How to Clock In and Out in Payroll Apps: 5 Procedures for Accurate Timekeeping | EasyClocking by WorkEasy Software

How to Clock In and Out Using a Payroll Mobile App

beginner · 2 minutes per punch event

This procedure captures accurate punch data on a smartphone within HRIS platforms including ADP Workforce Now, Workday, UKG/Kronos, Paychex Flex, Paycor, and Dayforce. It produces a timestamped, location-verified punch record ready for payroll processing.

1. Open the Timekeeping App and Authenticate
Prerequisites
- Mobile app installed on your smartphone (ADP Mobile, Workday for Mobile, UKG Pro, Paychex Flex, Paycor, or Dayforce)
- Employee profile linked to the correct pay group and work location in the HRIS
- GPS or location permissions enabled if the employer requires geofenced punching
- Biometric or PIN authentication configured if required by company policy
Launch the employer-authorized mobile app on your smartphone. This will be ADP Mobile Solutions, Workday for Mobile, UKG Pro, Paychex Flex, Paycor Mobile, or Dayforce, depending on your employer's platform. Authenticate using your employee credentials, fingerprint, face ID, or PIN as configured by your company's security policy.
If you cannot log in, confirm that your app version is current. Outdated versions may block authentication or disable the time clock feature entirely. Check your device's app store for pending updates before contacting IT support.
EasyClocking by WorkEasy Software's cross-platform timekeeping implementation guide maps which mobile clocking features are enabled by default in each HRIS and which require admin configuration before employees can punch. If your employer uses the platform alongside an HRIS, your admin may have already aligned these settings during deployment.
Expected outcome: You are logged in to the timekeeping app and see the home screen with a time clock or 'My Time' tile available.
2. Navigate to the Time Clock Screen
Tap the "Clock In," "Time," or "My Time" tile on the app home screen. The label varies by platform:
- ADP Workforce Now: Tap the "Time & Attendance" card, then "Clock In/Out."
- Workday: Tap the "Time" worklet from the home screen.
- UKG/Kronos: Tap "My Timecard" or "Timestamp."
- Paychex Flex: Tap "Time & Attendance," then "Clock In/Out."
- Paycor: Tap "Time" from the bottom navigation.
- Dayforce: Tap "Clock" from the main menu.
If the time clock tile is not visible, your pay group may not have mobile clocking enabled. Contact your manager or HR administrator to confirm your clocking permissions before using the web clock or kiosk procedure as an alternative.
Expected outcome: The time clock screen is displayed with a 'Clock In' button and the current timestamp visible.
3. Confirm Your Work Location or Cost Center
Select the correct job, department, location, or cost center if the app prompts you before punching. This selection determines where your hours are routed in payroll. On construction sites, manufacturing floors, and multi-location warehouse operations, choosing the wrong cost center sends labor dollars to the wrong project or department.
If you work at a single location and the app does not prompt you, your default assignment is already configured. If you split time between departments or job codes during a shift, you may need to transfer between codes mid-shift. Check with your manager for the correct procedure on your platform, as transfer workflows differ between ADP, Workday, and UKG.
Rerouting hours after payroll close requires a manager-initiated correction, which delays accurate job costing and may affect your pay period totals.
Expected outcome: The correct department, job code, or location is displayed on the time clock screen before you tap Clock In.
4. Tap Clock In and Verify the Confirmation Timestamp
