With over 100,000 residents to serve and 16 departments to manage, Wicomico County’s manual timekeeping processes were no longer sustainable. From Excel spreadsheets to costly ERP modules that didn’t deliver value, the County was spending too much time on redundant tasks. And risking payroll accuracy in the process.
This is how Wicomico County automated time and attendance, improved scheduling, and adapted quickly to remote work and pandemic demands — all through a decade-long partnership with TCP Software.
Manual processes, inconsistent data, and time-consuming payroll
For years, Wicomico County relied on outdated, decentralized methods for workforce management. Each department handled time tracking on its own, often using spreadsheets and paper-based processes.
This led to several challenges:
- Inconsistent tracking across 16 departments with unique needs
- Inaccurate time records and time-consuming payroll prep
- Limited visibility into real-time data or off-network access
- A workforce management module in their ERP that didn’t justify its cost
With many employees clocking in and out manually, managing hourly labor became particularly inefficient. “When it came time for payroll, a significant amount of time was spent on rechecking time data,” said Tyler Lewis, Wicomico County’s IT Department Leader.
A timekeeping approach designed for government complexity
In 2010, Wicomico County began working with TCP Software to move away from spreadsheets and manual coordination. The County selected TimeClock Plus to centralize time and attendance while still allowing departments to manage their own workflows.
Key requirements included integration with existing payroll and ERP systems, ease of use for employees, and the flexibility to support different departments without forcing uniform processes.
Departments began to see improvements quickly. Administrators spent less time preparing payroll, payroll errors became easier to identify, and teams gained access to time data beyond the County’s internal network.
“One of the biggest benefits was being able to access information outside of our network,” noted Lewis.
Evolving alongside the County’s operational needs
As the County’s needs changed, the TimeClock Plus solution evolved with them. One of the most significant impacts was seen at the Corrections and Detention Center, where scheduling and compliance requirements are especially complex.
Before adopting TimeClock Plus, the Center relied on spreadsheets to track shifts and differentials. Managing those variables required extensive manual work and could take an entire pay week to complete. After implementation, payroll preparation time dropped significantly, and scheduling became easier to manage while maintaining compliance.
Cloud access supported remote work and system resilience
In early 2020, Wicomico County took the next step in its digital transformation, migrating its systems — including timekeeping — to the cloud. The shift reduced the IT team’s responsibility for server maintenance and helped prevent downtime caused by local outages.
“The cloud migration process with TimeClock Plus was seamless, even for those who were reluctant to change. One of the biggest benefits was being able to access information outside of our network.”
That timing proved critical.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many employees to work remotely, managers and staff were still able to access time and attendance information without interruption. Payroll continued on schedule, and employees were paid accurately and on time.
Contactless time clocks supported in-person safety
While many employees transitioned to remote work, staff at the Detention Center continued working on site. To reduce shared touchpoints and support health protocols, the County adopted Proximity Time Clocks.
These clocks allowed employees to clock in and out by waving their existing badges, eliminating the need for shared devices.
“The Proximity Time Clocks are perfect for what we need to keep the Detention Center’s workers safe,” said Lewis. “And they integrated easily with the existing key cards.”
A scalable solution that adapts to change
More than a decade after first adopting TimeClock Plus, Wicomico County has built a modern, scalable timekeeping system that:
- Saves time across all departments
- Improves accuracy in payroll and compliance
- Reduces IT burden with seamless cloud functionality
- Supports real-time access from anywhere
- Empowers departments to manage their unique workflows
From centralizing operations to weathering a global pandemic, TCP has helped Wicomico County become more agile, efficient, and prepared for what’s next.
A long-term partnership focused on progress
What started as a move away from manual timekeeping has grown into a trusted partnership that supports County operations year after year. With ongoing improvements and responsive support, Wicomico County continues to manage its workforce with greater confidence and control.
As demands evolve, the County remains prepared — supported by a time and attendance solution built for the realities of government work.
TCP Software’s employee scheduling and time and attendance solutions have the flexibility and scalability to suit your business and your employees, now and as you grow.
From TimeClock Plus, which automates even the most complex payroll calculations and leave management requests, to Humanity Schedule for dynamic employee scheduling that saves you time and money, we have everything you need to meet your organization’s needs, no matter how unique. Plus, with Aladtec, we offer 24/7 public safety scheduling solutions for your hometown heroes.
Ready to learn how TCP Software takes the pain out of employee scheduling and time tracking? Speak with an expert today.
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