P.F. Chang’s Almaty: Why a Global Franchise Restaurant Trusts clockster to Manage Its Workforce

When the first P.F. Chang’s restaurant of the international franchise opened in Almaty, the team set a high bar from day one. It wasn’t just about culinary standards or service quality. One of the main challenges was to build and retain a strong team, establish clear discipline, and manage all HR processes in real time.

We can’t afford disorganization — this is a premium P.F. Chang’s restaurant. We need a system that runs smoothly, without excessive oversight or paperwork. That’s exactly why we chose clockster.

— Ilyas Skakov, Brand Chef of P.F. Chang’s Almaty

Why clockster?

clockster is a Kazakhstan-based HR automation system that offers essential tools for effective workforce management. At P.F. Chang’s, it’s used to track attendance, calculate working hours, monitor discipline, generate timesheets, and manage employee requests.

Previously, shifts were tracked in paper journals, and employees would verbally report their arrival times. As the pace of work increased and the team grew, this approach became unsustainable. Timesheets had to be compiled manually, and managers often had to check surveillance footage to verify clock-ins.

We didn’t just want to eliminate the chaos — we needed a living tool: intelligent, flexible, and user-friendly. That’s exactly what clockster turned out to be.

— Ilyas Skakov, Brand Chef of the restaurant

How it works in practice

Each morning, employees clock in via the clockster mobile app. The system is configured with precise geolocation, so clock-ins are only allowed on-site — preventing false entries.

The staff — with an average age of 25 — adapted instantly. The app is simple, clear, and distraction-free. Just install it, tap once, and you’re in the system.

clockster automatically records arrival and departure times, overtime, and days off. All this data forms the foundation of the timesheets used for payroll.

For us, the timesheet is sacred. It reflects real data, not someone’s memory. You get paid for the hours you’ve worked — and there’s no room for disputes.

Impact on discipline and team culture

Thanks to its transparency and accuracy, the system changed how employees approach discipline. Team members became more responsible — not just because they were “visible,” but because accountability became the norm.

You can see your hours in the app. You understand how your pay is calculated. It’s all transparent. And trust has grown — both among employees and between staff and management.

Managers now spend less time on oversight and more on actual leadership. No need to double-check or compile reports manually — everything is updated in real time.

Beyond attendance

In addition to attendance tracking, the restaurant actively uses the request module. If an employee needs time off, wants to swap a shift, or arrive late, they simply submit a request via the app. The manager gets a notification, makes a decision, and it’s all logged in the system.

It’s not just convenient. It’s order. Minimal noise, maximum clarity.

Technical support and shared growth

clockster isn’t just implemented — it evolves with the team. Whenever the restaurant has a question, support is just a message away via live chat.

It doesn’t feel like a service provider — it feels like a partner. That matters when you’re representing an international brand.

— Ilyas Skakov, Brand Chef of the restaurant.

Currently, the team is using the core features, but future plans include automated timesheets, expanded analytics, integration with internal systems, and onboarding new locations.

Scaling up

In June 2025, a second P.F. Chang’s location will open in Almaty. The team has already confirmed that clockster will be implemented there as well.

Our goal is not just to maintain momentum. We’re building a culture that respects working time — where processes are independent of human error. clockster has become part of that culture.

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P.F. Chang’s represents international standards in cuisine and service. clockster brings a structured approach to team management. Together, they demonstrate how technology can empower people — not replace them.