Tap the "Clock In" button. The app will display a confirmation screen showing your name, the punch type (Clock In), and the recorded timestamp. Verify that the displayed time matches your actual start time before dismissing the screen.
If the timestamp appears incorrect, check your phone's time zone and automatic time settings. Many HRIS mobile apps pull the device clock for display but record the server-side UTC time. A mismatch between your phone's local time display and the server time can cause confusion but does not necessarily mean the punch is wrong.
If you see a geofence violation warning, you are outside the authorized clocking perimeter. Move to the designated work area and try again. Punching outside the geofence may result in a flagged exception that requires manager review.
Expected outcome: A green confirmation screen displays your name, 'Clock In' punch type, and a timestamp matching your shift start time.
5. Repeat the Punch Sequence for Meal Breaks
At the start of your meal break, open the app and tap "Start Break," "Clock Out for Lunch," or "Transfer to Break" depending on your platform's label. At the end of your break, tap "End Break" or "Clock In" to resume your shift.
Recording break punches accurately matters for compliance. Many state labor laws require documented meal and rest breaks. If your employer's policy requires break attestation, you may see a prompt asking you to confirm that you received an uninterrupted meal period. Answer truthfully. These attestations become part of the audit trail that protects both you and your employer.
If you forget to punch back in after a break, do not wait until shift end to fix it. Execute the missed-punch correction procedure (Procedure 5 in this guide) as soon as you realize the break-return punch is missing.
Expected outcome: Break-out and break-in punches are recorded with timestamps that accurately reflect your actual break start and end times.
6. Tap Clock Out at Shift End
Open the app at the end of your shift and tap "Clock Out." Confirm the final timestamp displayed on the confirmation screen. If the app surfaces a running total of hours worked for the day, compare it to your expected hours. A discrepancy may indicate a missed break punch or an earlier error.
After clocking out, do not close the app immediately. Wait for the confirmation screen to fully load and display. On slow network connections, common on construction sites and in warehouse cold storage areas, the punch may take a few extra seconds to transmit. Closing the app before confirmation risks losing the punch data.
Expected outcome: A Clock Out confirmation is displayed with the correct end-of-shift timestamp, and the daily hours total matches your expected hours worked.
7. Check for Any Immediate Error or Flag
Before leaving your work area, review the app's time clock screen for any warnings, error messages, or flags. Common alerts include:
- Geofence violation: You punched outside the authorized location boundary.
- Duplicate punch warning: The system detected two punches within a short window, possibly from a double-tap.
- Overtime alert: Your total hours for the day or week have triggered an overtime threshold notification.
- Unapproved schedule deviation: You clocked in early or out late relative to your scheduled shift.
If any flag appears, notify your manager before leaving the site. Unresolved flags become exceptions on the manager's timecard approval screen and can delay payroll processing if not addressed before the cutoff deadline. A quick message to your supervisor now prevents a correction request later.
Expected outcome: No unresolved errors or flags remain on the time clock screen, or your manager has been notified of any flags that appeared.

