From Cost Centers to Machines: How hrPad Simplifies Labor Transfers in Manufacturing

In many manufacturing facilities, labor tracking starts and ends with cost centers. But while cost center-level data may satisfy payroll and accounting, it often falls short for operations and quality teams who need deeper visibility. Without machine-level labor tracking, manufacturers risk inefficient processes, inaccurate costing, and missed opportunities to improve productivity.

That’s where CloudApper hrPad stands out. It’s more than a time clock—it’s a fully customizable, tablet-based employee self-service kiosk that enables real-time machine-level labor tracking and seamless cost center transfers. And it integrates directly with UKG for effortless workforce data synchronization.

Let’s explore how hrPad is helping manufacturers close the visibility gap—one machine at a time.

Why Cost Center-Level Tracking Isn’t Enough Anymore

Traditional labor tracking systems, especially in unionized or SAP-driven environments, rely heavily on cost centers. These cost centers aggregate time and expenses across groups of machines or roles—for example, five core-building stations might be grouped under one cost center, even though they handle different products, operate under different conditions, and generate varying levels of scrap.

While this approach simplifies data for accounting, it leaves supervisors and plant managers in the dark. Key questions go unanswered:

• Which machine produced the most scrap today?
• Which operator performed best on Core Builder 3?
• Was downtime concentrated on a specific process?

Without machine-level insight, it’s difficult to isolate inefficiencies or enforce accountability.

The Need for Granular, Real-Time Labor Insights

Modern manufacturing demands more than a high-level overview. It demands granularity.

Operations leaders need visibility into who worked where, for how long, and what process they completed. Quality leaders want to correlate defects with specific machines or shifts. Maintenance teams need timestamps that tell them exactly when a machine was staffed—or sitting idle.

Machine-level labor tracking offers real operational value:

• Optimize operator assignments and training
• Improve real-time response to bottlenecks
• Correlate labor data with productivity, scrap, or downtime

To achieve that, manufacturers need labor data that goes beyond cost centers—and CloudApper hrPad delivers just that.

How hrPad Brings Labor Tracking Down to the Machine

CloudApper hrPad turns any off-the-shelf Android, iOS, or Windows tablet into a fully functioning labor kiosk. Mounted directly on machines, these tablets give operators the ability to punch in and out of specific roles, machines, or processes—right where the work happens.

Key Features That Enable Granular Tracking:

Automated Cost Center Transfers

Eliminate manual punch-outs and re-punch-ins. Transfers happen with one tap—or automatically based on tablet location.

Multiple Authentication Modes

Employees can log time using facial recognition, QR codes, or PINs—adding flexibility and reducing buddy punching.

Role & Machine Selection at Punch

Operators can select their current machine, process, or job as part of the punch workflow. This data is stored and synced in real time.

Full Integration with UKG Pro and UKG Ready

Time and labor data flows directly to UKG, maintaining compliance and payroll alignment while giving operations deeper insight.

A Real-World Example: Forklift Time Transfers

One hrPad customer—an industrial manufacturing company—faced a common challenge. Forklift operators earned premium pay, but transferring between general labor and forklift operation involved long walks across the plant to the nearest clock, leading to inaccurate time data and lost productivity.

The solution? Tablets mounted directly on forklifts. Operators simply tapped the screen to punch into their forklift role as soon as they started. When they returned to another station, they tapped the machine-mounted tablet to transfer roles again.

That same concept applies to stamping presses, welding booths, or any high-value workstation where time tracking matters. With hrPad, every second is captured where the work occurs.

Supporting Compliance, Flexibility, and Offline Reliability

In addition to operational benefits, hrPad ensures your organization stays compliant and efficient.

Union and Labor Law Compliance

Facial recognition and role-based punches ensure that employees are where they’re supposed to be, protecting both the company and workforce.

Offline Punch Capture

Even during power outages or internet disruptions, punches are stored locally and pushed to UKG once connectivity is restored.

Tailored UI and Data Fields

Need to add machine IDs, processes, or product codes to the punch? hrPad’s customizable interface supports any data layer required by your operations team.

Final Thoughts: From Blind Spots to Full Visibility

If you’re still relying on traditional cost centers alone, you’re missing critical labor data that could transform your operation. With CloudApper hrPad, you can enable machine-level labor tracking, automate role transfers, and empower your operations team with real-time insights—right from the production floor.

It’s time to close the gap between accounting and operations. Let hrPad help you track what matters—where it actually happens.

Contact CloudApper today to schedule a personalized demo and explore how hrPad can fit into your manufacturing environment.