Organizations of all sizes use time and attendance systems to record when employees start and stop work, and the department where the work is performed. However, it's also common to track meals and breaks, the type of work performed, and the number of items produced.

In addition to tracking when employees work, organizations also need to keep tabs on when employees are not working. Things like vacation time, compensation time, FMLA time, and jury duty must be recorded. Some organizations also keep detailed records of attendance issues such as who calls in sick and who comes in late.