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How to Punch In and Out via a Web Clock in ADP, Workday, or UKG

beginner · 2 minutes per punch event

This procedure captures shift punches through a browser-based time clock within ADP Workforce Now, Workday, UKG/Kronos, or Paychex, without requiring a mobile app or physical time clock device. It produces a timestamped punch record in the HRIS for manager approval.

1. Navigate to the HRIS Web Portal and Log In
Prerequisites
- Access to the HRIS web portal (ADP Workforce Now, Workday, UKG Pro, or Paychex Flex) via a supported browser
- Employee login credentials active and not expired
- Web clocking feature enabled for the employee's pay group by the HRIS administrator
- Correct time zone configured in the employee's HRIS profile
Open your employer's HRIS URL in a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari) and log in with your employee credentials. Bookmark the URL if you use it daily to avoid mistyping the address or landing on a phishing page.
If your employer uses single sign-on (SSO), you may be redirected to a corporate login page before reaching the HRIS dashboard. Complete the SSO authentication first. If your credentials are expired or locked, contact your IT help desk. Do not attempt to use a coworker's login to clock in; punches recorded under another employee's credentials create payroll and audit problems.
EasyClocking by WorkEasy Software configures web clocking access rules during HRIS implementation, including which browsers are supported and whether IP-restriction is applied to prevent off-site web punches. If you cannot access the web clock from your current location, your employer may have restricted access to company network IP addresses only.
Expected outcome: You are logged in to the HRIS web portal and can see the main dashboard or navigation menu.
2. Locate the Time Clock Widget
Find the time clock or web clock widget on the HRIS dashboard. The location varies by platform:
- ADP Workforce Now: Click the "Myself" tab, then select "Time & Attendance" and "Clock In/Out."
- Workday: Click the "Time" worklet from the home page, then select "Clock In" or "This Week" depending on configuration.
- UKG/Kronos: Click "My Timecard" from the main navigation, then look for the "Web Clock" or "Timestamp" button.
- Paychex Flex: Click "Time & Attendance" in the left menu, then select "Clock In/Out."
If the time clock widget is not visible, your HRIS administrator may not have enabled web clocking for your pay group. Contact your manager or HR to confirm your access permissions. In the meantime, use the mobile app procedure or kiosk procedure as an alternative.
Expected outcome: The web clock widget is visible on screen with a 'Clock In' button and the current server time displayed.
3. Select Your Work Location or Pay Code if Prompted
Before punching, choose the correct department, shift type, or earnings code from any dropdown menus presented by the web clock. This step routes your hours to the right payroll bucket. If you work in a warehouse with multiple departments or a manufacturing facility with different production lines, selecting the correct code ensures accurate job costing.
If no dropdown appears, your default assignment is already applied. Do not change your default unless instructed by your manager. Incorrect pay code selections can result in hours charged to overtime when they should be regular, or routed to a department budget that is not yours.
Expected outcome: The correct department, shift type, or earnings code is selected and displayed on the web clock screen.
4. Click Clock In and Note the Confirmation Timestamp
Click the "Clock In" button. The web clock will display a confirmation message with your name, the punch type, and the server-recorded timestamp. Verify that the displayed time is accurate by comparing it to a reliable time source such as your phone or a wall clock.
If the timestamp differs from your local time by more than a few minutes, the time zone setting in your HRIS profile may be incorrect. Contact your manager or HR administrator immediately to correct it. Punches recorded in the wrong time zone will calculate incorrect shift durations and may trigger false overtime or short-hour exceptions.
Do not click "Clock In" a second time if the page loads slowly. Double-clicking can create a duplicate punch that flags an exception on the manager's approval screen.
Expected outcome: A confirmation message displays your name, 'Clock In' punch type, and a timestamp that matches your actual start time.
5. Clock Out for Breaks Using the Same Widget
At break start, return to the web clock widget and click "Out for Lunch," "Break," or the equivalent label. At break end, click "Clock In" or "End Break" to resume your shift. The same rules for break attestation and compliance documentation described in the mobile app procedure apply here.
On shared workstations, be especially careful to verify that the web clock is still showing your employee profile before punching. If a coworker logged in after you, your break punch will record under their credentials. Always check the name displayed on the widget before clicking.
Expected outcome: Break-out and break-in punches are recorded under your employee profile with accurate timestamps.
6. Click Clock Out at Shift End and Review Total Hours
Click "Clock Out" at the end of your shift. Confirm the system displays your total hours for the day before closing the browser tab. In ADP Workforce Now, the daily total appears on the timecard summary screen. In Workday, it appears under "This Week" in the Time worklet. In UKG, the running total is displayed at the bottom of the timecard.
If the total does not match your expected hours, review the individual punch times for errors. A missing break-return punch or a time zone mismatch are the most common causes of discrepancies at shift end.
Expected outcome: A Clock Out confirmation is displayed, and the daily hours total matches your expected shift duration.
7. Log Out of the HRIS Portal on Shared Workstations
Always log out of the HRIS web portal after clocking out, especially on shared workstations in break rooms, factory floors, or warehouse offices. Click your profile icon and select "Sign Out" or "Log Off." Close the browser tab after logging out.
Leaving your session active on a shared machine allows the next user to accidentally punch under your credentials, creating unauthorized punches and audit trail contamination. On machines used by multiple employees across shifts, this is a recurring source of payroll exceptions.
If your employer uses auto-timeout settings, your session may expire on its own. However, relying on auto-timeout introduces risk. If the session expires between your break-out punch and your break-in punch, you may lose the ability to clock back in without re-authenticating, which can cause a missed punch if you assume the session is still active.
Expected outcome: You are fully logged out of the HRIS portal, and the browser displays the login screen or has been closed.

