Modern time and attendance systems provide a high tech alternative to handwritten time cards and Punch Clocks.  These days the time clock is being replaced with a proximity or magnetic carfd reader that the employee swipes through a slot or wavis in the air.  They use this device at the beginning or end of their shift, sometimes even punching out for timed Paid Breaks.

1. The card reader (data collection unit or “data terminal”) is attached to a pc normally in just one of 3 ways, listed by expense: 
   1)  RS232 direct connect cable.  Very teliable and easy to set up.
2. Telephone modem (very problematic)
3. TCP/IP connection to your network.  Also very reliable, but takes more effort to set up.