deep integration of human resource processes in one single system, which increases efficiency and secures data consistency. Through its extensive functionality and adaptability ZMI differentiates itself from simpler time recording tools and offers a scalable solution for growing and changing company requirements.
Other features of ZMI
Detailed work-time accounts and flexible work-time models
- Comprehensive absence management with calendar function
- An intuitive user interface for employees and management
- Mobile app for time recording and absentee management
- Personnel planning and deployment planning for resource optimization
- Automated processes for payroll and wage accounting
- Individual report and analysis functions
- Expandable module structure for additional functionalities
- ZMI Alternatives
On OMR Reviews, you will find an overview of
ZMI's pricing plans and the ZMI Alternatives. You can decide on the HR tool with timekeeping that suits you best, using verified user experiences and ratings.Conclusion: Why you should pay attention to correct time recording
Empfehlenswerte Zeiterfassungssoftware-Anbieter
Empfehlenswerte Zeiterfassungssoftware-Anbieter kannst du auf unserer Software-Vergleichsplattform OMR Reviews finden. Dort haben wir über 150 Zeiterfassungssoftwares gelistet, mit denen du deine Arbeitszeiten erfassen kannst. Also schau vorbei und vergleiche die Softwares mithilfe der authentischen und verifizierten Nutzerbewertungen:
- Factorial (Kostenlos testen)
- ZEP (30 Tage kostenlos testen)
- TimeTac (30 Tage kostenlos testen)
- Personizer (Jetzt 14 Tage unverbindlich testen)
- Clockodo (30 Tage kostenlos testen)
- Crewmeister (Jetzt kostenlos testen)
- Clockin
- Kenjo (Demo buchen)
- Shiftbase (Kostenlos bis 75 Mitarbeiter*innen)
- MOCO
- ZMI
- 123erfasst
- absence
- askDANTE
- Pointchamp®
- TimeChimp
- Timemaster
- timr
- VIRTIC
- Zeitguru
- ZWO - Zeitwirtschaft online
Awareness of accurate time recording has increased significantly in recent years, not least because of groundbreaking judgments and increased media attention. The Working Time Act forms the basis for the legal requirements for the documentation of hours worked. In particular, the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has rekindled the debate on seamless time recording and has highlighted the urgency of this issue to employers.
At the same time, the Federal Labor Court specified its expectations of companies in its rulings, which are thus increasingly obliged to implement efficient and compliant time recording systems. Not only must they document each recorded working hour precisely, but they must also meet the requirements of the Labor Protection Act, which focuses on the protection of the health and wellbeing of the workers.
In short: Compliance with the Working Hours Act and consideration of relevant court rulings are crucial for your time recording. Even though the implementation may be associated with challenges, it contributes significantly to occupational safety and ensures that work done by your colleagues is recorded and compensated appropriately.
Kurzum: Die Einhaltung des Arbeitszeitgesetzes und die Berücksichtigung relevanter Gerichtsurteile sind von entscheidender Bedeutung für deine Arbeitszeiterfassung. Auch wenn die Umsetzung mit Herausforderungen verbunden sein kann, trägt sie maßgeblich zum Arbeitsschutz bei und stellt sicher, dass geleistete Arbeit deiner Kolleg*innen angemessen erfasst und vergütet wird.
Nils ist Gründer der Personal Branding Rebels und seit Jahren fester Bestandteil des LinkedIn-Games. Mit seinem Team hilft er Menschen und Unternehmen, auf LinkedIn und anderen Plattformen als Personal Brands sichtbar zu werden. Die Rebels unterstützen dabei, Corporate Influencer auszubilden, Personal Brands aufzubauen und bieten Workshops an. Immer mit einem rebellischen Ansatz: Out-of-the-Box-Denken und authentische Sichtbarkeit stehen im Fokus, fernab von starren Algorithmen und Blaupausen.