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How to Use a Kiosk Time Clock for Employee Punch-In and Punch-Out

beginner · 1 minute per punch event

This procedure records shift punches on a shared, employer-managed hardware or tablet kiosk running timekeeping software such as ADP Time Kiosk, UKG InTouch, Paychex Time Kiosk, or Gusto Time Kiosk. It produces a biometric- or PIN-verified punch record tied to the employee's identity.

1. Approach the Kiosk and Wake the Screen
Prerequisites
- Kiosk device powered on and displaying the timekeeping app login screen
- Employee registered in the kiosk system (PIN, badge, or biometric enrolled)
- Kiosk connected to the network and synced with the HRIS (verify the sync indicator is green or active)
Walk to the designated time clock kiosk at your worksite. If the screen is dark or in sleep mode, tap the touchscreen or wave your hand near the proximity sensor to wake it. Some devices, like the UKG InTouch series, activate automatically when they detect motion.
Before interacting with the kiosk, check the network sync indicator. Most kiosk devices display a small icon (green dot, Wi-Fi symbol, or cloud icon) indicating whether the device is connected to the network and syncing with the HRIS. A green or active indicator means punches will transmit in real time. A red or offline indicator means punches will be stored locally on the device and uploaded when the connection is restored.
If the kiosk screen is completely unresponsive (no wake-up on touch or motion), the device may have lost power. Report the issue to your supervisor and use the mobile app or web clock procedure as an alternative for this shift.
Expected outcome: The kiosk screen is active and displaying the timekeeping login or punch screen, with a visible network sync indicator.
2. Authenticate Your Identity
Enter your employee PIN on the keypad, scan your proximity badge against the RFID reader, or place your finger on the biometric scanner, depending on how your employer has configured the kiosk. Follow the on-screen instructions precisely.
For biometric authentication on construction sites, manufacturing floors, or warehouses, dry and clean hands improve fingerprint read accuracy. If you are wearing gloves, remove the glove from your scanning finger. If your hands are wet, dusty, or oily, wipe them before placing your finger on the reader.
If the reader rejects your biometric after three attempts, use your backup PIN as a fallback. Do not leave without a confirmed punch. Every unrecorded clock-in creates a gap that requires a missed-punch correction before payroll closes.
Expected outcome: The kiosk displays your name and prompts you to select a punch type (Clock In, Break, Clock Out).
3. Select Your Punch Type
Tap the correct punch type on the kiosk screen. Options typically include "Clock In," "Start Break," "End Break," and "Clock Out." Select the option that matches your current action:
- Arriving for your shift: Tap Clock In.
- Leaving for a meal break: Tap Start Break or Out for Lunch.
- Returning from a meal break: Tap End Break or In from Lunch.
- Leaving at shift end: Tap Clock Out.
Do not tap "Clock In" when returning from a break. Using the wrong punch type creates an exception in the timecard that requires manager correction. If you accidentally tap the wrong option, do not attempt a second punch immediately. Notify your manager, who can correct the punch type in the HRIS.
Expected outcome: You have tapped the correct punch type, and the kiosk is processing your selection.
4. Confirm Your Department or Job Code if Prompted
If the kiosk displays a department or job code selection screen after you authenticate, select the correct cost center for your shift. This step is common in multi-department warehouses, manufacturing plants running multiple production lines, and construction sites where labor is tracked by project code.
Take a moment to verify the code. Selecting the wrong department routes your labor hours to the wrong budget, and correcting it after the pay period closes requires a manager-initiated adjustment. If you are unsure which code to select, ask your supervisor before finalizing the punch.
Expected outcome: The correct department or job code is selected and displayed on the kiosk confirmation screen.
5. Wait for the Confirmation Screen
After selecting your punch type and department, the kiosk must display a green confirmation screen showing your name, the punch type, and the recorded timestamp. Some kiosks also play a confirmation tone. Do not step away from the kiosk until you see this confirmation.
A red screen, error tone, or "Punch Not Recorded" message means the punch failed. If this happens, re-authenticate and try the punch again. If it fails a second time, the kiosk may be experiencing a hardware or network issue. Notify your supervisor immediately and use the mobile app or web clock as an alternative.
Record the confirmed timestamp mentally or take a quick photo of the screen with your phone. This gives you a reference point if a discrepancy appears on your timecard later.
Expected outcome: A green confirmation screen displays your name, punch type, and an accurate timestamp.
6. Note Your Punch Time and Compare to Your Actual Time
Compare the timestamp displayed on the kiosk confirmation screen to your phone or watch. If the times differ by more than a few minutes, the kiosk clock may be out of sync. Alert your manager before leaving the kiosk area. A kiosk with a drifted clock records inaccurate punch times for every employee who uses it, compounding payroll errors across the entire shift.
If you are clocking in at a kiosk assigned to a different department or location than your own, your punch may route to the wrong pay group. Always use the kiosk designated for your department. If your department's kiosk is down, confirm with your supervisor which alternative kiosk to use, and verify that the alternative is configured to accept your employee credentials and department code.
Expected outcome: The kiosk timestamp matches your actual time within an acceptable window, and you have noted the confirmed punch time for your records.

