zkteco PH601N non-calculating time clock

Price, rank, and reviews updated 05/25/2020

In the battle of cheap time clocks, ZKTeco has now stepped into the ring. Their model PH601N is a nicely designed, top-feeding, across-the-card time clock, that is ready to compete.

If you've never heard of ZKTeco, they are a very large Chinese company that also operates here in the United States. Typically they specialize in biometric devices, but have since branched out.

Their PH601N prints from left to right on the card for each day. In this case it prints on six columns, allowing a maximum of 6 punches per day.

For example, employees can clock IN for the day, OUT/IN for 2 breaks, and finally OUT for the day.

It's easy to use, can be used with unlimited employees (within reason) and works with any pay period.

The PH601N shown above comes with everything you need except a time card rack.

• (1) ZKTeco PH601N time clock
• (100) ZKTeco time cards
• (1) black/red ribbon cartridge
• (2) metal case keys

Be aware the PH601N does not calculate or total the hours on the time card. For that, you'll need to look at calculating time clocks instead.

And like most electronics these days, the PH601N is manufactured in Asia... which helps keep pricing really low. But if it matters to you, Amano still manufactures their clocks here in the US.

Who is it best for?

Companies with less than 50 employees. We also recommend using it in office environments. Dusty areas are not a good idea because dirt could fall into the top of the clock.

How do employees clock in?

Employees first insert their time card into the top of the clock. Then they press the IN or OUT button that corresponds to the correct column for the day.

How does it help prepare payroll?

Again, the PH601N does not calculate hours. If you are recording hours for payroll, you'll have to add the hours by hand. A few employees will be fine, but a lot will be take you some time.

What are the features?

The PH601N prints on 6 columns. Giving the employee the ability to punch 6 times per day.

Like all clocks in its class, the PH601N automatically feeds and aligns the timecard into the machine. Preventing overprint errors.

Can be placed on a desktop or mounted to a wall. Comes with necessary hardware.

The PH601N also prints late in punches and early out punches in red, has a large digital display that can be viewed from across the room, and can signal or operate external bells. But most clocks in its class off the same thing.

Two unique features include a schedule lockout that prevents employees from clocking outside of the schedule. Another is a special button to record time after midnight.

Conclusion

The ZKTeco PH601N is a good choice if you're looking for a cheap time clock. It includes features to get the job done, comes bundled with supplies and accessories, and is backed by free support.

Best used if you're on a budget, need a basic time clock, have a dust-free environment, and only need 6 punches per day.

Pros

• Top-feeding and aligning. Drop the timecard in the slot, and the machine will (should) print on the correct line.
• Automatically adjust for daylight savings
• Optional internal alarm signal or external bell ringing
• A unique lockout feature
• US based support

Cons

• Does not calculate or total hours on timecard
• Requires timecards designed specifically for the machine
• Small printing on time card