Abstract: An employee clock system is disclosed which has a central data collector device connected to a plurality of remote satellite time clock stations. The timekeeping function is performed at the central data collector, and communication between the data collector and the time clocks takes place over communication channels wired in a spoke, rather than in a loop, configuration. The system permits use of a supervisor's card to clock in for another employee, while preventing non-supervisory employees from doing so. The central data collector collects employee attendance data from all the remote time clock stations, puts it in a form usable by a general purpose programmable computer, and sends it to the computer for use in preparing a payroll, Battery back-up is provided to permit employees to clock out in the event that the plant is closed because of a power failure.