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How to Submit a Manual Time Entry in Workday, ADP, UKG, or Paychex

intermediate · 10 minutes

This procedure records hours worked when an employee cannot use a real-time clocking method (mobile app, web clock, or kiosk) due to system unavailability, remote work without clocking access, or a timesheet-based pay policy. It produces an approved time record ready for payroll.

1. Navigate to the Timesheet Module
Prerequisites
- Access to the HRIS timesheet module (Workday Time worklet, ADP Workforce Now My Timecards, UKG My Timesheet, or Paychex Flex Time & Attendance)
- Knowledge of exact hours worked, including break durations, for the entry period
- Manager availability to approve the entry before the payroll cutoff deadline
- Correct earnings code or pay type identified (regular, overtime, holiday, etc.)
Log in to your HRIS and open the timesheet for the relevant pay period. Confirm you are editing the correct week or pay period before making any entries.
- Workday: Click the "Time" worklet, then select "This Week" or the applicable pay period.
- ADP Workforce Now: Click "Myself," then "Time & Attendance," then "My Timecards."
- UKG/Kronos: Click "My Timesheet" from the main navigation.
- Paychex Flex: Click "Time & Attendance," then "My Timecard."
If you see a prior pay period that has already been submitted and approved, do not edit it. Prior-period corrections require an HR-initiated payroll adjustment. Only enter time for the current, open pay period.
EasyClocking by WorkEasy Software's HRIS implementation engagements include configuring manual entry permissions by role and pay group, ensuring employees can only submit manual entries for periods and earnings codes their policy allows.
Expected outcome: The timesheet for the correct, open pay period is displayed and ready for editing.
2. Select the Day Requiring a Time Entry
Click or tap the date cell for the day you need to enter hours. In most HRIS platforms, the timesheet displays a weekly or biweekly grid with one row per day. Click the specific day to expand it or open an entry form.
If you need to enter time for multiple days (for example, you worked three remote days without clocking access), enter each day individually. Do not combine multiple days into a single entry. Payroll systems calculate daily overtime, break compliance, and scheduling rules on a per-day basis. A combined entry prevents accurate calculation.
Expected outcome: The entry form for the specific day is open and ready for time input.
3. Enter Your Start Time and End Time
Input your exact clock-in and clock-out times in the format the system requires. Some platforms use HH:MM AM/PM; others use 24-hour format. Enter the actual times you started and stopped working.
Do not round your times unless your employer's policy explicitly permits rounding and specifies the rounding increment. Unauthorized rounding is a common source of payroll discrepancies. If you are unsure whether your employer uses rounding, enter exact times and let the system apply the configured rounding rule automatically.
For overnight shifts that cross midnight, check whether your HRIS requires you to enter the shift as a single entry spanning two calendar days or as two separate entries (one for each day). The correct approach varies by platform and by your employer's configuration.
Expected outcome: Start and end times are entered in the correct format and reflect the actual hours you worked.
4. Enter Break Duration or Out-Punch Time
Add a meal break deduction or a separate break out/in row if the system requires it. Omitting breaks overstates your hours worked and can create compliance issues, especially in states that require documented meal periods.
Some platforms auto-deduct a break based on company policy (for example, a 30-minute auto-deduction after 6 hours worked). If your employer uses auto-deduction, you may not need to enter a break manually. However, if you took a shorter or longer break than the auto-deduction, enter the actual break time and add a note explaining the variance.
