On this page:
Whether youâre upgrading from spreadsheets or switching from a clunky legacy system, finding the right time and attendance software can transform your retail operations.
In retail businesses, managing time and attendance is not just about having a system for clocking in and out. Itâs a crucial part of an entire workflow that affects payroll, employee scheduling, and labor forecasting.
Modern time and attendance systems offer mobile clock-ins, automated break tracking, real-time dashboards, and even AI-powered scheduling. Many also connect with payroll software, HR, or POS tools, or offer those functions in the same platform.
Modern time and attendance systems offer mobile clock-ins, automated break tracking, real-time alerts, and even AI-powered scheduling. Many also connect with payroll, HR, or POS toolsâor offer those functions in the same platform.
With so many tools in the market, how do you choose the right one?
This guide takes a look at the top time and attendance software options for retail teams. Whether youâre running a single store or overseeing thousands of employees across locations, weâll help you find a solution that fits.
Functionality
Why it matters
Accurate clock-in and clock-out tracking
Ensures employees are paid for actual hours worked, reduces time theft, and supports compliance with labor laws
Mobile clock-ins with GPS
Enables in-store clock-ins, prevent buddy punching, and confirms employees are on-site
Automated break and overtime tracking
Adheres to labor laws around breaks and overtime, reducing the risk of violations to wage and hour rules
Real-time alerts and notifications
Enables managers to respond quickly to missed punches and no-shows
Built-in compliance safeguards
Helps retailers comply with labor laws around rest/meal breaks, predictive scheduling, and overtime
Audit trail and historical records
Provides a clear log of time entries, edits, and approvalsâessential for audits and resolving disputes
Labor cost visibility
Helps managers see actual vs. scheduled hours and labor spend
Payroll integration
Automates the flow of approved hours to payroll, reducing manual errors
Self-service for employees
Enables staff to view schedules, request time off, and fix missed punches
Platform
Best for
Why it stands out
Workforce.com
Mid-sized to multi-location retail teams
Built for frontline retailâ live clock-in data, real-time compliance tools for breaks and shift rules, and built-in payroll
UKG Pro WFM
Enterprise retail chains
Biometric options and audit-ready records
Deputy
Growing retail chains
Mobile time clock with geolocation and break tracking
Connecteam
Small to mid-sized retailers
Geofencing, shift logs, and timesheet approvals
Homebase
Small shops and independent retailers
Simple time clock with POS integration
Workforce.com is an all-in-one cloud-based platform built for shift-based and frontline teams, with robust time and attendance tracking features built right alongside scheduling, HR, and payroll. It goes beyond simple clock-ins by delivering real-time visibility to employee time and compliance safeguards.
Employees can clock in and out via tablet kiosks or their mobile devices with GPS geofencing. Managers receive real-time alerts for missed breaks, early clock-outs, and unauthorized overtime, making it easy to stay fully staffed and compliant across multiple store locations.
For businesses operating in multiple states or under strict labor laws, Workforce.com automatically enforces labor rules such as meal/rest break policies, overtime, and other related state and local regulations.
Here are some key features of Workforce.com that are essential to retail teams:
Pros
Cons
Best for: Retail operations with multiple locations and compliance requirements. Ideal for businesses that need a time and attendance solution deeply tied to store operations and labor cost management.
Pricing: Workforce.com provides quote-based pricing tailored to each business. Speak with our team to learn more.
UKG Pro Workforce Management, formerly known as UKG Dimensions, is a workforce management platform with time and attendance tools designed for large retail operations. Users praise the platformâs ability to handle high-volume timekeeping, while some note the system can be complex to learn and maintain without dedicated admin support.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Enterprise retailers that need a configurable time tracking system across multiple locations and regions.
Pricing (as of 2025): Pricing is quote-based, depending on features, modules, and workforce size.
Note: Pricing details are based on information available as of 2025. For the most current pricing and features, please refer to UKGâs official website.
Deputy offers time and attendance tools for growing retail teams. Employees can clock in via a mobile app or a tablet kiosk. Managers get timesheets with auto-flagged issues like missed breaks or late arrivals. Users praise Deputy for its clean interface and mobile time clock. However, some users note that customization and reporting options can feel limited for more complex operations.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Small retail teams looking for a simple and mobile-friendly time and attendance system
Pricing (as of 2025):
Note: Pricing details are based on information available as of 2025. For the most current pricing and features, please refer to Deputyâs official website.
Connecteam is a platform that has tools for time tracking, shift scheduling, task management, and internal communication. Its time clock software has GPS tracking capabilities to ensure employees are on-site. Users love its affordability and ease of setup. However, others note that third-party integrations may be limited and may require manual exports or additional configuration, depending on your setup.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Retail businesses with 10-250 employees that need a simple and affordable solution for time tracking and team communication.
Pricing (as of 2025):
Note: Pricing details are for the Operations module and based on information available as of 2025. For the most current pricing and features, please refer to Connecteamâs official website.
Homebase is a simple time tracking and scheduling solution ideal for small businesses. It offers a free tier with a basic time clock, timesheet approvals, and team messaging, making it a good option for retailers just starting out with digital tools.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Small retail shops and owner-operators who need basic time tracking and scheduling without the complicated setup.
Pricing (as of 2025):
Note: Pricing details are based on information available as of 2025. For the most current pricing and features, please refer to Homebaseâs official website.
These payroll tools didnât make the top five but may be worth considering depending on your team size, budget, and business needs:
Best for: Retailers already using ADP for payroll
Why consider it: Enterprise-grade time and attendance system with audit support
Pros: HR and payroll integration and compliance tools
Cons: UI may feel dated for frontline retail teams
Best for: Retailers already using Quickbooks for payroll and accounting
Why consider it: A convenient time tracking add-on for QuickBooks Payroll
Pros: Easy setup if youâre in the QuickBooks ecosystem, mobile app with geolocation
Cons: Best suited for basic time tracking, but may be limited for full workforce management needs
Managing time and attendance in retail is rarely straightforward. Many retailers struggle with outdated processes, leading to payroll mistakes, compliance issues, and poor visibility. Below are some of the most common challenges retail businesses face when tracking time and attendance:
Finding the best time tracking software comes down to how well it fits your operations. Aside from tracking time accurately, look for platforms that help reduce manual work, enforce labor laws, and provide real-time visibility into whoâs on the floor. Itâs also crucial to consider how systems integrate with your scheduling, payroll, human resources, and POS tools.
If youâre looking for a solution built specifically for shift-based teams in retail, Workforce.com is the clear choice. Time and attendance, scheduling, HR, and payroll are all built into a single platform, so employee data moves seamlessly from clock-in to paycheck, without the need for manual re-entry or syncing between systems. When evaluating providers, prioritize those that streamline shift-based operations and eliminate the need for workarounds.
See why leading retailers trust Workforce.com. Book a demo today.