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Time tracking is an essential part of running any business with hourly employees. Accurately tracking when employees start and stop work, take breaks, and work overtime ensures payroll accuracy and compliance with labor laws. For small businesses looking for an easy-to-use time tracking system, Computime101 by Compumatic is a good option to consider. Here is an in-depth review of Computime101 including features, pricing, pros and cons.

What is Computime101?

Computime101 is a time and attendance software designed specifically for small businesses. It allows you to track when employees clock in and out, take breaks, go to lunch, and work overtime. The software calculates total hours worked and integrates with QuickBooks for payroll.

Computime101 runs on a Windows PC and connects to Compumatic's time clock terminals. Employees punch in and out on the time clock, which connects to the PC software via USB or ethernet. Data is sent to the software in real time.

Computime101 can track up to 25 employees. If you need to track more, Compumatic offers upgrades to track 50, 75 or unlimited employees for an additional one-time fee.

Key Features of Computime101

Here are some of the notable features in Computime101:

- Time Clock Integration: Works with Compumatic's TX500 and TCX500 time clocks. Employees punch in/out on the time clock. Data instantly syncs with the PC software.

- Payroll Exports: Seamlessly exports hours worked data to QuickBooks for payroll processing. Supports multiple QuickBooks versions.

- Scheduling: Create schedules for employees. Assign break times. The software will validate punches against schedules.

- OT/Double Time Tracking: Automatically calculates overtime and double overtime based on company policies.

- Reporting: Generate over 40 reports including hours worked, projected hours, attendance, scheduling, productivity and more. Export reports to Excel.

- Access Control: Set user permissions. Only allow certain users to access sensitive areas of the software.

- Mobile Access: View employee hours and generate reports on your smartphone with the CompuTime Mobile app.

- Cloud Backup: Data is stored on the computer and backed up to Compumatic's secure cloud every day. Access data anywhere.

- Customer Support: Compumatic provides unlimited US-based support by phone, email and remote desktop.

Computime101 Pricing

Computime101 costs $260 for a one-time license fee. This covers the software for one computer and 25 employees.

Unlike most software today, Computime101 is not a subscription. You pay once and own the license forever. There are no monthly fees.

The $260 license includes:

- Computime101 software
- License for 25 employees
- Free lifetime software upgrades
- CompuTime Mobile app
- Unlimited US-based customer support


You also need Compumatic time clock hardware, which starts at $175 per clock. Most small businesses need 1-2 clocks.

If you ever outgrow the 25 employee limit, Compumatic offers upgrade packs:

- 50 Employees: +$120
- 75 Employees: +$180
- Unlimited Employees: +$260


The upgrade fees are one-time payments. For example, upgrading from 25 to Unlimited employees would be a one-time fee of $260.

Pros of Computime101

Here are some of the biggest benefits of using Computime101 for time and attendance:

- Simple and intuitive interface - The software is designed for small business owners, not HR professionals. It's very easy to use.

- Affordable upfront cost - At $260 for the software and one clock, Computime101 is very affordable compared to many solutions.

- No monthly fees - You buy it once instead of paying a costly monthly subscription.

- QuickBooks integration - Seamlessly transfer hours for payroll processing in QuickBooks. Works with desktop and online QuickBooks.

- Expandable capacity - Can upgrade to accommodate unlimited employees as your business grows. Upgrade fees are reasonable.

- Good for distributed workforce - Employees can punch in/out from multiple clocks located anywhere. Data syncs to the central software.

- Robust reporting - Tons of built-in reports to analyze payroll, productivity, overtime, schedules and more.

- Free mobile access - The CompuTime Mobile app lets managers view reports and approve timesheets on-the-go.

- Free lifetime upgrades - All software upgrades are free forever with the one-time license fee.

- Great customer support - Compumatic is known for providing outstanding US-based customer support.

Cons of Computime101

The biggest downsides of Computime101 are:

- PC-only desktop software - Computime101 must be installed on a Windows PC. Not cloud based. Can't access from anywhere without remote desktop.

- Limited employee capacity - The $260 base license only supports 25 employees. Must pay upgrade fees to add more.

- Needs time clock hardware - You have to purchase Compumatic's time clock terminals separately. Additional cost.

- No advanced features - No facial recognition, geofencing, benefit accruals, etc. Very basic feature set.

- No mobile punch capability - Employees can't punch in/out from a mobile device. Requires a time clock.