Expected outcome: Break time is accurately recorded or confirmed to be handled by the auto-deduction rule.
5. Select the Correct Earnings Code
Choose the applicable pay type from the dropdown menu: Regular, Overtime, Holiday, Sick, PTO, or another code specific to your employer. Selecting the wrong earnings code routes hours to the wrong payroll bucket and can result in incorrect pay on your check.
If your shift includes both regular hours and overtime, you may need to split the entry into two rows: one for regular hours and one for overtime. Some HRIS platforms calculate overtime automatically based on your weekly total, while others require you to select the overtime code manually. Check with your manager or HR if you are unsure which approach your system uses.
Expected outcome: The correct earnings code is selected for each time entry row, matching the type of work performed.
6. Add a Comment or Reason Code
Enter a brief note explaining why manual entry was required. Examples include "system unavailable," "remote site with no kiosk access," "mobile app login issue," or "timesheet-based pay policy." This comment becomes part of the audit trail and gives your manager the context they need to approve the entry quickly.
If your employer requires a reason code selection (a dropdown rather than free text), choose the code that best describes the situation. Reason codes are used by HR and payroll teams to track patterns. If manual entries spike because a particular kiosk is frequently offline, the reason code data helps the organization identify and fix the root cause.
Expected outcome: A clear, factual comment or reason code is attached to the manual time entry.
7. Save and Submit the Entry for Approval
Click "Submit" or "Save" and confirm the entry appears in the timesheet with a "Pending Approval" status. Do not close the browser or app until you see this status. If the entry shows "Draft" or "Saved" but not "Submitted," it has not been routed to your manager and will not be processed for payroll.
Review the total hours displayed for the day and the pay period after submitting. If either total looks incorrect, re-open the entry and check for typos in start time, end time, or break duration before the manager reviews it.
Expected outcome: The manual time entry shows 'Pending Approval' status in the timesheet, and daily and period totals are accurate.
8. Notify Your Manager That a Manual Entry Awaits Approval
Send a direct message, email, or in-person notification to your manager alerting them that a manual time entry is awaiting their approval. Do not assume they will see it before the payroll cutoff. Most HRIS platforms do not push real-time notifications to managers for employee-submitted manual entries.
Include the date, hours, and a brief explanation in your notification. Example: "Submitted a manual entry for Tuesday, April 22, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, regular hours. Remote site, no kiosk. Needs approval before Friday payroll cutoff."
If your payroll cutoff is within 24 hours, follow up with your manager directly rather than relying on email alone. A missed approval window means your hours will not appear on the current paycheck and will require an off-cycle adjustment.
Expected outcome: Your manager is aware of the pending manual entry and has enough time to review and approve it before the payroll cutoff.

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How to Correct a Missed Punch in ADP, Workday, UKG, Paychex, or Paycor

intermediate · 10 minutes

This procedure resolves an incomplete punch record (a missing clock-in, clock-out, or break punch) within ADP Workforce Now, Workday, UKG/Kronos, Paychex Flex, or Paycor before the payroll period closes. It produces a corrected, complete time record that eliminates the need for payroll manual cleanup.

