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A common issue I run into with small business managers and owners is whether their time tracking software should be on the cloud or not. What do I mean by this?
In the last ten years or so, software companies have largely moved towards the SaaS model. This stands for Software as a Subscription. Instead of buying a license to a software for a one-time fee, you often now have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to use a program. As long you pay your subscription on time you can use the software. Instead of downloading it and installing it on your computers, you can now just hop on to the companies website, login, and plug away. But is a cloud based time clock software the best solution for your business (especially if you’re small)? The short answer is NO.
What is the “CLOUD”?
When someone uses the word “cloud” in software, they are simply referring to the access and storage of programs and data over the web instead of on your personal hard drive. Your data is still stored on a physical server somewhere. The server just isn’t owned or maintained by you, nor is your data stored on your own servers or computers. Under a SaaS model, your software provider most likely has all rights to access your data and likely owns your data, too.
Benefits of Cloud Software
Of course, cloud based software has a plethora of benefits that are, in many cases, advantageous compared to an on-premise software. From the development perspective, cloud based software is more scalable, easier to modify, and easier to update. You also don’t have worry about upgrading, updating, or the storage of your programs and documents on your computers. It’s all taken care of for you. Despite the benefits of the cloud, I’ve often found that for small businesses in particular your time clock software should not be on the cloud. This holds true for many mid to large-size businesses as well depending on your technology infrastructure, budget, employee workforce, and type of work.
For example, if you’re a company with many remote employees, or employees who need to track time while on the road or out office, cloud based time tracking software can be a good solution. Cloud based time tracking software is often versatile in capabilities and can fit a wide-array of employee work-force needs from all over the world. All people need to do is get to the website, login, and they’re good to go. But the problem is it’s incredibly expensive.
On-Premise Time Clock Software is Better in MOST Cases.
The number one problem with SaaS time tracking software is clear. I’ve heard it many times from, again, small business owners in particular. “It’s SOOOO pricey!” And they’re right. It is.
If you decide to use a cloud based time clock software, you will most likely pay a fee per user, per month. Depending on the software, I’ve seen this fee range from two dollars to twelve. It sounds nice, but do some quick math for a common small business environment. You often have to pay a base user fee, too, no matter the amount of users you have.
Cloud Based is Overkill and Just Too Darn Pricey.
Imagine you have 20 employees you need to track time for. You’re going to pay $7 per employee, per month. You also have a base monthly fee $20. In your first year alone, you will pay $20 x 12 = $240 for the base fee. Then you will pay $7 fee x 20 employees x 12 months = $1,680 in employee fees.
Total, in just your first year, you will pay $1,920 for a cloud based time clock software. I can’t be more straight forward when I say this. Most small businesses simply can’t afford this and shouldn’t even try. An on-premise time clock software like TimeClick can solve your time tracking requirements and do it for literally thousands less.
Even if you’re a mid to large-size business, I suggest an on-premise time clock software. The cost in both the short and long-term will be significantly less. With the above situation, imagine if you were a company with 100 employees. Believe it or not, I see this all the time. Too often, companies pay way too much for an employee time clock software.
Only a few select situations warrant a cloud based time tracking software. And of course, you do want to own your data too, right?
TimeClick: the #1 Time Clock Software for Small Businesses
TimeClick is a time clock software designed for small businesses. Starting at a one-time purchase of just $199, you can literally save thousands on employee time tracking. If you’re like most small businesses who just need to track and report time easily then you’ve found your fit. TimeClick also tracks PTO, vacation, sick, and holiday time. Time tracking for breaks and lunch, too! And there are many other features includes for those interested at no extra charge. TimeClick does have some more complex features and even a time clock app for those users that need it, and all features are included.
Unlike a cloud based time clock software, TimeClick pricing is based on the number of devices you want to track time on. If you have 25 employees, and 20 are in office and 5 work remotely, consider our Platinum package for just $649. Or if you want seven clock in-and-out stations in your office, get our Plus package for $499. Your package come with one free year of support and upgrades, and your yearly support plan is optional come your second year of use. Check out our pricing page here.
One year of support and upgrades is included for the first year with an optional renewal come the second year.
Conclusion
For most businesses, your time clock software does not need to be on the cloud. I recommend an on-premise time tracking software. Only in rare situations to the benefits of a cloud based time tracking software outshine an on-prem. But generally, the cost is just tough to swallow when the same job can be done for so much less.
Track time for less! Save hundreds, thousands, and time too, with TimeClick today.