If you still manage your team's attendance with paper time sheets, Excel or WhatsApp groups, you are not alone. Most Portuguese SMEs work this way. In recent years, many industrial, textile, logistics and production companies across Portugal have been adopting electronic time tracking systems. Not for employee surveillance or legal obligation alone. But because they have realised that attendance management is one of the investments with the highest return.

Why are Portuguese companies switching?

1. They had a problem they did not know they had

Many companies discover that the 'small' daily lateness across a team of 20 people amounts to thousands of euros per year in paid but unworked time - not because employees are dishonest, but because paper and memory are imprecise.

2. ACT inspections became more real

The Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) has intensified inspections of industrial SMEs. A failed inspection with invalid records can result in fines starting at 612 euros per employee.

3. Month-end became manageable

With an automated system, the monthly timesheet close that used to take hours drops to 15 minutes. The accountant receives the file directly, already calculated.

4. The price dropped significantly

Systems that used to cost hundreds per month are now accessible for under 15 euros. Picco starts at 9.90 euros per month plus a one-time terminal cost of 179 euros.

Find out more at damastor.com/picco.