Stop Paying Tariffs on Time Clocks: Go Proprietary Hardware-Free with AI

“We were spending more on hardware than on fixing the actual problems it was supposed to solve.” — HR Director, Mid-sized U.S. Manufacturing Company

If you’re still importing physical time clocks for your workforce, you’re likely feeling the hit of rising tariffs. The hidden costs of hardware—import duties, maintenance, shipping delays—are stacking up faster than you think. Businesses that rely on legacy time clock systems are now spending thousands each year not just on the equipment, but on everything it takes to keep it working.

It’s time to step away from expensive, outdated timekeeping devices and consider a more flexible, modern solution: AI-powered employee self-service kiosks that run on tablets you already own.

The Problem With Traditional Time Clocks Is Getting Worse

Recently, tariff increases on imported electronic devices have made it significantly more expensive to purchase industrial hardware, including time clocks. Depending on the country of origin, tariffs can add 10%–25% to the base cost of the equipment. That doesn’t include shipping fees, service contracts, or future replacements.

But the financial costs don’t stop at the hardware. Traditional time clocks come with:

• Manual data entry risks, leading to payroll errors
• Limited flexibility for remote or hybrid workforces
• Expensive maintenance and downtime when parts fail
• Compliance risks from inconsistent time tracking or outdated software

Add it up, and many companies are paying a high price for a solution that’s supposed to save them time and money.

The AI-Powered Alternative: Your Existing Tablets

Now imagine you could eliminate all that hardware. No import duties. No shipping. No waiting weeks for replacements. CloudApper hrPad offers a better way—turning any iOS or Android tablet into a fully functional time clock and employee self-service kiosk.

Instead of buying expensive terminals, hrPad allows businesses to repurpose tablets they already use (or can easily acquire domestically) into employee kiosk software with robust features, such as:

• Face ID Check-In: Touchless, accurate time tracking with identity verification
• Shift Management: Let employees swap, bid, or confirm shifts without HR intervention
• Automated PTO Tracking: Employees can check accruals and submit requests from the kiosk
• Geofencing: Automatically adjust location-based cost centers
• AI Assistant: Provide instant answers to HR questions—24/7

All of this is configured based on your internal HR policies and integrates with systems like Workday, UKG, ADP, and others.

Real Impact: How Businesses Are Saving

Let’s say your organization needs 50 physical time clocks. With tariffs and associated costs, you might be spending $1,500–$2,000 per unit after import fees, totaling nearly $100,000. In contrast, using hrPad with existing tablets could cut that cost by up to 75%, while providing more features and a better employee experience.

One retail company reduced their total cost of ownership by over $80,000 annually after switching to hrPad—and eliminated 95% of time-tracking disputes thanks to Face ID verification.

Regulatory Compliance Without the Guesswork

Beyond cost, there’s a growing pressure to comply with labor laws and union regulations. Manual time clocks often fall short, especially when it comes to overtime calculations or tracking exact shift changes.

CloudApper hrPad helps automate compliance. By capturing precise punch-in/out data and syncing it with your payroll system, hrPad ensures your organization has a clear, auditable trail—minimizing the risk of disputes or penalties.

Making the Switch Is Easier Than You Think

You don’t need to overhaul your entire HR infrastructure to go hardware-free. hrPad employee self service kiosk is designed to work out of the box with your existing HCM systems and tablets. Implementation takes days, not weeks, and the intuitive interface requires minimal training.

No more waiting on parts. No more tariff hikes. No more outdated machines slowing your team down.

Final Thoughts

The cost of doing nothing is rising. Whether it’s through tariffs, payroll errors, or regulatory penalties, relying on outdated hardware for time tracking is becoming a risk businesses can no longer afford.

CloudApper hrPad offers a smarter, cost-effective path forward—one that puts your workforce in control, reduces HR stress, and saves your organization time and money. Stop paying for hardware you don’t need. Go hardware-free with CloudApper hrPad.