1. Identify the Missed Punch on Your Timecard
Prerequisites
- Knowledge of the exact time the missed punch should have occurred
- Access to the HRIS timecard or timesheet correction workflow (employee self-service or manager correction screen)
- Manager availability to review and approve the correction before the payroll cutoff
- Any supporting evidence available (badge swipe log, building access record, or manager confirmation of hours)
Log in to the HRIS and open your timecard for the current pay period. Look for an open punch: a clock-in with no corresponding clock-out, or a clock-out with no preceding clock-in. Most platforms flag these with a red highlight, an "Exception" label, or a warning icon.
- ADP Workforce Now: Open "My Timecards" and look for red exception indicators on the day row.
- Workday: Open "Time" and check for days marked with an alert icon.
- UKG/Kronos: Open "My Timecard" and review the exceptions column.
- Paychex Flex / Paycor: Check your timecard for any "Missing Punch" flags.
EasyClocking by WorkEasy Software's punch-policy configuration templates include exception escalation rules that automatically flag missed punches to the manager within a short window after the missed event, reducing same-day correction backlogs. If your employer uses the platform, you may receive a notification before you even check your timecard.
Expected outcome: You have identified the specific day, punch type, and approximate time of the missed punch.
2. Navigate to the Punch Correction Screen
Open the correction workflow for the flagged day. The path varies by platform:
- ADP Workforce Now: Click the exception row and select "Edit" or "Add Punch."
- Workday: Click the day and select "Correct" or "Enter Time."
- UKG/Kronos: Open the timecard, click the empty punch cell, and select "Add Punch."
- Paychex Flex: Use the "Edit Timecard" option.
- Paycor: Click the day and select "Add Punch."
If the self-service correction option is not available, your employer may restrict punch corrections to managers only. In that case, provide your manager with the exact punch time, punch type, and reason, and ask them to enter the correction on your behalf.
Expected outcome: The punch correction form is open and ready for you to enter the missing punch details.
3. Enter the Correct Punch Time
Input the exact time the punch should have occurred. Use your best recollection supported by any available evidence: a building access badge swipe log, a text message timestamp from when you arrived, a calendar entry, or a coworker's confirmation. Accuracy matters. An estimated time that is significantly off can create overtime miscalculations or break compliance issues.
Enter the time in the format required by your platform (HH:MM AM/PM or 24-hour). Double-check AM vs. PM if your platform uses 12-hour format; transposing AM and PM is one of the most frequent correction errors.
Expected outcome: The correct punch time is entered in the correction form, accurately reflecting when the punch should have occurred.
4. Select the Correct Punch Type
Confirm whether the correction is a Clock In, Clock Out, Break Out, or Break In. Selecting the wrong punch type creates a new exception instead of resolving the existing one. For example, adding a "Clock In" when the missing punch was actually a "Break In" will show two clock-ins and no break return, generating additional flags.
If you are unsure which punch type is missing, review the other punches recorded for that day. A complete timecard typically follows the sequence: Clock In, Break Out, Break In, Clock Out. Identify which entry in the sequence is absent and select that type.
Expected outcome: The correct punch type (Clock In, Clock Out, Break Out, or Break In) is selected in the correction form.
5. Add a Reason Code and Comment
Choose the applicable reason code from the dropdown if your platform provides one (for example, "Forgot to punch," "System error," "Kiosk offline," or "App crash"). Then add a brief explanatory comment. Example: "Forgot to clock out at shift end. Left building at approximately 4:32 PM per badge log."
This reason and comment become part of the permanent audit trail for the pay period. Clear documentation here protects both you and your employer. If a wage dispute or compliance audit arises months later, the reason code and comment provide context that raw punch data alone cannot.
Expected outcome: A reason code and explanatory comment are attached to the punch correction, creating a clear audit trail.
6. Save and Submit the Correction for Manager Approval
Click "Submit" or "Save" and verify that the corrected timecard shows a "Pending Manager Review" or "Pending Approval" status on the corrected day. The exception flag should change from "Missing Punch" to "Pending Correction" or a similar indicator.
Review the total hours for the corrected day. If the total looks incorrect after submitting the correction, you may have entered the wrong time or selected the wrong punch type. Re-open the correction and fix it before your manager reviews it. Catching your own error now is faster than asking your manager to reject and resubmit.
Expected outcome: The correction shows 'Pending Manager Review' status, and the day's total hours are accurate.
7. Notify Your Manager Immediately
Alert your manager via direct message, email, or in person that a punch correction is pending their approval. Do not rely on system notifications. As noted in the manual entry procedure, most HRIS platforms do not push real-time alerts to managers for employee-initiated corrections.
If the payroll cutoff is within 24 hours, contact your manager directly rather than sending an email. A missed approval window means the correction will not be processed in the current pay period, and your paycheck will reflect the incomplete punch record. Resolving the discrepancy after payroll close requires an off-cycle adjustment, which creates additional work for HR and delays your correct payment.
Expected outcome: Your manager is aware of the pending correction and has enough time to approve it before the payroll cutoff.
8. Confirm Manager Approval and Verify the Corrected Timecard
After your manager approves the correction, log back in to the HRIS and reopen your timecard for the corrected day. Verify that:
- The corrected punch appears with an "Approved" status.
- The exception flag has been cleared.
- The total hours for the day and the pay period match your actual hours worked.
If anything looks incorrect after approval, contact your manager immediately. Once payroll processes, corrections become significantly more difficult and typically require HR intervention for an off-cycle payment or adjustment on the next paycheck.
Going forward, set a personal reminder at shift end to confirm your clock-out registered. Catching a missed punch the same day it occurs is the simplest path to a clean timecard. The longer a gap sits unresolved, the harder it is to recall the exact time and the more likely it is to miss the payroll window.
Expected outcome: The timecard shows a complete, approved punch sequence with no open exceptions, and total hours for the pay period match actual hours worked.

