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The Client
Cooklaw Solicitors is a well-established Sunderland-based law firm supporting clients across a range of legal matters, including property transactions, Wills & probate, and general legal services. Known for their approachable and client-focused service, the firm has built a strong reputation across the region.
As the business continued to grow, so too did the demands on internal processes, particularly around managing staff time, attendance, and absence.
The Challenge
Before implementing a new system, Cooklaw was relying on manual processes to manage attendance and holidays. This led to a number of day-to-day challenges that were becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
Holiday requests were particularly time-consuming, with staff frequently asking who was off, when they could book leave, and whether dates overlapped. Without a centralised system, this information was spread across emails, conversations, and informal notes, making it difficult to maintain clarity and consistency.
There was also limited visibility over who was in the building at any given time. This created challenges not only from an operational perspective, but also in terms of safety and accountability.
In addition, tracking working hours accurately was proving difficult. Without a clear overview of staff hours, managing workloads and ensuring accurate payroll became more complex. With upcoming changes to absence requirements in April 2026, the business recognised the need for a more robust, reliable and future-proof solution.
The Solution
Cooklaw was introduced to North East Time Recorders through a combination of networking and recommendations from other local businesses. They were looking for more than just a basic clocking in system. Rather, they needed a solution that would simplify administration and support the firm as it continued to grow.
Following some initial conversations, it was clear that our Infinity time and attendance system would meet their requirements. The system offered an all-in-one approach, allowing the team to manage holiday bookings, monitor attendance, record working hours, and track absences all within a single easy-to-use platform.
To complement the software, a ZKTeco S560 clocking terminal was installed on site, providing a reliable and straightforward way for employees to clock in and out. All data feeds directly into the Infinity system so that records are accurate and instantly accessible.
The project began with an on-site consultation to fully understand the client’s challenges and requirements. A remote demonstration of the software followed, allowing the team to see how the system would work in practice and ask any questions.
Once the solution was agreed upon, installation was carried out by experienced engineers, while the software support team worked closely with Cooklaw’s IT provider to guarantee a seamless integration with their existing network.
After installation, the team were supported through the initial setup and onboarding process. The system is now used daily for attendance tracking, holiday management, and workforce oversight, with ongoing remote support available whenever needed.
The Result
Since introducing the Infinity system, Cooklaw Solicitors has seen a significant improvement in how the team manages time and attendance.
Manual processes have been replaced with a centralised, reliable system that provides instant access to accurate information. Holiday requests are now organised and easy to manage, removing the confusion and back-and-forth that previously took up valuable time.
Managers have clear visibility over who is in the office and who is absent, improving both operational efficiency and peace of mind. Staff hours are recorded accurately, supporting smoother payroll processes and reducing the risk of errors.
The reduction in administrative workload has been one of the most noticeable benefits. Tasks that once required multiple conversations or manual checks can now be handled quickly and confidently within the system.
Feedback from the team has also been very positive, with employees finding the system easy to use and appreciating the clarity it provides around attendance and holiday bookings.
The Feedback
“We chose North East Time Recorders because they offered a complete solution that directly addressed everything we were struggling with. From the first conversation, it was clear that they understood our challenges and could provide a reliable clocking‑in system, time, and attendance tracking, and an integrated holiday management tool – all in one place.
“Their experience, approachable team, and clear explanations of how their system could support our business made the decision easy. The results have been excellent. The new system has transformed the way we manage our workforce.
“Clocking in is now effortless and accurate, our attendance data is clear and reliable, and holiday requests are organised and visible at a glance. This has significantly reduced admin time and given us much better control and insight into staff availability. Everything is smoother and far more efficient than before.”
Want to swap chaos for clarity with a new time and attendance system for your business?
For more information on Clearer, Smarter, Better: Transforming Time & Attendance at Cooklaw Solicitors talk to North East Time Recorders Ltd