A time and attendance system is a software or technology solution used by organizations to track and manage employee attendance, working hours, and related data. It automates the process of recording and monitoring employee attendance, including clocking in and out, breaks, overtime, and time off. The system typically integrates with time clocks, biometric devices, or mobile applications to capture accurate and real-time data. It provides HR departments and managers with tools to effectively manage employee attendance, calculate work hours, enforce attendance policies, and generate reports for payroll processing. 

Example
An organization uses biometric time clocks that require employees to scan their fingerprints when they arrive and leave the workplace. The system automatically records their clock-in and clock-out times, calculates their total working hours, and tracks their attendance patterns. HR and management can access the system to view real-time attendance data, generate attendance reports, monitor overtime, and manage employee schedules. This information can then be used for accurate payroll processing, ensuring employees are paid correctly based on their actual working hours and maintaining compliance with labor laws.