True Time Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Welcome to True Time's general questions and answers section. We will update questions and answers to reflect the latest information regarding True Time. We hope you find them helpful and informative. Simply click on the question for more information.
  • Why are we doing this? Why can’t we just continue to submit paper timecards?
    As with all changes, there is some anxiety and issues that must be worked through to ensure the accuracy of the new system. We are using the system now to work through those glitches before we use it for payroll purposes. True Time allows for automation of the timekeeping system. It increases accountability and efficiency, eliminating errors and duplicate entry. Once we make the transition, paper timecards will no longer be accepted.

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  • Don’t you trust us? Why are you requiring us to log our time?
    The Fair Labor Standards Act requires accurate timekeeping. Having the school secretary submit hours for everyone in the building is not an accurate accounting of the time worked and there is no individual accountability for your time. The timekeeping system allows for employee’s individual responsibility for tracking their time. It ensures accuracy and removes the burden from the school secretary, in a time of increasing workloads.

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  • Are we still using paper timesheets?
    Yes, during the transition we are running payroll based on the paper timesheets, however once we work through the issues and get the system up and running properly, paper timesheets will no longer be accepted. We are transitioning to using the True Time system for Food Service and Custodial/Maintenance employees, effective November 16, 2008. Paper timesheets will no longer be accepted for these employees after the November 15, 2008 payroll. Secretarial, Clerical and Aide employees will go-live on the True Time system as of January 1, 2009. After returning from winter break, only True Time records will be accepted.

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  • How does the system round my clock-in/out times?
    The system rounds in 7 ½ minute increments to the nearest quarter hour. For example, if your start time is 8 a.m., and you clock in between 7:53 a.m. – 8:07 a.m., it will round to 8 a.m. login time. If you login at 7:52 a.m., it rounds to 7:45 a.m. and at 8:08 a.m. it will round to 8:15 a.m.

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  • What happens if I forget to log out at the end of my shift?
    The system will automatically punch you out at midnight. It will give you an auto created lunch in the middle of your day. For example, if you start at 8:00am the lunch would be logged from about 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. The system will then log you out at 12:00am and log you back in at 12:01 a.m. on the next day because the system thinks you are still working. You will now need to modify both days. When a day is modified it does not create an auto lunch so you will need to adjust your work hours to the correct amount.

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  • Do I have to use the finger scanner in the lounge?
    Yes. The scanners were purchased in response to employee concern about being required to use the computers to log in and out. Employees overwhelmingly requested that there be a simplified method for logging in and out. Employees must request permission from Julie Grotophorst in Human Resources to use the computer versus the finger scanner to log in. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

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  • What do I do if the finger scanner in the lounge isn’t working?
    If the finger scan isn’t working on the machines, employees can log in using their 4-digit code. If an employee’s finger scan is regularly not being read, they may contact Jacque Mermal to have the scan redone. It may be an issue of the angle at which the original scan was done and rescanning may solve the problem. There are also some internet connectivity issues (particularly at the Middle School and Canterbury) that we are working through. If the scanner in the lounge isn’t working, you may login on the computer or modify your time when it is back up and working.
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  • Do I have to modify my time if it doesn’t match my contracted work hours?
    No. At this time, we are using True Time to collect this data and need to see how much time is being worked outside of the contracted days. If the time logged on the machine is inaccurate, it is okay to modify it to correctly reflect the time worked. Back to Top
  • How do I make adjustments to True Time?
    First try and use the scanner. The most important factor is to READ, READ, READ the messages when you are using the scanner. The scanner will step you through the process. Do not keep pushing buttons if the message on the scanner says LOADING DATA. This will cause additional problems. If the adjustments on the scanner fail or you are unable to successfully modify your time, you can modify True Time through the computer.

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  • What do I do if I am absent on Friday?
    Submit your time sheet when you return to work on Monday or you can submit your time sheet from home if you access to a computer. Remember you need to enter your absence into Skyward via Employee Access, and your absence time will automatically be entered on your timesheet.

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  • Who do I contact if I am having difficulties with True Time?
    Jacque Mermal at 423-2704. Jacque is tracking and resolving issues with the system as she is made aware of them. It is important to notify Jacque of the issues you are experiencing so we can make adjustments to the system as needed to ensure that it is working properly.


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