Who is Computime101 Best For?

Computime101 is ideal for small businesses with less than 25 hourly employees per location. It's straightforward, affordable, and provides all the necessary time tracking features most small companies need.

The desktop-only software and lack of advanced features make Computime101 less than ideal for larger companies. It's best suited for businesses with:

- Less than 25 hourly employees
- A distributed workforce with multiple locations
- Basic time tracking needs
- Tight budget


Computime101 delivers tremendous value for the price point. Small businesses get an easy-to-use solution with all the must-have features at a very reasonable cost. For larger or complex needs, there are higher end (and higher cost) options.

In summary, Computime101 hits the sweet spot for small businesses wanting robust employee time tracking functionality on a budget. The one-time fee provides a low cost of ownership while delivering everything a small company needs for accurate payroll and labor law compliance. While it lacks some advanced features and mobile capabilities, it's a simple plug-and-play solution ideal for small business environments.

Getting Started with Computime101

Installing and setting up Computime101 is designed to be quick and easy for small businesses:

Step 1: Purchase Computime101 software and time clock terminal(s)

The software is purchased online from Compumatic and available as a digital download. Compumatic's TX500 or TCX500 time clocks connect to the software so employees can punch in and out.

Step 2: Install the software

Computime101 installs locally on a Windows PC. The installation wizard will guide you through the process of setting up the software on the computer.

Step 3: Set up time clock terminalls

Once the software is installed, connect the time clocks to the computer via USB or Ethernet. The time clock data will instantly sync with Computime101.

Step 4: Create employee profiles

In the software, create a profile for each employee. Enter their name, ID number, department, pay rate and more. This info will sync to the time clocks.

Step 5: Set schedules and policies

Use Computime101 to create work schedules for each employee. Set overtime policies, punch in/out tolerances and more.

Once the above steps are complete, employees can start punching in and out on the time clocks. Data will flow into Computime101 automatically for reporting and processing.

Computime101 Security

Small business owners and managers often have concerns about the security of employee data in time tracking software. Computime101 was designed with security in mind:

- Employee data is encrypted both at rest locally and in transit to Compumatic's cloud backup.

- Password protection restricts access to sensitive data and settings.

- Access control settings allow admins to restrict users from accessing certain software functions.

- Audit trail creates a timestamped log of any modifications made within the system.

- Regular automated backups to Compumatic's secure cloud servers ensure no data loss. Local backup files are encrypted.

- Compumatic's data centers feature robust security measures including 24/7 monitoring, controlled facility access, fire/flood protection and more.

- Regular software updates ensure vulnerabilities are patched promptly.

Computime101 gives small businesses robust tools to lock down employee time data. Administration controls and encryption ensure data stays protected.

Computime101 Support

One of the biggest benefits of Computime101 is Compumatic's outstanding US-based customer support.

Compumatic is a family-owned company based in New Jersey. Their support team answers calls with real people, not offshore call centers.

Compumatic provides the following support resources for Computime101 customers:

- Phone support available from 9am - 8pm EST Monday through Friday.

- Email ticket support system with guaranteed 24 hour response time.

- Remote desktop support - Compumatic can access your system directly to provide hands-on troubleshooting.

- Online knowledge base with tutorials, FAQs and user guides.

- Free lifetime software upgrades and maintenance.

The stellar support from this small American company sets Compumatic apart from offshore competitors. Customers consistently rave about the responsive and knowledgeable support team.

For small businesses who may not have robust IT resources, having access to patient experts who can walk you through installation, setup and troubleshooting is invaluable.

Computime101: The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, Computime101 provides an affordable, entry-level time and attendance system perfect for small businesses. Features like time clock integration, robust reporting and QuickBooks sync give small companies the tools they need for accurate time tracking.

While the desktop-only platform and lack of advanced features limit scaleability, small businesses with basic needs get everything required at a reasonable price. Compumatic's outstanding support provides additional peace of mind.

Overall, Computime101 hits the sweet spot for small business time tracking. Companies who outgrow it can step up to Compumatic's enterprise solutions or migrate to a different system. But for budget-conscious small businesses, Computime101 delivers solid functionality and support.

The quick learning curve, low upfront cost and lack of monthly fees make Computime101 a great choice for companies who want an easy-to-use, affordable solution for managing hourly employees. It takes the hassle out of time tracking so small business owners can focus on growing their company.