As more companies turn to workforce management platforms like UKG, the hidden expenses of implementing traditional time clocks are becoming a major concern. One of the biggest pain points organizations now face is the time clock hardware cost—an issue compounded by global supply chain delays, vendor dependencies, and the high price of proprietary devices. Businesses looking for a more affordable, scalable way to capture time data are now exploring alternatives. One solution getting attention is CloudApper AI TimeClock. But how exactly does it address the hardware cost challenge? Here’s what you need to know.

For more information on CloudApper AI TimeClock for UKG visit our page here.

Q: Why is time clock hardware so expensive now?

Time clock systems used to be a one-time investment. However, costs have surged in recent years due to several factors:

  • Proprietary hardware models from workforce vendors
  • Tariffs and supply shortages impacting availability
  • Complex installation requirements that demand IT support
  • Ongoing maintenance and replacement costs

For organizations operating at scale or across multiple locations, the time clock hardware cost can balloon quickly. These costs often delay rollouts, stretch budgets, or force companies to stick with outdated devices longer than they should.

Q: What is CloudApper AI TimeClock and how does it work?

CloudApper AI TimeClock is a flexible alternative to traditional UKG/Kronos clocks. Instead of using proprietary hardware, it runs on off-the-shelf Android tablets. These tablets can be wall-mounted, placed at mobile check-in stations, or even distributed in field locations—delivering time capture wherever it’s needed.

Once installed, the CloudApper app allows employees to clock in and out using a variety of methods such as:

  • Facial recognition
  • QR codes
  • NFC badges
  • PIN codes

The system integrates directly with UKG Pro, Ready, and Dimensions to ensure that time data flows seamlessly into payroll and scheduling systems.

Q: How does it reduce time clock hardware cost specifically?

Here’s how CloudApper helps organizations cut down costs:

  • No proprietary devices needed:
    Tablets are widely available and far less expensive than vendor-issued clocks.
  • Faster, cheaper deployment:
    Most organizations can set up devices in under a day—no special IT setup required.
  • Lower maintenance costs:
    Hardware replacement is simple—just swap in a new tablet.
  • Reduced support dependency:
    With CloudApper, organizations aren’t tied to vendor-specific service contracts for hardware repairs.

For companies facing the financial burden of scaling or replacing physical clocks, this shift can reduce total time tracking costs by a significant margin.

Q: What if my organization has compliance needs like attestation?

That’s where CloudApper shines. It’s not just about clocking in—it’s about customizing the experience to meet real-world operational and compliance demands.

CloudApper supports:

  • Attestation prompts for breaks, overtime, or policy acknowledgments
  • Location-aware functionality for distributed teams
  • Role-based prompts to match job-specific policies

All of these can be configured directly within the app, aligning the time capture process with labor regulations and company rules—without requiring coding or system development.

Q: Will it still work if my employees are remote, mobile, or offsite?

Yes. One of CloudApper’s key strengths is flexibility. Because it operates on mobile tablets, the AI TimeClock can be deployed at satellite locations, job sites, or even inside company vehicles. This is a major advantage over fixed hardware systems that are only useful when bolted to a wall.

Additionally, cloud connectivity ensures all punches sync in real time with UKG, so even offsite or mobile teams remain visible and compliant.

Q: Does it require a technical team to manage?

Not at all. Thanks to CloudApper’s no-code platform, HR and operations managers can configure workflows, update prompts, and adjust rules on their own. No IT tickets. No vendor delays. Just fast, intuitive control over how your time tracking system behaves.

This self-service ability adds long-term value, allowing teams to react quickly to new policy requirements or expansion needs—without external dependencies.

Q: Can CloudApper TimeClock scale with growing operations?

Absolutely. Scalability is one of the biggest differentiators. As organizations open new locations or restructure departments, they can:

  • Source tablets locally
  • Install and configure in hours
  • Connect instantly to UKG systems
  • Modify workflows based on site-specific rules

This makes it easy to scale time capture as the business grows—without the constraints of sourcing and maintaining high-cost hardware.

Q: What do companies gain beyond cost savings?

In addition to reducing the time clock hardware cost, CloudApper provides broader operational benefits:

  • Shorter onboarding time for new locations
  • Improved employee experience with modern clock-in methods
  • Enhanced compliance tracking
  • Real-time visibility for managers
  • Lower support and IT overhead

These combined improvements deliver not just savings—but also speed, accuracy, and operational agility.

Q: Is this solution already used by UKG customers?

Yes. CloudApper AI TimeClock is trusted by organizations using UKG Pro, Ready, and Dimensions. It is purpose-built to integrate cleanly into UKG environments, ensuring a seamless time data flow and minimizing disruption during rollout.

Companies in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and logistics have all adopted it to address challenges with hardware cost, compliance, and mobile workforce management.

Q: What’s the first step to getting started?

Deployment is fast and flexible. Most teams can be live within days—just by procuring tablets and configuring their instance with the CloudApper team.

Consult our experts today to explore how CloudApper can eliminate your time clock hardware cost and modernize workforce time tracking.