Biometric Time and Attendance

Biometric Time and Attendance uses the latest technology to provide an extremely accurate way to track employee hours. But these payroll time clocks are not for everyone; read on to see if they are for you.

How Biometric Time and Attendance Hardware Works

Two main types of biometric hardware are currently in use: hand scanners, and finger print scanners. Hand scanners were the first type of biometric hardware to see widespread use; with the hand scanner, the employee places his hand on a glass plate, and his hand print is "read" as he punches in to work, and again when he punches out. Similarly, with the fingerprint scanner, the employee places one finger on a glass plate to punch in and out. The fingerprint scanner is considered the "next generation" of biometric hardware; it has fewer moving parts than the hand scanner, making it less expensive to maintain and purchase.

With either type of biometric hardware, the data is sent via internet connection to the time and attendance provider's computer server (with a hosted program) or to the payroll specialist's PC . The payroll specialist is then able to run reports (Approaching Overtime or Tardy Report, for example) and generate the company's payroll.

Benefits of Biometric Time and Attendance Hardware

Biometric hardware is the most accurate manner in which to collect employee hours. One major advantage over other types of hardware (swipe cards, for example) is that the only person who can punch in is the employee himself. The problem of "buddy punching" (where a coworker swipes a card for their friend if they are late) is eradicated, since only the employee himself is able to provide his own finger- or hand print. Companies that have had issues with Buddy Punching will save money using a biometric system.

Potential Drawbacks

Biometric hardware is the most expensive of the time clock options. Unless you have reasons for needing a high level of security or issues with Buddy Punching, you may not need biometric hardware.

Biometric hardware, especially hand scanners, feature more moving parts that could break down than their simpler technological counterparts. Also, in heavy manufacturing environments where air quality is poor or workers tend to have greasy or dirty hands, swipe cards might be the better option.