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How to Clock In and Out Using a Payroll Mobile App

1. Open the Timekeeping App and Authenticate

2. Navigate to the Time Clock Screen

3. Confirm Your Work Location or Cost Center

4. Tap Clock In and Verify the Confirmation Timestamp

5. Repeat the Punch Sequence for Meal Breaks

6. Tap Clock Out at Shift End

7. Check for Any Immediate Error or Flag

How to Punch In and Out via a Web Clock in ADP, Workday, or UKG

1. Navigate to the HRIS Web Portal and Log In

2. Locate the Time Clock Widget

3. Select Your Work Location or Pay Code if Prompted

4. Click Clock In and Note the Confirmation Timestamp

5. Clock Out for Breaks Using the Same Widget

6. Click Clock Out at Shift End and Review Total Hours

7. Log Out of the HRIS Portal on Shared Workstations

How to Use a Kiosk Time Clock for Employee Punch-In and Punch-Out

1. Approach the Kiosk and Wake the Screen

2. Authenticate Your Identity

3. Select Your Punch Type

4. Confirm Your Department or Job Code if Prompted

5. Wait for the Confirmation Screen

6. Note Your Punch Time and Compare to Your Actual Time

How to Submit a Manual Time Entry in Workday, ADP, UKG, or Paychex

1. Navigate to the Timesheet Module

2. Select the Day Requiring a Time Entry

3. Enter Your Start Time and End Time

4. Enter Break Duration or Out-Punch Time

5. Select the Correct Earnings Code

6. Add a Comment or Reason Code

7. Save and Submit the Entry for Approval

8. Notify Your Manager That a Manual Entry Awaits Approval

How to Correct a Missed Punch in ADP, Workday, UKG, Paychex, or Paycor

1. Identify the Missed Punch on Your Timecard

2. Navigate to the Punch Correction Screen

3. Enter the Correct Punch Time

4. Select the Correct Punch Type

5. Add a Reason Code and Comment

6. Save and Submit the Correction for Manager Approval

7. Notify Your Manager Immediately

8. Confirm Manager Approval and Verify the Corrected Timecard

How These Procedures Connect

Next steps